Student Profiles
Full-time Students
Jack Bowling, Accelerated MPH '24
Tell us about yourself!
I’m healthcare/digital health professional with 5+ years of experience in consulting, sales, and startup market strategy. Over the last 4 years at Phreesia, a public digital health company, I sold and implemented Phreesia’s suite to health system executives, population health teams, and Payers. I enjoy running the New York City Marathon, playing tennis, and walking in Central Park with my dalmatian/cattle dog mix, Ollie.How do you see Mailman, and specifically HPM, meeting with your academic and professional goals?
Most of my working experience is in digital health on the operational/business development side, with little footing in policy or public health concepts. I sought after an MPH at Columbia to further my understanding of public health while learning the ins-and-outs of a large determinant of health: law & policy. Mailman’s HPM department is stacked with industry professionals and professors who can help me achieve this endeavor.What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to leave the program equipped to make a difference in healthcare affordability nationwide while moving the needle on the burden of social determinants of health.![]()
Kosha Rakholia, MPH '25
Tell us about yourself!
My childhood yearly trips to India exposed me to problems in the inequitable healthcare system from a young age. As the daughter of yoga instructors and healthcare professionals, I learned the importance of holistic and preventative health practices, leading me to decide to become a yoga instructor myself. During undergrad, I pursued a bachelor's in Business Administration with an emphasis on entrepreneurship and a minor in health science. This experience fueled my passion for social impact and innovation in the healthcare space. After graduation, I relocated to New York City to work at the mission-driven company, Scholastic. There, I contributed to ClassroomsCount, a teacher funding resource. My time at Scholastic deepened my interest in understanding the balance between profit and purpose within a company. Now, I am eager to delve into the stimulating class environment at Columbia University, which will allow me to further explore social entrepreneurship and innovation in the public health space.How do you see Mailman, and specifically HPM, meeting with your academic and professional goals?
The nature of a Master of Public Health is interdisciplinary, and I am thrilled to have classes that span various schools of thought, allowing me to learn from professors with diverse backgrounds. Moreover, my role as the VP of Partnerships at Columbia Healthcare Ventures has provided me with insights into health tech, venture capital, entrepreneurship, and the responsibilities of founders within the field of public health. I believe the connections I establish here will be lasting and invaluable. As a social innovation enthusiast and advocate for preventative health practices, the HPM department at Mailman is the ideal place for me to explore new concepts, attend interesting and thought-provoking events, connect with individuals at various points in their careers, and learn from esteemed and knowledgeable faculty.What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to deepen my understanding of the complexities of the healthcare system, learn more about how preventative health is shaping the future of healthcare, engage in discussions about the ways AI will impact health practices, and comprehend the various systems and the private/public sectors that influence public health. I look forward to strengthening my skills, building great relationships with faculty and peers, connecting with the wider Columbia entrepreneurship ecosystem, and taking classes that challenge my worldviews and contribute to my personal growth. I hope to accumulate the building blocks and foundations that will enable me to become a responsible and visionary leader. My goal is to establish organizations that prioritize the needs of underrepresented people, fostering their flourishing in physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life.
Alexa Cheng, MHA '25
Tell us about yourself!
I was born in Ottawa, Canada, and graduated from the University of Ottawa with an Honors Bachelor of Health Sciences. During my studies, I worked as a research assistant at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, focusing on smoking cessation-related clinical trials. In addition, I founded two non-profit organizations aimed at addressing health-related needs in the community. Frontline First, established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, concentrated on providing crucial support to frontline healthcare workers by raising funds for personal protective equipment. GLOW was dedicated to empowering women by supplying essential personal hygiene products to women's shelters. These experiences not only deepened my understanding of healthcare challenges but also highlighted the importance of effective leadership and management in driving positive change. Choosing to pursue an MHA degree at Columbia was a natural step for me, as the program perfectly blends the complexities of healthcare with strategic business management aspects. I look forward to the next two years in the program, confident it will equip me with the skills and knowledge necessary to become an impactful healthcare leader.How do you see Mailman, and specifically HPM, meeting with your academic and professional goals?
The Mailman School of Public Health’s HPM department aligns perfectly with my career goals in healthcare consulting and entrepreneurship. The comprehensive curriculum, which blends business courses with in-depth healthcare studies, particularly excites me. I am especially looking forward to participating in the Consulting Practice and Case Competition courses, as they offer hands-on and practical learning experiences that will be valuable for both interview preparation and in the professional consulting world. Additionally, the extensive alumni network and the expertise of the faculty members provide a supportive platform for continuous learning and growth.What do you hope to gain from this experience?
