Dr. Mehrete Girmay wears many hats in the field of public health—government project officer, educator, researcher, and mentor. With over a decade of experience, she has 
dedicated her career to improving behavioral health outcomes and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. Her work focuses on ensuring that federally funded programs addressing substance use and mental health are not only compliant but effective and inclusive. As an adjunct professor, she also helps shape the next generation of public health professionals by translating policy and practice into the classroom. In this interview, Dr. Girmay shares her journey into the profession, the value of CHES® certification, and her commitment to improving access to quality care through research, particularly her recent article exploring the digital health divide in maternal and child health.
🔗 Read Dr. Girmay’s article, “Digital Health Divide: Opportunities for Reducing Health Disparities and Promoting Equitable Care for Maternal and Child Health Populations” published in the International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS: PubMed link
Q: Can you tell us about your current roles—both as a government project officer and adjunct professor—and what led you into the field of public health?
Currently, I serve as a Government Project Officer/Public Health Advisor, where I oversee federal grants that support behavioral health initiatives across the country. My work focuses on ensuring that our grantees have the resources and technical assistance they need to effectively and efficiently address substance use and mental health challenges. I also teach graduate-level courses in public health policy and behavioral health systems, which allows me to bridge theory and practice.
What drew me into public health was the understanding that many health challenges require collaborative, population-based approaches. Both of my positions align perfectly with my passion for advancing access and care and building healthier communities.
Q: What inspired your early interest in serving vulnerable populations?
My interest in public health grew out of personal and professional experiences. I’ve always believed that prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have to enhance quality of life and promote well-being. My identity as an Ethiopian American has shaped a deep awareness of how social, cultural, and structural factors influence health outcomes. From a young age, I understood the persistent barriers that many communities face—language, access, trust, affordability—and this awareness sparked a passion to improve fairness and inclusivity in health care.
Q: Was there a pivotal experience or mentor that helped shape your career direction?
Yes. One formative experience was serving as a community health educator on a tobacco cessation initiative focused on high-need populations. It taught me the importance of meeting communities where they are, using data to inform decisions, and promoting systemic balance in all aspects of public health. That experience gave me the confidence to pursue a role as an Advisor and eventually enter academia.
Q: As a public health advisor, what does a typical day look like for you?
My day usually includes strategic oversight, coordination, and support. I review grant activities, meet with grantees, provide technical assistance, and collaborate with colleagues across the agency. I also review policy guidance and contribute to strategic planning, always keeping an eye on emerging public health trends that may affect our portfolio.
Q: Can you walk us through a recent initiative you’re proud of?
A recent example is mentoring a graduate student who had to take time off from the MPH program. I helped them re-enter and complete the program successfully. It reminded me that impact isn’t always about large-scale projects—sometimes, it’s about showing up for someone when they need support the most.
Q: Your recent publication focuses on the digital health divide in maternal care. What inspired that research?
The pandemic highlighted the growing reliance on digital health services—and the reality that not all communities have equal access. I wanted to examine how telehealth can both bridge and widen care disparities, particularly for maternal and child health populations. My hope is that this work inspires policymakers and providers to prioritize digital inclusion as a public health imperative.
Q: How can telehealth be used to promote equity in maternal and child health?
Telehealth expands access to care, especially in under-resourced or rural areas. But to truly be effective for all communities, we need to invest in broadband infrastructure, digital literacy, and culturally responsive platforms. A hybrid model that respects patient choice—whether in-person or virtual—is essential.
Q: What led you to pursue the CHES® credential?
I wanted to strengthen my foundation in health education and demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practice. The CHES® credential gave me the tools to design, implement, and evaluate programs—skills that have been invaluable throughout my career.
Q: How has being CHES-certified enhanced your work?
CHES® provides a competency-based framework I use every day—in assessing program effectiveness, providing technical assistance, and instructing students. It’s also connected me to a professional network committed to quality and accountability in health education.
Q: What advice would you offer to early-career professionals or those seeking a government role?
Be open to learning from every experience. Public health is interdisciplinary, and the skills you gain in one setting are often transferable. Stay informed about current priorities and seek out mentors who can guide your path.
Q: How can public health professionals stay resilient in today’s complex environment?
Stay connected to your “why”—your reason for entering the field. Public health can be overwhelming, but remembering your purpose helps keep you grounded. Build a strong network, practice self-care, and celebrate small wins. Resilience is rooted in passion and perspective.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
My Christian faith grounds me in service, compassion, and integrity. I’m also inspired by the transformative power of public health—whether it's expanding access to care or shaping more effective policies. Seeing those impacts firsthand keeps me moving forward.
Q: Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
Public health is both a science and a calling. It demands not just data and strategy, but empathy and collaboration. I feel honored to be part of this field and look forward to continuing to learn and contribute for years to come.
Dr. Mehrete Girmay’s work highlights how Certified Health Education Specialists can drive meaningful change by combining policy, education, and compassion. Through her roles in government and academia, she continues to advance and promote inclusive solutions for behavioral and maternal health.