Tina Aswani-Omprakash, MPH
Tina Aswani-Omprakash, MPH, ORCID, is a nonprofit CEO, patient advocate, and healthcare educator dedicated to advancing health equity for minoritized communities, particularly within gastrointestinal and autoimmune care. As the CEO and Co-Founder of the Strategic Alliance for Intercultural Advocacy in GI (SAIA), she leads initiatives focused on patient education, research, professional development, and culturally competent care for South Asian patients living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Her work bridges lived experience with organizational strategy, ensuring that diverse patient voices are represented and heard in clinical research and healthcare delivery.
Tina’s advocacy is deeply informed by her personal journey with Crohn’s disease, which required more than twenty surgeries and years of navigating a healthcare system that was not designed for patients like her. These experiences inspired her to co-found SAIA and OwnYourCrohns.com, platforms through which she educates patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers about the psychosocial and cultural factors that affect patient care. She has also partnered with major academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and industry leaders to advance culturally responsive clinical research and patient-centered solutions.
With a background in finance and a Master of Public Health from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Tina combines strategic, operational, and analytical expertise with her passion for patient advocacy. She has spoken at top medical institutions and conferences, including Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell, University of Michigan, and Crohn’s & Colitis Congress, sharing insights on improving patient outcomes and fostering equitable healthcare. Her professional ethos is rooted in empathy, community support, and a commitment to creating systemic change, ensuring that patients from underserved communities are seen, heard, and empowered.
• Master of Public Health
• ORCID
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai – Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Monmouth University – Bachelor of Science (BS), Business Administration: Finance
• Monmouth University – Bachelor of Arts (BA), Spanish Language and Literature
• Summa Cum Laude (MPH and BS)
• Valedictorian (BS)
• Wall Street Journal Award (Finance)
• Highest Honors (BS)
• Multi-Award-Winning Patient Thought Leader
• American Gastroenterological Association
• The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
• And the Autoimmune Association
• SAIA
• OwnYourCrohns.com
• Private support group for patients and caregivers
• Advisory and advocacy work with Autoimmune Association, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and other healthcare nonprofits
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my personal journey as a patient and advocate, which has shaped my understanding of healthcare disparities and inspired me to create meaningful change. Navigating Crohn’s disease, multiple surgeries, and the healthcare system gave me clarity of purpose and a commitment to improving the experiences of patients from underserved communities.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can make a difference and be the change that is needed in a constantly evolving world.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be passionate about the career path you pursue. Being a patient advocate requires leadership, resilience, and a deep understanding not only of disease, treatment options, and research, but also of the nonprofit and healthcare ecosystem. Take every opportunity to network, build relationships, and put yourself out there.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges is navigating a healthcare system that was not designed for patients who look like me or come from my community while advocating for equitable care. There is also a significant opportunity to advance cultural awareness, improve patient trust, and ensure healthcare policies address the needs of minoritized communities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Empathy, patient-centered care, and community support are at the core of my work. I am committed to building awareness, creating support groups, and fostering environments where patients and caregivers feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Locations
Strategic Alliance for Intercultural Advocacy in GI (SAIA)
New York, NY 10021