Graduate Spotlight: Gelila Alem
As the daughter of two immigrants, Gelila Alem chose to study public health to give back to the communities that shaped her and to advocate for more equitable health care systems. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health: Community Health and Promotion, she hopes to break down systemic barriers within health care and help marginalized communities gain access to preventive care, health education, and quality resources that support healthier lives.
“My goal within public health is to help create systems where all communities feel supported and have access to the care and resources they deserve,” Gelila said, “I want to be an advocate for communities that are too often overlooked.”
During her time at Portland State University (PSU), Gelila participated in the OHSU PSU School of Public Health faculty-led study abroad program that was guided by Betty Izumi, Ph.D., M.P.H., RD, to Japan in December 2025, where students explored community nutrition and global health systems. Although she entered the program with some knowledge of global health, the experience transformed her perspective on health equity and accessibility.
While abroad, she observed how Japanese communities prioritize access to nutritious and affordable foods across all stages of life, from elementary schools to nursing homes. She was particularly inspired by the emphasis on inclusivity and community-centered care, which strengthened her desire to pursue international public health work in the future.
“Being in Japan opened my eyes to how different countries approach health and nutrition,” she said. “It made me excited about the possibility of working internationally and learning from different cultures and health systems.”
Like many students, Gelila faced challenges balancing demanding coursework and accelerated summer terms throughout her academic journey. There were moments when she felt overwhelmed and exhausted, but her determination and commitment to building a strong future motivated her to persevere.
Her family served as one of her greatest inspirations throughout college. Both of her parents are PSU alumni, and her mother attended classes while pregnant with her, making her own graduation feel especially meaningful.
“Attending the same university as my parents felt like a full-circle moment,” she said. “Seeing all of the sacrifices they made to support me motivated me to keep going and make them proud.”
She also credits her family and faculty mentors at PSU and OHSU for providing emotional and academic support throughout her undergraduate experience.
Following graduation, Gelila will begin pursuing a Master’s of Public Health in Public Health Practice at OHSU while also working in a career focused on community health. She also hopes to continue traveling and exploring global perspectives on health and wellness.
After already visiting Japan, she looks forward to experiencing more countries and continuing to learn from communities around the world as she builds a career rooted in advocacy, equity, and public health leadership.