My interest in studying the early-life risk factors for cardiovascular disease began in 2009 while I was working as a medical interpreter at Mount Sinai Hospital. During this experience, I built relationships with pregnant women who had been admitted due to complications from cardiovascular disease. In addition to interpreting complex medical information, I also played a role in advocating for patients and their families by translating cultural nuances, helping them find comfort in a foreign healthcare system, and offering support during difficult, life-changing situations. This taught me the importance of clearly communicating health information. In addition, witnessing the late-stage complications of cardiovascular disease inspired me to take an active stance on primary prevention.