Gracie Akers
AFFILIATE MEMBER • Director of Community Engaged Experiences
Population Health Sciences, Virginia Tech
gakers11@vt.edu
As the Director of Community Engagement in public health, my work closely aligns with the mission of the Whole Health Consortium. In this role, I actively foster and sustain community partnerships while also identifying and cultivating new collaborations that create meaningful opportunities for Master of Public Health (MPH) students to engage in practice-based work, particularly within Southwest and rural Virginia. These efforts not only strengthen connections between the academic and community sectors but also ensure that students gain valuable, real-world experiences that contribute to both their professional growth and the health of local communities.
Additionally, I offer guidance and mentorship to students as they navigate internships, applied research projects, and community-based initiatives. By supporting their academic and professional development, I help students apply public health principles in ways that directly benefit the communities we serve. This integration of student learning with community needs underscores my commitment to advancing both workforce development and sustainable public health impact across the region.