Staff Biography

Why do you do what you do? Or what brought you here?

I first became passionate about public health when I had the opportunity to give back to my community during the pandemic by working as a frontline patient care provider in a local hospital. This experience sparked my interest in more general health issues and the value of addressing them systemically. My commitment to making a meaningful difference in people's lives, particularly in underserved communities, led me to pursue a master’s in public health (epidemiology). Since then, I have been dedicated to promoting health equity, raising awareness about health disparities, and contributing to research that informs evidence-based interventions. As you all know, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Today I am working here to fulfill my sole professional aspiration to bridge the gap between research and practical implementation, thereby fostering positive health outcomes.

Favorite KTB story/experience?

My favorite KTB tale is the one about my first Latino Tasty Talk, which I was able to attend thanks to my friendly coworkers who guided me around Indianapolis. It was an empathetic moment for me to realize that the audience at the session is committed to changing society because they want to prevent people from getting breast cancer by self-donating a small portion of their body for breast cancer research. In addition to giving me a sense of community and camaraderie, this made me feel as though I was a part of a larger movement or cause that promoted a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Other passions in life:

I find solace in reading books that guide me on maintaining my inner strength, even when the world around us seems to be going astray. When it comes to spending time with people, I'm drawn to meaningful conversations to the table. Those genuine connections are like precious gems that enrich my life. Nature’s embrace, by hiking through trails and immersing myself in the great outdoors, rejuvenates my spirit and offers a different kind of tranquility. In this fast-paced world, these moments of connection, reflection, and exploration keep me connected to what truly matters.

People would be surprised to know that you…

It might come as a surprise, but I'm actually a trained dentist and the first child in my family to complete college and live in the United States. My journey has led me to contribute to providing oral health care in several dental charitable trusts in India. In those experiences, I've discovered the true meaning of ethics, patience, accuracy, resilience, leadership, and, of course, patient advocacy. One memory that still gives me butterflies is the time I successfully performed a root canal treatment on my own mom. It was a blend of nervousness, determination, and ultimate satisfaction. These moments, these experiences, they've all played a part in shaping who I am today. It's been a journey of growth, both personally and professionally, making a difference in people's lives, one smile at a time.

Ice cream or pizza?

Absolutely, ice cream is my go-to choice, because I have a sweet tooth. It's like a little reward I give myself, a moment of sheer indulgence that feels like a celebration. (Tender Coconut is my favorite!) Sometimes, I might choose pizza (Chicken and Pineapple with thin crust) if I am too hungry ;)