Ayanni Hyman ’25

Ayanni Hyman ’25 knew early on in her college career that she wanted to make an impact on her communities, and she found outlets to do so. Hyman wanted to find a way to support and help those who are unable to advocate for themselves, which is what led her to major in public health.

“I was also drawn to the field because of its diverse opportunities, allowing me to work alongside professionals from various backgrounds,” Hyman said. “The ability to directly interact with and serve communities has been such a rewarding experience as an undergraduate student.”

Additionally, because of chronic illnesses that she and her family have dealt with, choosing to major in public health was an easy decision for her.

“Personally, I have suffered from atopic dermatitis all my life, along with severe allergies, and I am immunocompromised. Hereditarily, chronic illnesses such as lupus run in my family. Seeing my grandmother battle all three types of lupus throughout her lifetime deeply shaped my passion for public health.”

Hyman knew she wanted to educate others on the need for health equity and reach people like her family, who face barriers to care due to language or comprehension challenges.

“Growing up, I watched my mom translate medical information for my grandparents, helping them understand what healthcare professionals were saying about their bodies. I also witnessed the mistreatment my grandparents faced due to their limited understanding of medical terminology, their insurance, or even the way they spoke.”

In addition to her public health studies, Hyman serves as the vice president of the Black Women’s Association, Omicron Phi’s president for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, and is a student leader at the Upperman Center. Joining the Upperman Center marked a significant turning point for her, pushing her to step out of her shell and take on leadership roles, which has had a profound impact on her college career beyond what she could have imagined. She also joined organizations outside of the center, such as Futuros en STEM in Centro Hispano.

“Through the Upperman Center’s programming, I reconnected with my community and built valuable connections with faculty,” she said. “Although there have been many changes, Upperman has remained a place of safety during times of uncertainty. Without this center, I would not have met some of the most important people in my life, and for that, I am truly grateful."