Samantha Gentry-Marshall, Programme Manager – Public Health Practitioner Development, NHSE London

For Samantha Gentry-Marshall, public health was truly a matter of fate. Returning to work after raising her children, she joined a public health team through a temporary administrative role and quickly discovered a passion for the profession. What began as administrative support evolved into a career dedicated to developing and supporting the public health workforce.

She attributes her success to three important factors: getting her first opportunity in a public health team, being championed by supportive managers, and building strong professional networks. Remarkably, Samantha began her public health career at the age of 40 and had little awareness of the profession beforehand.

Her greatest motivation comes from the people she works with. Whether supporting practitioners, facilitating professional networks or helping colleagues progress in their careers, she is continually inspired by the dedication and passion she sees across the workforce.

A particularly proud achievement is establishing the London Practitioner Network, which has provided practitioners with opportunities to learn, share experiences and develop professional connections. She is also enthusiastic about apprenticeships as a route into public health, particularly their role in widening participation and improving workforce diversity.