Sapna Desai has a background in linguistics and Russian from Wesleyan University and the University of Chicago. After experience as a medical advocate and crisis counselor to survivors of rape and sexual assault, Sapna became interested in the effects of public communication and the social environment on health. This led to her decision to pursue a dual MSSW/MPH at Columbia University, with concentrations in Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming (School of Social Work) and Sociomedical Sciences/Health Promotion (Mailman School of Public Health). Her future goals include program-level work with health organizations to address health disparities among women and minorities. This summer, under the auspices of the Council of Women World Leaders Public Health Fellowship, Sapna is working with the Ministry of Health in Chisinau, Moldova.
