Online MHA Alumni in Action: Colleen Pike Blair

Colleen Pike Blair (MHA 2021) 

Healthcare Policy Analyst 

Why were you drawn to the Online MHA program? 

My passion for resolving health disparities led me to NYU Wagner’s Online MHA program. Working in home healthcare, I encountered intractable, systemic injustices and barriers to access on a daily basis.  I wanted to invest in an immersive education in the political determinants of health, to build upon my analytical and management skills, and apply my learning in real-time to prepare myself for a broader leadership role. I perceived Wagner’s unique lens on diversity, equity, and inclusion as central to identifying public health needs and implementing reforms throughout the healthcare system.

I was blown away by the tight sense of community that quickly developed within my cohort: as we had only one formal opportunity to meet in person, I was not counting on this, and found that connection and support to be a highlight of my experience.  There is no question that it is challenging to engage in an intense program of study while working full-time in healthcare during a pandemic: having a home team of family and friends is essential for maintaining a work-life balance. The reward is the chance to grapple with complex issues in business management and policy, high caliber analytical tools, and deep insights into new directions and innovations in improving the American healthcare experience.