The Collective Resilience Fellows play a pivotal role in fostering community post-COVID-19. The fellows strategize and organize engaging events and programs that delve into the emotional experiences of our DSPH members, helping them recommit and reconnect with a sense of purpose, and fostering meaningful relationships through connection. The fellows are committed to the School community’s well-being and social cohesion during these challenging times.

Divya: As a descendant of immigrants who have worked closely with intellectually disabled kids for the last five years, equity in public health is my calling. After four years of poking around people’s mouths for my dentistry degree, I decided to trade in my drill and focus on broader health issues—driven to tackle immigration health and run inclusive clinical trials for people with intellectual disabilities. This tooth enthusiast is on a journey to become a public health professional, committed to promoting well-being through education and policy initiatives that make populations smile wide. 

When I’m not deeply engrossed in public health textbooks or devoting significant effort to mastering SAS, you’ll find me tending to my garden and strumming the ukulele. 

With a foundation in dentistry and health promotion, I offer a unique perspective for addressing health issues. My superpower lies in extracting insights from research studies and crafting strategic solutions tailored to specific communities. 

Raksha: I am a solution-oriented healthcare professional, beginning a new chapter in my professional pursuits with a master’s in public health Epidemiology at Dornsife School of Public Health. 

I am passionate about working with marginalized communities to understand their loss, concerns, and roadblocks hindering the community’s growth. My interest in a Public Health career was first ignited during the time I volunteered at COVID Warriors Karnataka where I worked closely with communities greatly affected by the pandemic. However, my commitment to community well-being goes beyond crisis response. Post-COVID, I have organized numerous free dental outreach programs and tobacco cessation counseling sessions to provide oral care and counseling in remote villages in my state including a camp for 150 specially abled children. During my academic years, I was fortunate to win the Best Research Paper award for a study on the effectiveness of an informative puzzle, “Toozle” in improving the oral health behavior of young children. This recognition was a testament to my dedication to research and community health. 

I see this fellowship as an opportunity to encourage our community to acknowledge respect and adjust communication and interactions based on trauma-informed practices with the help of trauma awareness training and screening. I am also eager to channel my efforts into event planning, community engagement, and initiatives that facilitate community well-being and foster a positive social environment at Drexel.  .

Richa: I am a dedicated and empathetic graduate student at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health, specializing in Epidemiology. My academic journey is underscored by a strong commitment to public health, and my experiences have equipped me with a diverse skill set that aligns perfectly with the opportunity presented by the fellowship program. I have also pursued dental education and graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Gujarat University in India, where I developed a profound understanding of healthcare and patient management. 

My Applied Practical Experience at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has honed me with data analysis experience and my role as a Clinical Research Assistant at Drexel University’s WELL Center has allowed me to contribute to an NIH-funded clinical trial, furthering my research and data analysis skills. I have a passion for community engagement and have actively participated in various public health initiatives, including tobacco cessation and COVID-19 awareness programs. As a student worker, I engaged in nutrition education, demonstrating my commitment to public health outreach. 

In my role as a fellow, I am eager to leverage my skills in emotional intelligence, leadership, and interpersonal communication to facilitate group discussions, coordinate events, and actively engage with the school community. My commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, and belonging aligns seamlessly with the fellowship program’s goals, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the post-COVID community resilience and connection. 

With my strong educational background, practical experience, and dedication to community well-being, I am excited about the prospect of making a lasting impact on the Dornsife School of Public Health community during these challenging times as a fellow in the program.