Riya intends to use her degree to help break down organizational silos and craft interdisciplinary solutions for challenges confronting India, especially by improving the delivery of primary health services.

A rising public health professional, Riya Cherian is determined to build inclusive systems, particularly for women and children, and work toward a more just and equitable world. Riya’s journey in public services began through the Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellowship, a prestigious fellowship in India modeled on the White House Fellows Program. As a fellow, Riya worked with the government in two remote rural districts of India, addressing complex challenges and growing in her dedication to amplify the voices of marginalized populations in decision-making processes. 

This work made clear both the importance of translating grassroots voices into actionable strategy and the frequency and limitations of quick-fix solutions. Recognizing the need for systemic change, Riya decided to pursue further education at UM-Ann Arbor, where she is now earning a dual master’s degree in public policy and business administration. Recognized as “a committed student with a vision for creating positive social impact,” Riya intends to use her degree to help break down organizational silos and craft interdisciplinary solutions for challenges confronting India, especially by improving the delivery of primary health services.

In a step toward furthering her aspiration to work in the space of public health and strengthen health systems, Riya recently took on a position as a summer intern and consultant to Africa Resource Centre (ARC) in Nairobi, Kenya, where she is working alongside the team to develop a framework to assess and improve reporting of the performance and impact of the organization’s key projects.

CEW+ commends Riya’s vision for her career in public health and names her a Margaret Dow Towsley Scholar.