Rutgers School of Public Health alumna Neha, MPH, leads mental health initiatives at Virginia Tech, where she advances human-centered approaches to mental well-being for young adults
Each April, the Rutgers School of Public Health’s Office of Career Services features alumni whose work is advancing health and well-being locally and globally. Launched in 2021, Alumni April brings together students, alumni, faculty and community partners through stories and events that showcase diverse career paths and the many ways public health professionals drive impactful change.
This year’s Alumni April theme, Humans of Rutgers School of Public Health, centers the human stories behind public health – highlighting non-traditional journeys, interdisciplinary careers and the people-first values that shape the profession. These leaders illustrate the many ways our alumni bring public health values into varied roles and sectors, while keeping people and communities at the heart of what they do.
Among them is Neha, MPH, Mental Health Initiatives Coordinator at Hokie Wellness, Virginia Tech. Here, she reflects on her journey, what it means to “humanize public health” and her advice for future public health leaders.
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Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
I am a public health professional specializing in population mental health, currently serving as the Mental Health Initiatives Coordinator at Hokie Wellness at Virginia Tech. In this role, I lead campus-wide mental health awareness initiatives, promote self-care and growth mindset practices, and facilitate Mental Health First Aid trainings to equip students with the skills to support themselves and others.
My work focuses on empowering young adults to view help-seeking as a sign of strength and to prioritize mental health alongside physical health. Through prevention, education, and stigma-reduction efforts, I am committed to fostering a campus culture where mental well-being is normalized, valued, and accessible to all.
How did your non-traditional path shape your public health career?
I completed my Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), which is Indian Traditional Medicine in India before pursuing my MPH with a concentration in Population Mental Health at Rutgers School of Public Health.
During my clinical training in India, I observed a strong connection between patients’ physical ailments and their mental health. While treating physical conditions, I often explored psychosocial factors and noticed that mental health concerns were frequently contributing to overall illness. However, stigma across age groups, backgrounds, and communities often prevented open acknowledgment or discussion. I started thinking about prevention is better than cure concept and switched to non-clinical journey. These experiences motivated me to pursue formal training in public health and mental health to address stigma and promote holistic well-being.
Humanizing public health, to me, means recognizing that behind every statistic is a real person with lived experiences, emotions, culture, and context. It’s about listening with empathy, reducing stigma, and designing programs that center dignity, equity, and compassion.
Neha, MPH
Alumna, Rutgers School of Public Health
What does “humanizing public health” mean to you?
Humanizing public health, to me, means recognizing that behind every statistic is a real person with lived experiences, emotions, culture, and context. It’s about listening with empathy, reducing stigma, and designing programs that center dignity, equity, and compassion. Public health should not just inform communities—it should connect with them in ways that make people feel seen, heard, and valued.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to those pursuing a career in public health?
Stay adaptable and grounded in your “why.” Public health is constantly evolving, especially in today’s social and political climate, so resilience and continuous learning are essential. Most importantly, lead with empathy—technical skills matter, but compassion, cultural humility, and strong communication will set you apart in the workforce.
