When Saleha Saleh graduated from The City College of New York in 2023 with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology and a minor in Women’s Studies, she was already deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of marginalized communities. Now, she’s taking that commitment to the next level: Saleha has been accepted to the CUNY School of Public Health, where she will pursue a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in Community Health.
Her journey to graduate school is rooted in personal experience and driven by a powerful sense of purpose.
From Conflict to Calling
Growing up during the war in Yemen, Saleha witnessed firsthand how public health systems can collapse under the weight of conflict—and how those failures disproportionately impact the most vulnerable.
“Having experienced the war in Yemen firsthand, I witnessed how conflict can devastate public health systems and disproportionately impact marginalized communities,” she explains. “These experiences inspired my commitment to public health and led me to apply to the Community Health MPH program at CUNY SPH, drawn to its focus on equity, cultural responsiveness, and community-based solutions.”
It’s this lived experience that now fuels her academic goals and professional aspirations.
Looking Ahead: Community Health With Cultural Responsiveness
Saleha’s vision for her future is clear and deeply grounded in values of equity and inclusion.
“After completing my degree, I plan to design and implement culturally responsive public health programs that support immigrant women and families,” she shares. “By addressing mental and physical health, as well as broader social determinants, my goal is to create inclusive, community-driven solutions that promote long-term well-being and empowerment.”
Her passion lies not only in addressing immediate health concerns but also in challenging structural inequalities and empowering communities from the ground up.
The Colin Powell School: A Lasting Foundation
For Saleha, the Colin Powell School (CPS) at CCNY played a pivotal role in shaping both her academic path and her broader worldview.
“The Colin Powell School played a key role in shaping my understanding of leadership, community advocacy, and intersectionality,” she reflects. “During my undergraduate years, the school provided invaluable support through internships and career preparation, which equipped me with essential skills.”
Even after graduation, Saleha remains connected to CPS. She continues to receive mentorship and support from faculty and staff—particularly the Office of Student Success—who helped guide her through the graduate school application process.
“Their guidance has been instrumental in helping me pursue my goals,” she adds.
A Rising Leader in Public Health
As Saleha prepares to begin this exciting new chapter, her story is one of resilience, service, and vision. From her early experiences in Yemen to her studies at CCNY and now her pursuit of a graduate degree in public health, she embodies the spirit of community leadership that the Colin Powell School aims to foster.
We look forward to seeing the change she’ll create—because with students like Saleha, the future of public health is in strong, compassionate hands.
