Joshua Prasad

MY GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: As a public health adviser in the federal government, I was able to help how people rethink their engagement with health through policy and programs. For example, I helped develop and run the Tobacco-Free College Campus Initiative. Through integrated activism, local and national partnerships, social media, and targeted engagement campaigns the initiative has reduced the number of smoke- and tobacco-free campuses by over 1,000 since 2012.

HOW DREXEL HELPED: As a natural introvert and homebody, I wouldn’t have been equipped for all the hands-on work and collaboration I’ve experienced without Drexel’s training. Since graduating, I went on to complete a fellowship at Harvard Center for Primary Care while working full-time for the Department of Health and Human Services. I launched a health innovation startup that was lauded for its approach to transforming preventive health. I went to Houston to help Hurricane Harvey victims rebuild, and I’ve worked on campaigns in local political races. I’ve recently co-founded a think tank and advising group to redefine what modern health, innovation and medicine can be.

MY HOPE FOR THE FUTURE: Now that I’ve left the federal government, I want to continue to engage with the world and help solve pressing issues. Modern public health happens at the confluence of health care, education, housing, transportation, the environment and more. This requires me to keep learning to bring these sectors together to cultivate change. In the future, be it tomorrow or 20 years from now, I hope to not only be part of this type of transformative conversation, but helping lead it.