I am writing to express my support for Julie Platt for your summer internship program. I have known Julie for more than five years. I think very highly of Julie and I am delighted to write this on her behalf. Julie and I first worked together at a non-profit in Philadelphia named Street Soccer, which aimed to help men transition from life in homeless shelters back into steady employment and independent living situations. We used sport generally - and soccer specifically - as a mechanism through which the men could rebuild confidence, draw energy and enthusiasm, and reclaim a sense of structure and joy. Julie excelled in this environment.

 

The shelters we worked with and the population of men that lived in them could be difficult. Mental illness was common, and challenges associated with it were substantial. Many of the men enjoyed and benefited from the program. But there were plenty of bumps along the way. Julie brought a unique kindness, patience, fearlessness and humility to this work. Julie continued to do similar work with a specific focus on sport as mechanism for social change with the celebrated Grassroots Soccer program, which uses soccer as tool for HIVprevention in South Africa. That experience with Grassroots Soccer confirmed for Julie the value of program planning and evaluation. She subsequently enrolled in the extremely respected MSW/MPH program at the University of Pittsburgh to learn and hone these skills.

 

This was a wise decision in my view. I am certain that this training will enable her to think more broadly and practice more effectively in promoting community health. I only wish I was more successful convincing her to join the MPH program at Penn where I teach. Julie is public health practitioner at heart. She is adept working with people to solve the problems of everyday life for those who have the greatest health and social needs. However, I think Julie would also make a fine advocate and champion in a legislative or other policymaking setting. Julie is already a leader among her peers.

 

She would benefit from the exposure to the City that the program provides. I have encouraged many students to apply to this program and I am a huge fan of its design and implementation. I am confident that Julie will thrive in the program and represent it admirably to the outside world. She is personable, professional and productive. I cannot recommend her more highly. If I can provide any additional information about my experiences working with Julie, please let me know.