Brown School student speaker: A global journey to health policy

The Brown School’s 2025 Recognition Ceremony will feature student speaker Nwaliweaku (Nwali) Anidi, a Master of Public Health candidate with a concentration in Health Policy Analysis. 

Nwaliweaku (Nwali) Anidi, MPH Candidate ’25
Health Policy Analysis Concentration

For Nwaliweaku (Nwali) Anidi, soon to graduate with a master’s degree in public health from the Brown School, the journey to a career in health policy began more than 6,000 miles away in her home country of Nigeria. Before coming to WashU, Anidi supported the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she witnessed firsthand the critical role health policy plays in shaping public health outcomes.

That experience, combined with a background in physiotherapy, sparked a deep interest in advancing global health and public health policy work around physical activity. These interests ultimately led her to pursue an MPH at the Brown School with a concentration in Health Policy Analysis. 

Throughout her time at the Brown School, Anidi has embraced many opportunities to learn and contribute beyond the classroom. From her practicum at America Walks and the D.C. policy course to research assistantships, poster presentations, and her service on student groups, she’s developed skills in implementation research, policy development, and built meaningful connections with peers and experts who have become valued mentors.

When she’s not immersed in public health work, Anidi can be found chatting with loved ones on the phone, curled up with a novel just moments from dozing off, or doing a mini karaoke session in her room.

After graduation, she’s seeking job opportunities in health program and policy design, implementation, and communication—particularly those that align with her interests in physical activity and global health.

The 2025 Brown School Recognition Ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m. May 10 in the Athletic Complex Field House on the Danforth Campus. Award-winning actress, activist, and author Jenifer Lewis will deliver the keynote address.