Hi! I’m Aresha!

I am the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants and working-class parents. My journey began in the rural heart of California’s Central Valley— a place that paradoxically produces both a quarter of the food consumed in the US, and some of the poorest cities and towns in the country.

My path led me into public health, where I was formally trained to wield the power of data and the art of storytelling as tools against the pervasive injustices that ripple through communities like the one I call home. Through my career, I’ve become a relentless advocate for policies, programs, and systems that tackle health and social inequalities.

Currently, I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Chicago. Through my wor I aim to help forge a brighter, more equitable future for all, inspired by my roots and driven by an unwavering commitment to change.