Alumni Spotlight: Avinash Lekram

ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 11, 2026) —Avinash Lekram graduated with their Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Graduate Certificate in Maternal and Child Health in 2022. Now as a public health educator at the New York State’s Division of Vaccine Excellence, we asked Lekram to reflect on their time at UAlbany and share their journey into the public health field. 

Why did you choose to earn a Master of Public Health (MPH) at UAlbany? 

As an undergraduate student, I began to understand that the systems we work, live, and play in all shape our health. Over time, I also came to recognize that many of these systems were built on histories of systemic oppression. I chose the MPH program because I wanted to better understand how these structures operate and how they can be changed from the inside out. I was drawn to UAlbany because of its strong emphasis on equity, policy, and applied public health practice, and because I knew I wanted an education that would challenge me to think critically and compassionately about the world around me. 

What is it like working as a public health educator? 

I work within a newly established bureau that is focused on tackling vaccine confidence and strengthening partnerships with marginalized and at-risk communities. The work is complex and layered, often intersecting with politics, systems, and deeply rooted social issues. I support vaccine education and communication efforts, help develop public facing materials, collaborate with internal teams and external partners, and contribute to projects that center community voices, lived experiences, and building trust.

What are you passionate about in your work? 

I am passionate about knowing that the work my peers and I do is so much larger than ourselves. Even when we do not see immediate results, our work touches many lives. At the heart of what we do is the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and dignified life. I care deeply about addressing broken systems, advocating for minority communities, and pushing for change even when resources are limited. This work is not meant to be done alone. It is a collective effort, and I am grateful to be part of it. 

When did you realize the impact of public health work? 

When I started working for the state, I realized that the work we were doing had an impact not only across New York State, but across the country. In a previous role, I had the opportunity to work on disseminating the New York State Sexual Assault Victims Bill of Rights to survivors in a clear and accessible way. We worked alongside many partners to ensure the document offered support, empathy, and validation. That project was deeply personal to me and reminded me that public health is ultimately about people, their stories, and their healing. 

How has your UAlbany education directly impacted the people or communities you serve? 

At UAlbany, I had the chance to learn from incredible professors who challenged me, believed in me, and helped shape the way I think about health communication and education. Their mentorship taught me to approach messaging with intention, humility, and care, which directly influences how I develop materials and campaigns today. 

Is there a skill, value, or perspective you gained at UAlbany that you use regularly in your work? 

Perseverance. My peers, professors, and I developed this together during the COVID-19 pandemic. That time changed everything, but we showed up for one another. Professors pushed us, uplifted us, and showed extraordinary kindness and grace during so much uncertainty. I carry those lessons with me every day, and they continue to ground me in my work. 

Advice for students? 

You do not need to have everything figured out. Take things one step at a time. Meet people. Be open to asking questions. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Take up space. Be curious. Trust that your path will unfold in the way it is meant to. I am deeply grateful for the education, mentorship, and community I found at UAlbany. It provided me with more than just a degree. It gave me confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging. I am proud to be an alumnus and honored to continue carrying those lessons with me in my work.