Daphne Guiselle Gallegos-Klinefelter is a first-year PhD student in Health Services at the University of Washington, where she is pursuing research centered on improving health outcomes and reducing inequities for Latine and migrant populations. Originally from Dixon, California, and most recently from Walla Walla, Washington, Daphne’s work is inspired by her lived experiences and commitment to addressing the structural barriers that disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Daphne’s research focuses on occupational health, sex work, day labor, and firearm harm reduction, with a particular emphasis on the intersections of racism, migration, and health equity.
She is passionate about decolonizing sexual health education and improving access to health resources for underserved Latine populations. Her methodological approach emphasizes qualitative methods and community-engaged participatory research to ensure that solutions are culturally responsive and community-driven. Prior to entering the PhD program, Daphne earned a BA in Biology and French Language & Literature from Whitman College and an MPH from the University of Puget Sound. Her professional experience includes advocating for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault at the YWCA in Walla Walla, WA, coordinating child fatality reviews as a Public Health Educator for the Benton-Franklin Health District, and contributing to health equity initiatives as an intern for the COVID Health Equity project at Public Health Seattle & King County. As a Latino Center for Health Fellow (2024-2025), Daphne is committed to leveraging her research to uplift and advocate for Latine communities in Washington state and beyond. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring others and exploring her love of spicy foods.