Her Story
About Tochukwu
Tochi Patrick is a public health professional specializing in global health, with a focus on HIV awareness and maternal and child health. Originally from New Jersey and Nigeria, she was inspired by her mother’s work as a nurse and case manager supporting individuals living with HIV/AIDS. After completing high school in Nigeria, she returned to the United States to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Saint Louis University.
During her undergraduate studies, Patrick participated in designathons focused on developing innovative interventions to increase HIV testing and self-testing among young people. Building on that experience, she founded Her Health, an Instagram-based initiative dedicated to raising HIV awareness among women and youth. The initiative also featured a community competition in St. Louis highlighting art, poetry, and prose by women and was recognized through an interview with KSDK News.
Patrick has also gained practical experience through internships with the City of St. Louis, STAR 4 Public Health, and the Midwest D-CFAR. In addition, she served as a facilitator for a designathon at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, further strengthening her commitment to community-centered public health work.
She is currently completing a Master of Public Health in Global Health, expected in 2027, along with a Certificate in Maternal and Child Health, while working with the Middlesex County Board of Social Services’ Medicaid Department in New Jersey. Patrick credits much of her success to the guidance and mentorship of her aunt and mentor, Dr. Juliet Iwelunmor, as well as Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis. She values building meaningful relationships with mentors and professionals who understand her background and support her personal and professional growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tochukwu
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say I would like to attribute my success to my family, especially my aunt, Dr. Juliet Iwelunmor, as well as my mentor Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to invest in relationships. Opportunities come and go, but the connections you build and the reputation you earn can shape your entire career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say be patient, because yes, it does feel overwhelming right now, and that like it feels like there's nothing out there for public health, but it will your time will come. It will definitely come. People will recognize what you're doing, even if you think it's so small and so little like and irrelevant. There are people who are watching out for you, who are seeing that oh you are actually contributing to the field of public health. So I would just say like just be patient. It'll your time will eventually come.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There's definitely job opportunities. It is really hard now especially with the administration. To find jobs that you know complement your experience and just what you know. It kind of feels like everything is entry-level. Especially when you feel like you you know you've grasped that part already but you know it doesn't match what you learn. So I would say definitely job opportunities and like experiences.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say networking like being able to network with people who understand your background And are able to like push you forward. I feel like that's very important because yes you can push yourself but it doesn't feel the same as someone who is pushing you and wants like the best for you.
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