ASPPH recently released Episode 2 of the IDEA Exchange podcast, Where Public Health Begins: Learning, Leading, and Taking the Leap,featuring recent MPH graduate, This Is Public Health (TIPH) Ambassador, and Princeton in Asia Fellow Lady Dorothy Elli. In conversation with ASPPH’s Miranda Bosse, Elli reflected on her journey into global health and the experiences that continue to shape her commitment to health equity and public health communication.

Born and raised in the Philippines before immigrating to the United States at age 17, Elli shared how witnessing inequities in healthcare, education, transportation, and access to clean water first sparked her interest in public health. She also spoke about how losing her great-aunt to complications from tuberculosis during the COVID-19 pandemic solidified her commitment to advancing global health.

Throughout the episode, Elli emphasized the importance of mentorship, storytelling, and community engagement in shaping her path. She reflected on her experiences at the University of Arizona’s Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, including conducting tuberculosis research in Indonesia and serving as a TIPH Ambassador, where she helped inspire prospective students and connect with immigrant and international communities considering careers in public health.

Now serving as a Princeton in Asia Fellow in Indonesia, Elli continues building cross-cultural connections through education, language learning, and community engagement. Her advice to current students: “Reach for the stars, and do it intentionally.”

Episode 2 of IDEA Exchange is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and ASPPH’s YouTube Channel.