In pursuing my Master of Healthcare Administration at Mailman, I have three main goals. First, I am looking to develop a deeper understanding of the US healthcare system and enhance my business knowledge. As a Canadian looking to become a healthcare leader in the US landscape, the program’s blend of US healthcare and business education provides the ideal environment for this purpose. Second, I am excited to actively participate in clubs and research fellowships offered outside of the academic setting. My involvement on the executive board of the Consulting Club and Columbia Healthcare Ventures has already provided me with extensive hands-on leadership opportunities. Additionally, my research with a faculty professor has allowed me to gain a broader perspective of the healthcare industry from diverse lenses. These involvements complement my career goals and will enhance my practical understanding of healthcare management. Lastly, I'm excited to further connect with the diverse community at Columbia and engage with like-minded individuals. I am certain this will allow for enriching discussions and long-lasting friendships.
Shabba Hakim, MHA '25
Tell us about yourself!
I am Shabba Hakim a doctor from India and an MHA candidate at Mailman School of Public Health. Being a doctor in India was both a fulfilling as well as a challenging experience. My primary goal as a physician was to impact as many lives as I could which is why I spent most of my medical career working in government hospitals which serve high volumes of patients from underserved communities. This gave me unique opportunity to learn to work independently early on with limited resources. During the pandemic I understood the influence well thought out policy and sound administration could have on the lives of people and decided to pivot to a more strategy related role within healthcare which led me to pursue this degree. I am passionate about equitable access to healthcare especially for women and children. I am also an avid reader, an amateur poet and enthusiastic foodie.How do you see Mailman, and specifically HPM, meeting with your academic and professional goals?
Mailman has a strong culture of collaboration conducive to learning especially required in a public health school. HPM as a department focuses on providing its students with all the tools required to be successful in their academic and professional endeavors. I particularly enjoy the way the curriculum is structured to build on itself taking advantage of both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Additionally, the faculty with its many years of real life experience working in administration, consulting and other sectors prepares you for real life challenges one would face as a future healthcare leader.What do you hope to gain from this experience?
During my time here, I want to develop all the capabilities I would need to be an effective strategist in healthcare. I want to use my time here to not only learn from the faculty but also the diverse student body whose stories are different from mine, yet we are all united by our passion for health equity. Additionally living in New York City is a unique experience in itself that I am trying to make the most out of.
Olivia Dunn, MPH '25
Tell us about yourself!
With a background in economics and public health, I have a passion for the intersection of healthcare and policy. After graduating from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, I joined the research team at a public health research institute where I managed population health data for hospitals and county health departments across the U.S. In my previous role, I gained experience conducting community health needs assessments which gave me insight into the unique health-related needs of different communities. Through my experiences and previous education, I have become passionate about the U.S. healthcare market with a specific interest in utilization and cost. With my MPH, I hope to leverage my background in public health, data management, and quantitative analysis to pivot into the field of health policy.How do you see Mailman, and specifically HPM, meeting with your academic and professional goals?
I was particularly drawn to the HPM department at Mailman because of its multidisciplinary faculty and the breadth of available resources. Due to the complex nature of healthcare, I believe a multifaceted approach to public health issues is incredibly important. While in the HPM department, I’ve had the opportunity to take courses from professors of economics, law, and political science. Additionally, Mailman and the HPM department have a wealth of resources that have helped shape my professional development such as career and academic advising, various mentorship programs, and a vast alumni network.What do you hope to gain from this experience?
During my time in graduate school, I hope to strengthen my understanding of the U.S. healthcare system and expand upon my analytical skills. Additionally, I plan to use my time here to widen my network and connect with current and past HPM students. I believe through these areas, Mailman and the HPM department will help me accelerate my professional growth and expand my career opportunities.
Morgan Lataillade, MPH/MBA '24
Tell us about yourself!
I have been passionate about health and biomedical science from a very young age, and have always known that my life would guide me towards a career in healthcare.I’m originally from Alexandria, Virginia, and completed my undergraduate studies in Biomedical Engineering and Studio Art at the University of Virginia. I spent five years working in biotechnology operations at Genentech in South San Francisco, first in an operations leadership rotational program, and then as a process engineer in drug product manufacturing. During my time at Genentech, I also obtained a Master’s degree in Biotechnology Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.
The pandemic was an inflection point for me and my career trajectory. Every day, despite working in a healthcare organization, I found myself frustrated by witnessing the real-time emergence of disparities in health outcomes for communities of color. While pandemic health disparities brought broader health equity topics to the forefront of global conversation, I knew it was just one conspicuous and current example sitting atop layers of deeply rooted reasons why healthcare is not equitable for all in the United States. It was this frustration that led me to Columbia in pursuit of a deeper understanding of health system operations and strategies, health policy, and determinants of health in order to become a leader in health equity.
How do you see Mailman, and specifically HPM, meeting with your academic and professional goals?
