Hafa Adai and welcome, Ms. Gabrielle Damian, the CHL Food Systems Project Manager in Guam and of CHamoru, Filipino, and Japanese descent! Mrs. Damian is a recent 2022 graduate from the University of Guam’s Agriculture and Life Sciences program with an emphasis in Human Nutrition and Food Science. As a CHL project manager, Mrs. Damian works alongside Dr. Tanisha Aflague, Guam’s Co-Investigator, to oversee the Food Systems grant. She manages data collection, disseminating information, and monitors project progress and deadlines.
Prior to starting with the CHL, Mrs. Damian worked with the Pacific Island Partnership for Cancer Health Equity (PIPCHE) as a Research Assistant. During her time with PIPCHE, she was able to build upon her research skillset and gain more understanding about cancer-related health disparities. Mrs. Damian is eager to build upon her opportunities with CHL and further her career in research, extension, and outreach. Her goal is to strengthen community partnership and gain more insight on local food systems to promote optimal health for young children in Guam. “I enjoy and take pride in knowing that our efforts will work toward a better understanding of our food system and its impact on child health.”
Outside of work, Mrs. Damian is a wife and mother and enjoys spending time with loved ones. She spends a lot of my time in the kitchen with her son, who aspires to be a chef. Cooking is not only a hobby for Mrs. Damian but a way to bring people together and build a sense of community. “Cooking as a form of expression and a way to pass down traditions and stories through food.”
Mrs. Damian plans to pursue a master’s degree in food and nutrition with a focus on child diet, specifically among Pacific Islander populations. As a mother, she understands the importance of child health as a multifaceted concept across all areas of life and is necessary in sustaining a healthy relationship with food. Growing up on an island deeply rooted in culture with its impact on diet quality is of great importance to Ms. Damian. Her goal is to contribute to research in finding a balance between perpetuity and preserving culture alongside promoting optimal health.
When Mrs. Damian is not leading CHL initiatives or cooking, you can find her diving deep in one of her favorite expressions, writing! She has a total of 11 journals and counting!
Si Yu’os Ma’åse (thank you), Gabrielle, for being part of the CHL familia!