WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 19, 2024) – The Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity at the Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, is proud to announce the appointment of Selam Bedada, MPH as the new Program Director of the Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity (AFHE). Bedada succeeds Dr. Guenevere Burke, who is transitioning to the role of Executive Director, where she will focus on expanding the program’s impact and forging strategic partnerships.
Bedada brings over twelve years of leadership experience in public health research and health systems transformation, with a strong focus on policies and programs aimed at addressing the health risks of vulnerable populations. She is a graduate of The George Washington University Elliott School, where she was a GW Presidential Administrative Fellow, and holds a MPH from the Milken Institute School of Public Health.
“This new role reflects Selam’s unwavering commitment to advancing global health equity and deep dedication to our fellowship and its mission,” Burke said. “Since joining us in 2016 as the first full-time staff member, Selam has been integral to the development of the fellowship program. Her journey to this leadership role is a testament to her passion and the profound impact she has had on our community.”
Bedada has played a crucial role in every aspect of the AFHE fellowship experience, from recruitment and selection to creating a thriving Senior Fellow community. Her leadership has expanded global learning initiatives and partnerships, leading to dynamic, community-led convenings.
“I am deeply inspired by the dedication of our fellows, and I am committed to providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive as change-makers in the field of health equity. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, confront challenges, and create a world where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life,” Bedada said.
Beyond her work with AFHE, Bedada’s public health career has spanned multiple continents, including significant contributions in Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, and the United States. Before joining AFHE, she played integral roles in the Medical Education Partnership Initiative Coordinating Center and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Sub-Saharan African Medical Schools Study project.
“Selam has been instrumental in shaping AFHE to become a thriving, diverse and passionate group of equity champions, always looking to connect, collaborate and innovate together,” said Neha Raykar, a Senior Atlantic Fellow for Health Equity from the inaugural 2017 cohort and a member of the AFHE Charter Committee. “I continue to be amazed by the trust and confidence that Selam has consistently earned among the fellows, year after year. I am confident that her visionary and empathetic leadership will take the program to new heights of impact.”