Vishni Samaraweer – ’24
Associate, Policy & Advocacy at Malaria No More
What sparked your interest in global health, and how did you hear about the M.S. in Global Health program?
After studying public health at Brandeis University, I knew I wanted to take my education to the international level and focus on global health. My family is from Sri Lanka, and through visits and conversations with relatives, I witnessed firsthand how global health policies and systems impact people’s daily lives. I wanted to be at the forefront of that work—shaping policy, advancing equity, and supporting communities globally. Georgetown’s M.Sc. in Global Health program stood out to me not only for its strong academic foundation, but also for its location in Washington, D.C., where so much of U.S. foreign policy and global health diplomacy takes place. The opportunity to learn and work in that environment was incredibly compelling to me.
How would you depict the classroom instruction?
It was very interactive and discussion-based. I learned so much from not only my professors , but also my peers.
Where did you complete your field research module and what was your project?
Chiapas, Mexico. My project was a mixed-methods study on Cervical Cancer Prevention in Chiapas, Mexico.
What did you learn from your experience abroad?
From my experience in Chiapas, I learned how systemic inequities—like poverty, limited education, and poor infrastructure—impact access to reproductive health services, particularly cervical cancer prevention. I also saw the power of community-based health efforts and deepened my commitment to addressing global health disparities through both research and local engagement. Living in Chiapas pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me the opportunity to learn Spanish in an immersive setting while experiencing the region’s culture firsthand. This not only strengthened my communication skills but also allowed me to build more meaningful relationships with local health workers and community members.
What has been your career path since completing the program?
After completing the program, I interned under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Gender Policy Council and worked on reproductive health and global women and girl’s issues. Following the administration change, I began working as an associate on the policy & advocacy team at Malaria No More.
What opportunities were afforded by attending graduate school in Washington, DC?
The opportunity to intern part-time on Capitol Hill during a semester and the chance to meet, listen, and learn from global health leaders from around the world on the Hilltop campus.
What stood out to you most during your experience as a student?
What stood out to me most during my student experience was the community I found in my classmates. They became some of my closest friends, and our conversations about global health extended far beyond the classroom—into daily discussions, study sessions, and shared reflections. Even now, they are people I continue to reach out to as we navigate our careers and stay engaged in global health together.
Would you recommend the program?
Yes, definitely!