WASHINGTON (Sept. 12, 2024) — The Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity U.S. + Global (AFHE), part of the Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity (Mullan Institute) at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, is thrilled to announce its 2025 cohort — a diverse group of 15 emerging leaders from across the globe, united by their commitment to achieving health equity.

These dynamic changemakers hail from Ethiopia, India, Iraq, Malawi, Malaysia, South Africa, Switzerland, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the United States, bringing with them a wealth of experience across Community Engagement, Disability and Accessibility, Engineering, Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response, Maternal and Child Health, Nursing, Population Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Transgender Health and other health equity topic and issue areas.
Their collective expertise represents the multifaceted approach required to address health disparities worldwide.

Learn more about the 2025 Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity

“The 2025 Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity embody the transformative strength that diverse perspectives bring to the fight against health disparities,” said Guenevere Burke, executive director of the Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity program and associate professor of emergency medicine at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences. “Their exceptional talents and commitment to advancing global health inspire and challenge us to take meaningful action in our communities.”

Established in 2016 as the Leaders for Health Equity, this one-year, non-residential program is based at George Washington University and welcomes 15-20 fellows each year from around the world. The Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity is one of seven global, interconnected Atlantic Fellows programs. These programs unite early- to mid-career professionals from various backgrounds, disciplines, and life experiences, all sharing a common vision of creating a fairer, healthier, more inclusive society.

This year’s cohort, the eighth to join the AFHE community, expands the network to 137 fellows from 32 countries and five continents, each contributing to a growing network that transcends borders and disciplines.

“We need to build a health workforce that is not only diverse but also deeply committed and fully prepared to ensure health equity for all,” said Patricia (Polly) Pittman, director of the Mullan Institute. “I believe this 2025 cohort will rise to this challenge with determination and bravery, and I can’t wait to see what they will do to better the health of their communities.”

Beginning in January 2025, the fellows will engage in a hybrid curriculum of in-person and virtual sessions, fostering critical thinking, leadership development and practical solutions to health equity challenges. Working alongside AFHE faculty and mentors, the fellows will undertake health equity projects that address pressing global issues. Upon completing the program in November 2025, they will join the broader AFHE Senior Fellows and Global Atlantic Fellows communities, which now comprises almost 1000 members.

“The growth of our community is a powerful testament to the work we do each year to support our fellows and foster a global network of health equity leaders,” said Selam Bedada, program director of the Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity program. “The 2025 cohort will harness the knowledge and connections they forge during the fellowship year to continue and expand their dedication to health equity — now and far into the future.”

The application for the 2026 cohort will open in early 2025. Sign up for more information.

Meet the 2025 Fellows

Ali Alshalah Headshot

Ali Alshalah

National Program Manager
Baghdad
Iraq, Mediterranean

Lauren Arrington headshot

Lauren Anita Arrington

Nurse Midwife & Assistant Professor
Baltimore, Maryland
United States, North America

Joanne Chiwaula Headshot

Joanne Chiwaula

Maternal and Child Health Non-proft Founder/Director
Lilongwe
Malawi, Southern Africa

Zelalem Demek Headshot

Zelalem Dessalegn Demeke

Occupational Therapist and Youth Disabilities Non-proft Founder/Director
Gondar
Ethiopia, East Africa

Man in a tie posing

Neo Hutiri

Engineer and Social Impact Founder & Managing Director
Johannesburg
South Africa, Southern Africa

Woman posing for profile picture

Madalitso Juwayeyi

Co-founder and Programs Manager
Blantyre
Malawi, Southern Africa

Dom Kelly

Disability Advocate & Nonprofit Founder, President and CEO
Atlanta, Georgia
United States, North America

Shannon Ladner-Beasley

Health Equity Manager
Antioch, California
United States, North America

Woman posing for a headshot

Ruwa Mahdi

Participation Officer
Altrincham, England
United Kingdom, Europe

Woman posing in front of flower bushes

Alina Potts

Research Scientist
Washington, D.C.
United States, North America

Man posing for headshot

Anoop Raman

Chief Medical Officer - Complex Care
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
United States, North America

Aastha Sethi

Senior Policy Officer
Mumbai
India, South Asia

woman posing for a headshot

Nandita Thatte

Technical Officer
Geneva
Switzerland, Europe

Woman posing for a headshot picture

Gafidyn Rae Wesonga

Medical Doctor, Team Leader and Executive Director of Trans-feminist Non-profit
Mbale District
Uganda, East Africa

man posing for a headshot

Yih Seong Wong

Hematologist-Oncologist
Johor Bahru
Malaysia, Southeast Asia