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CUNY SPH alumni gathered last month for a vibrant evening of connection, reflection, and forward-looking conversation about today’s public health workforce. The event opened with welcome remarks from Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations Dr. Lynn Roberts, who welcomed guests and reflected on the growing impact of the school’s alumni community.
“Our CUNY SPH Alumni Network is a diverse and dynamic force of warriors for social justice and public health. None of us is in this alone—we are all stronger together,” Dr. Roberts said.
She noted that nearly 1,800 SPH alumni now live and work across the United States and globally, with 85% residing in New York State and 69% in New York City’s five boroughs.
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Cesar Herrera, MPH, MBA, co-founder and CEO of Yuvo Health and a member of the CUNY SPH Foundation Board of Directors. A strong supporter of the school and its mission, Mr. Herrera generously hosted the event at Yuvo Health’s offices in the Rise New York building—many thanks to him and his team.
Panelists included Dean Ayman El-Mohandes and Dr. Tina Shah, MD, MPH, a nationally recognized physician and expert on health workforce burnout. Mr. Herrera contributed his perspective as a health tech entrepreneur working to expand access to value-based care through Federally Qualified Health Centers. Together, they explored how public health professionals can chart innovative, purpose-driven careers amid growing federal disinvestment in the public sector. Dean El-Mohandes opened the discussion by highlighting the everyday impact of public health—from clean water to safe bike lanes to helmet laws—and the ongoing need to advocate for the field’s critical role in society.
Alumni asked thoughtful questions about applying public health competencies across disciplines and remaining committed to the field at a time when public institutions face mounting political and financial pressures. Emanual Mejia, MPH ‘23, offered these reflections:
“The talk was very inspiring because given what is happening in public health, there are still ways we can advocate for public health. Even in the most difficult times, we need to be optimistic and creative to advocate for what matters most to us.”
This event was jointly hosted by the CUNY SPH Foundation and the Office of Alumni Relations. Additional photos from the event can be found here.