As a dual degree student with the Business School, I came to Columbia with a desire to further develop my managerial and administrative skills, as well as to build a foundational understanding of systemic health equity issues and their many root causes. Overall, Mailman is helping strengthen my understanding of both domestic and global health system dynamics, and the many influencing factors that drive population level health. I am also gaining tools that allow me to think systemically, and that will ultimately allow me to innovate and challenge the current status quo of healthcare in our nation. The HPM department is additionally providing me with an understanding of the unique economic environment surrounding healthcare in the United States, the influences of both historic and current health policy, and the necessary managerial skills unique to healthcare leadership.My current long-term goal is to serve in an advisory capacity to help guide existing healthcare organizations and new healthcare ventures towards delivering more equitable care for patients of color. I believe that the knowledge I’m gaining at Mailman will enable me to be an effective leader, and a driving champion for racial health equity.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
At Mailman, I hope to develop a deeper ability to empathize with the health conditions of others in order grow as a healthcare leader and thinker.
Andres Resendiz Rivera, MHA ' 25
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Andres, and I was born and raised in Mexico City. I attended medical school at Universidad Anáhuac México and obtained my MD in 2023. While in medical school, I took a class about hospital administration and got really interested in it. I talked to many people (hospital administrators, residents, colleagues). I saw this as a vast opportunity and growth in Mexico and the United States and as a healthcare professional. Eventually, I decided that instead of doing a residency, I would do an MHA as another way to help others, give back to society, and get involved in the health system from another perspective. It is fascinating to consider the possibilities in the future of healthcare, administration, and technology combined!How do you see Mailman, and specifically HPM, meeting with your academic and professional goals?
I believe that Mailman and the HPM department provide tremendous opportunities so that students can acquire the correct skills and more to tackle the health problems of the future. The diversity in the classroom, the different backgrounds, and the quality level of our professors contribute significantly to the learning experience, as they are passionate about what they teach. Additionally, I have always felt supported and comfortable learning and making mistakes in a safe environment, as there is much support from everyone on the faculty. All of that sums up a great learning experience.What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to have much fun, meet amazing people, and learn much from every resource Mailman provides. I look forward to having a broader vision and understanding of healthcare and a vast skillset to tackle any problem I might encounter. I hope to have a better and deeper understanding of healthcare, especially from the administrative side, which complements the medical side I previously knew. Finally, I want to make friends and relationships that will last many years and build a solid and inspiring network from which I can collaborate and rely.
Navya Anne, MPH '25
Tell us about yourself!
My motivations to impact and work in healthcare stem from a young age. Born two months early, I was not expected to survive. Access to a premier hospital gave me the best chance to not only survive but thrive. Not every child is given the same opportunity due to inaccessibility to resources. This experience ignited a fire in me to contribute back to the community that saved me and create a more equitable system for underrepresented populations. My passion led me to pursue a BA in Science Management from Scripps College. Before beginning my journey at Columbia, I worked as an Executive Consultant at Kaiser Permanente in Northern Virginia. I am eager to pivot my learnings from working at health system to my studies at Columbia and make an impact on patient care!How do you see Mailman, and specifically HPM, meeting with your academic and professional goals?
The holistic nature of the Master of Public Health program at Columbia is a fantastic opportunity to see public health from multiple perspectives. As someone who wants to create innovative methods to deliver patient centered healthcare, HPM classes are providing me with the tools to think critically and challenge the status quo. The relationships I have create with my fellow peers and faculty will provide invaluable and will only continue to help diversify my interests and perspectives.What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I would like to use my MPH to enact change that will guide the healthcare system towards greater equity. I hope to use my time at Mailman to gain a better understanding of the complex and ever-changing healthcare system. More specifically, I hope to leverage knowledge on the social determinants of health and digital health to developing avenues for marginalized communities to reach inclusive standards of care during prevention and treatment.
Part-time MHA Students
Ranieri Yllanes, MHA '26
Tell us about yourself!
Born and raised in Hudson County, New Jersey, I learned valuable lessons from my diverse neighborhood and through the sacrifices, resolve, and compassion I've seen with my immigrant parents. I was incredibly proud to become the first person in my family to graduate college when I earned my Bachelor's in Marketing from the University of Delaware. Since then, I've gained valuable experience in the healthcare industry through my work at a physical therapy clinic and, most recently, as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. My experiences have given me a well-rounded perspective in many facets of healthcare: patient-facing, administrative, clinical research, and everything in between. When I'm not at school or work, you can find me hitting the pavement during my morning runs, enjoying great food and times with friends, playing fetch with my King Charles Cavalier named Farley, and unwinding on the couch after a long day.How do you see Mailman, and specifically HPM, meeting with your academic and professional goals?
Thus far, I've been exposed to many resources that allow me to take full advantage of my time at Mailman. I am fortunate to learn from tenured faculty. Their esteemed academic and professional accomplishments provide me and my cohort with unique perspectives on challenges and solutions impacting today's healthcare environment. My cohort is welcoming and collaborative; group projects with them foster the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary teams in an academic setting that will prepare us for the challenges we face in Public Health.What do you look forward to in the part-time program?
