Tragedy helps spark graduate student’s passion to help

Niki Osakue was training to become a nurse when she realized that public health offered her an opportunity to help more people living in poverty access health care.

That brought her to Central Michigan University.

“Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the effects of poverty, lack of access to healthcare and social justice,” she said. “I wanted to be a voice and a resource for those navigating difficult systems and circumstances.”

She enrolled in CMU’s Master of Public Health program to equip herself with the knowledge and skills on how to address a population’s health challenges and the several factors that influence health outcomes, she said.

Guiding her through the program were faculty whose professional experiences helped her better understand public health. That’s helped her focus her passion for helping others.

Osakue’s journey to CMU began when she suffered a personal tragedy. Coping with that tragedy inspired her to become a nurse, but she realized she wanted to do more.

“A lot can be done through prevention and advocacy,” Osakue said. “I knew I had to pursue it further.”

Doing more requires focusing on prevention, advocacy and helping more people access health care.

As a member of CMU’s public health student organization, Eta Sigma Gamma, Osakue had been involved in service activities that included donating school supplies to local organizations to help children in rural areas

She also participated in a nine-week local healthcare initiative for a public school in Mount Pleasant.

Osakue is currently working on three research papers and volunteers for Redcross as an emergency preparedness educator teaching students how to be prepared and take action during home fires or local hazard.

After graduation, she intends to provide support from a clinical and mental health perspective, with a focus on providing equitable care for and supporting vulnerable communities.

 “I want to amplify the voices of those who are too often ignored and help shape systems that truly serve everyone,” Osakue said.