“I am very passionate about creating accessible education for young children. As a child, I often dreamed about a college education and often educated myself through my own local library. Furthermore, my experiences with my younger brother with autism have shown me that we often underestimate the capacity for children to quickly learn, understand, and feel.”

Holly Nicole Semma is committed to providing accessible education for vulnerable communities. Currently earning her master’s degree in public health with a focus in health behavior and health education, Holly’s commitment is deeply informed by her experiences as a first-generation student from a low-income background as well as her relationship with her younger brother, who has autism. She reflects, “I am very passionate about creating accessible education for young children. As a child, I often dreamed about a college education and often educated myself through my own local library. Furthermore, my experiences with my younger brother with autism have shown me that we often underestimate the capacity for children to quickly learn, understand, and feel.”

For her applied practice experience requirement at U-M’s School of Public Health, Holly has created two children’s books that seek to educate young children on what autism is and how to best support others on the autism spectrum. She has been recognized by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Michigan Chapter as a BIPOC Scholar for her work. Recently, Holly also presented her books at the Dubai Autism Center in the United Arab Emirates as part of a global internship and implemented a culturally tailored health promotion program educating parents there on autism spectrum disorders. Beyond her studies, Holly is active as a poet, and, as an Iraqi-American, she is passionate about preserving her cultural heritage through the arts. Holly’s professors describe her as “truly multi-talented”: “a wonderful writer and diligent researcher” and “proven leader” with remarkable resiliency. 

Following her graduation, Holly intends to become an educational consultant and create low-cost educational materials for young children with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. She is committed to promoting equity by investing in others’ education throughout her life and career.

CEW+ commends Holly’s commitment to accessible education and names her a Margaret Dow Towsley Scholar.