Building Health Systems on the Frontlines of Crisis and Change
Building Equitable Health Systems Where Crisis and Compassion Intersect
“I build health systems where they are needed most—on the frontlines of conflict, crisis, and change.”
For this global health leader and DrPH candidate, public health is not about choosing the easy path; it is about creating impact where it matters most. With over 18 years of experience in Myanmar, she has worked in complex and fragile environments, strengthening health systems where access is scarce and communities are frequently underserved.
Her expertise encompasses leadership, policy, and partnership-building, with a particular focus on disease surveillance, outbreak response, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. As a Program Director and Chief of Party, she led multi-partner consortia throughout Myanmar, uniting ethnic health organizations, local NGOs, and women- and youth-led groups to deliver care in conflict-affected regions.
“In these environments, leadership is not theoretical,” she explains. “It is about making decisions amid uncertainty, building trust across divides, and ensuring that care reaches those who need it most.”
At Population Services International (PSI) Myanmar and the local fund agents for the Global Fund grants in Lao PDR and Thailand, she directed national programs in maternal and child health, nutrition, and health financing, while advancing initiatives in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in the Southeast Asia Region. One of her most impactful projects—a Universal Health Coverage pilot—delivered strong results and showed significant potential for nationwide scale before being halted by the 2021 military coup.
“That moment was profoundly challenging,” she reflects. “We had built something with the potential to transform lives, and suddenly everything came to a standstill.”
Rather than deterring her, this turning point reshaped her path. She decided to pursue further studies in the United States, aiming to engage with systems that would allow her to create sustainable change.
Today, through evidence-based policy, her work bridges research, health policy, and advocacy in the United States. As a doctoral student, she focuses on the economic value of immunization and health system investments, including the benefits of childhood immunization programs in the post-COVID era. Her goal is clear: to contribute to stronger, more equitable health systems where evidence informs action.
Yet her story extends beyond programs and policy—it is anchored in purpose.
“I did not choose public health solely as a career. I chose it because I wanted to make a meaningful difference.”
That purpose also fuels her commitment to mentoring young women, particularly those from underrepresented and conflict-affected communities. Throughout her career, she has emphasized collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning—working across cultures, sectors, and disciplines to create meaningful impact.
Mentorship has been a defining influence in her journey. Encouraged by advisors who recognized her potential early on, she learned to move beyond predefined paths and seek alignment between her passions, skills, and purpose.
“That perspective changed how I define success,” she says. “It is not about titles or credentials; it is about engaging in work that is meaningful and true to who you are.”
In today’s increasingly competitive public health landscape, her advice to young women is both practical and powerful: persevere.
“Be intentional. Build your network, stay engaged in professional communities, and invest in your personal growth. Most importantly, do not hesitate to ask for help.”
At the core of her journey are four defining values: purpose, resilience, integrity, and compassion. These principles have guided her through political instability, program disruptions, and major transitions—while keeping her grounded in the human impact of every decision.
“Behind every policy and every dataset are real people,” she says. “Remembering that is what sustains the meaning of this work.”
Today, although her work spans continents, her mission remains steadfast: to ensure that no community is left behind and that health systems genuinely serve those who need them most.