I hope to gain valuable knowledge from experts in their field, engage with faculty and advisors, and deepen my understanding of Public Health. I'm already using concepts from a Managerial and Organizational Behaviors course to build a stronger team with a solid foundation of leadership and followership. Other course concepts, such as Issues and Approaches to Health Policy, have helped me view obstacles in the field in a more analytical and objective way than ever before.
Hannah Y. Lee, MHA '25
Tell us about yourself!
I was born and raised in Virginia. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the University of Virginia. Working as a new graduate registered nurse in the Pediatric ICU for three years, I eventually moved to New York to pursue my master’s degree in nursing at Columbia University. I currently practice full-time as a certified pediatric nurse practitioner in the Program for Pediatric Cardiomyopathy, Heart Failure, and Transplant at CUIMC. My passion for empowering young adults to transition their medical care from pediatric to adult program models has allowed me to strengthen my leadership skills. As the lead NP for the pediatric cardiac transition of care program, I have been involved in numerous projects including the development of a three-part webinar series dedicated to discussing common challenges that young adults face.
How do you see Mailman, and specifically HPM, meeting with your academic and professional goals?
Throughout my time at Mailman, I have learned the tools and language needed to operationalize and strategize how to better serve patients and lead teams. I have had the privilege of being involved in implementing multiple operational projects including those related to transition of care, healthcare quality, and workflow process improvements.
With a strong clinical background and knowledge of how healthcare institutions function, I have been able to mobilize the fundamental skills that Mailman has taught me to be a more effective and efficient leader. The best part of Mailman would be the camaraderie of my cohort as well as the breadth of knowledge that the professors share.
What do you look forward to in the part-time program?
Throughout my time at Mailman, I have been challenged to learn new skills that have enhanced my understanding of how to manage the complexities of healthcare systems. I look forward to what is to come in the second half of this program. I am excited about everything I have learned thus far in this program because of the beneficial day-to-day impact on my team, patients, and their families.
Nilima M. Singh, MHA '25
Tell us about yourself!
I graduated from Northwestern University and then earned my JD from Rutgers Law School. I am an attorney at Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, LLP, where I have enjoyed advising our healthcare clients. I advise nonprofits on issues like ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state healthcare laws and regulations, developing and maintaining operational policies and procedures, and strategizing the implementation of initiatives designed to improve patient safety programs.How do you see Mailman, and specifically HPM, meeting with your academic and professional goals?
Mailman has been incredible in terms of allowing students to network among each other, and also a robust alumni network. The HPM curriculum for MHA students is nicely tailored to familiarize students with the intricacies of a complex and ever developing field. As an attorney, the HPM courses have helped me develop expertise in the operational and financial sectors of healthcare delivery systems--something my clients benefit from.What do you look forward to in the part-time program?
I look forward to graduating and using the tools the HPM program has equipped me with to contribute to improving our healthcare system!
Executive Students
Andrea Marx
Tell us about yourself!
I am a high-performing, tech-savvy healthcare ninja driven to incubate and build a consumer-centric and provider focused healthcare experiences through an integrated delivery system. Over the years I have developed a proven track record in new product and service launches across primary care, health and wellness, behavioral health, urgent care and pediatrics at Aetna, CVS Health, One Medical and Amazon Health Services. I am relentlessly committed to excellence and innovation I am driven by seeing my work “come to life” in a way that impacts and improves the experiences of others and radically transforms the evolving healthcare landscape.How do you see Mailman, and specifically HPM, meeting with your academic and professional goals?
After spending the first ten years of my career working in digital health, I stepped back to realize that I have been creating a toolbox with a unique combination of business and public health skills. Historically, I have been focused on pay-for-performance initiatives within the health insurance and health services industry aimed at improving access, quality of care and making healthcare more affordable. To date my, toolbox consists of tangible examples on how to improve patient care, enhance communications between doctors and patients and share data to create health trends and solutions. Mailman has given me the opportunity to broaden my knowledge on the management of healthcare systems across different line of business, payment structures and value-based incentives to improve health outcomes for populations in urban and rural settings.What do you hope to gain from this experience?
My experience has allowed me to meet individuals within, across and outside of healthcare who are competent and innovative and are willing to challenge and push the conversation. Representing countries throughout the world, my class has given me the opportunity to develop a global lens and understanding of the pros and cons of healthcare worldwide. The professors and my classmates have created opportunities for me to not only expand my knowledge of healthcare but have a dialogue that challenges the status quo and identify ways to truly transform a broken system. Upon graduation, I know I will have the managerial, financial, analytical and strategic skillset to become a true leader in healthcare making small changes one step at a time.
