Meet PopFam’s Inaugural Future Changemaker Scholars
The Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health (PopFam) is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the PopFam Future Changemaker Scholarship, a Chair’s initiative established to invest in outstanding graduate students whose work reflects bold ideas, evidence-based inquiry, and a deep commitment to underserved communities.
Created to support emerging leaders at a pivotal moment for global and population health, the scholarship recognizes PopFam students whose scholarship, service, and leadership reflect the department’s long-standing commitment to advancing scientific rigor, equity, and real-world impact.
The 2026 PopFam’s Future Changemaker Scholars are:
Justin Herrera, MPH Candidate (2027). Justin’s work focuses on maternal and child health, reproductive health, LGBTQIA+ health, and disability inclusion. Through his contributions to the Averting Maternal Death and Disability Program and his research across maternal mortality, rural health systems, and reproductive justice, Justin has demonstrated a determined commitment to strengthening locally led rights-based care and advancing impact on global health policy and reproductive rights.
Meraf Ketema, MPH Candidate (2027). Meraf’s work spans community health, child health, and disaster response, shaped by her experience supporting fire survivors in Hawaii and Syrian refugees in Turkey, where she learned that ethical humanitarian action must be community‑led. Through PopFam’s training and her commitment to climate resilience, conflict response, and emergency systems strengthening, she aims to strengthen public health infrastructure in ways that ensure local ownership, equity, and lasting impact.
Ceidy Johana Ovalle, MPH Candidate (2026) Ceidy’s work spans epidemiology, data management, and bilingual health education, shaped by her lived experience as a first‑generation Latina and her commitment to equity, justice, and comprehensive care. Through her role at New York‑Presbyterian and her contributions as a FORWARD Fellow, she advances culturally responsive, community‑rooted public health practice and aims to expand language‑accessible services and reduce health disparities throughout her career.
Together, these Scholars exemplify the intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary strength, and principled leadership that define PopFam’s educational and training mission. Each scholar receives $10,000 in support to advance their training, deepen their research and practice, and contribute meaningfully to the future of population and global public health.
“At a moment when science, rights, and public trust are under strain, choosing to invest in students who lead with rigor and justice is a deliberate act of hope,” said Thoại D. Ngô, PhD, MHS, Harriet and Robert H. Heilbrunn Professor and Chair. “These Scholars represent the future of global public health—and we are proud to support purpose-driven leaders who will shape a more resilient and thriving world.”
The next cohort of Scholars will be selected from among the incoming Fall 2026 class. The PopFam Future Changemaker Scholarship is supported by the Chair’s Fund and a growing community of alumni, donors, and partners committed to investing in the next generation of bold public health leaders. Your contribution today helps ensure future generations can access the education, mentorship, and support they need to lead with purpose and create lasting impact in underserved communities.
.