Carina Ahuja

I attribute my success to the unwavering encouragement of my mother and grandmother. Whenever I’ve faced uncertainty, their steady reminder—“why not you?”—has pushed me to pursue new opportunities with confidence and purpose. Their support was especially meaningful when I stepped back from work for fertility treatment. Finding balance as a woman in leadership is often challenging; we carry personal and professional responsibilities simultaneously, and fertility issues—impacting one in six people—are a reality many women and families navigate quietly. Taking time away is not easy, but it is necessary, and their encouragement helped me choose my health without guilt. This experience has reshaped how I lead. It motivated me to develop resources for others navigating fertility challenges and to advocate for more open, supportive conversations in professional settings. Women and families deserve space to discuss these realities without stigma, and we are stronger when we empower one another, share knowledge, and build communities of support. It reinforced for me that leadership is not only about outcomes—it’s about compassion, honesty, and helping others through some of life’s most difficult moments.

The best advice I've taken inspiration from comes from Dolly Parton: “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” That guidance has stayed with me throughout my career. When you understand your values, your strengths, and what truly matters to you—and then choose to live and lead with intention—you create space for joy, fulfillment, and opportunities that align with who you are.

For me, that has meant trusting my instincts and making decisions that honor both my personal life and my professional aspirations. Staying grounded in who I am has helped me navigate complex roles, build meaningful partnerships, and show up as a leader with clarity and authenticity.

The advice I would give to young women entering the public health industry is to stay curious, be creative, and actively build your network. Opportunities often come from the connections you nurture—whether that’s talking to neighbors, mentors, counselors, or even reaching out cold via email. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself, ask questions, or seek guidance; people are more willing to help than you might expect.

Experience doesn’t only come from formal roles. Volunteering with community organizations was foundational for me—and helped me understand community health from the ground up. Explore opportunities wherever and whenever you can—each small step builds confidence, skills, and brings greater understanding about the kind of impact you want to make.

The biggest challenge I see across community health, public health, and global health is sustaining long‑term funding, especially as government priorities and allocations shift. That uncertainty makes it harder for teams to plan ahead, maintain continuity, and scale programs that communities rely on. At the same time, this landscape creates meaningful opportunities. Philanthropic partners and mission‑aligned private donors are increasingly stepping in, bringing flexibility, innovation, and a long‑term commitment that can strengthen program stability. A more diversified funding base ultimately allows us to build stronger, more resilient health systems—and to keep advancing the work that matters most.

The values that guide me—both in my work and in my personal life—are transparency, honesty, integrity, and accountability. I believe in showing up authentically in day‑to‑day interactions with co-workers, partners, and family and in creating an environment where people feel respected and informed. Integrity and accountability are equally essential; whether we’re supporting patients in clinics or communities receiving aid, we have a responsibility to act with purpose, follow‑through, and respect for those we serve. These values ground my leadership and shape how I build relationships, make decisions, and contribute to meaningful, lasting community and health impact.