Career Services Staff
Our University of Michigan School of Public Health Careers Team includes 3 full-time staff and 5 student staff. We work together collaboratively to create meaningful support for Michigan Public Health students while fostering a staff culture of care, encouragement, innovation, growth, and appreciation.
Professional Staff
Associate Director: Ari Renda, PhD
Email: arirenda@umich.edu
Hi! My name is Ari Renda and I’m the Associate Director of Career Services at the School of Public Health. In this role, I develop and lead the direction of our career services and programming based on the insightful feedback of students, staff, employers, and alumni. Through integrating career development strategies and wellness coaching practices, I work to create inclusive environments where students can experience holistic support that affirms their unique strengths, experiences, motivations, identities, backgrounds, and goals.
I’ve been working in the field of Career Services for over 10 years, leading career development programming for Undergraduate, Masters, and Doctoral students at various units across University of Michigan. I also have experience engaging in various areas of Public Health including working as a family advocate in medical and legal settings, researching and teaching environmental health, and facilitating training on mental health first aid and trauma-informed services. I’m grateful to work with talented and driven Public Health students whose passions, dreams, and motivations give me hope every day.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading fantasy, camping, kayaking, cooking, and gardening.
Employer Engagement Coordinator: Neika White
Email: ncwhite@umich.edu
My name is Neika White (she/her) and I am the Employer Engagement Coordinator at Michigan
Public Health Careers, which means I operate as a liaison between students, employers,
and alumni. My role allows me to create informative spaces for students and employers
to meet, whether it's through Career Fairs, Employer Presentations, or 1:1 Coffee
Chats. I also provide 1:1 Career Coaching, facilitate workshops, and collaborate with
Departments and Offices through SPH to provide support for students here at Michigan
Public Health.
I have over 18 years of working with students here at the University of Michigan,
supporting students in different schools such as Michigan Medicine, College of Engineering,
Student Life, and now here at the School of Public Health. I got into student support
because I am a product of advisors and mentors who supported me during my collegiate
years at Michigan. As a Black, Deaf Woman, I'm passionate about providing a space
for all and work to create comfortable interactions among the students I coach/meet
across campus. Sometimes, a student just needs someone to hear/see them to believe
they can take one more step and I try to be that supporter through my meetings, facilitating,
and coaching opportunities. I love working with the team here at Career Services because
student support is the goal of the entire team. While we each specialize in various
topics and methods of support, we all have the unified goal of giving students what
they need during their time here at Michigan Public Health.
Outside of work, I like to dance! Salsa, Bachata, Argentine Tango, Kizomba, just to
name a few. I teach a few classes here in Ann Arbor and am always encouraging folks
to try dance as an outlet for mental wellness. I also enjoy spending time with my
sisters, niece and nephew, escape rooms, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
Career Services Coordinator: Stefani Anderson
Email: stefa@umich.edu
Hello! My name is Stefani Anderson and I’m a Career Services Coordinator at Michigan Public Health Careers, which means I meet 1:1 with students on career exploration and preparation topics, I facilitate workshops, I support student staff, I oversee experiential learning, and I work with our office’s data and assessment, drawing insights from alumni and internship data.
I have 9 years of experience in student support services, including 6 in higher education, and am passionate about supporting students through equipping them with the tools and resources needed to advocate for themselves in their careers and beyond. I aim to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where students can learn about themselves, their options, and how to best showcase their story. I love partnering with students to brainstorm next steps to build fulfilling careers in public health. I enjoy working in Michigan Public Health Careers because I love hearing all of your stories!
Outside of work, I love to run, spend any time I can outside, shop at thrift stores, find new restaurants, cook, sew, watch TV (kdramas especially), and read!
Student Staff
Peer Coach: Aakanksha Vyawahare
Aakanksha is a 3rd-year dual-degree student pursuing an MHSA in Health Management
and Policy at the School of Public Health and an MBA at the Ross School of Business,
with concentrations in STEM, ESG, and Healthcare. She has always been driven to make
a meaningful impact in the healthcare space and is focused on leading with purpose
and empowering women.In her role as a Peer Coach, Aakanksha is excited to support
fellow students in navigating the early stages of the recruiting process and achieving
their career goals.
Outside of school, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and two young children, cooking Indian food, dancing to Bollywood music, staying active, and engaging in constant self-reflection and growth.
Peer Coach: Kayla Johnson
Kayla is a senior, earning her Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree. She is
interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian and bridging the gap between nutritional
health and community. In her role as a Peer Coach, Kayla strives to support her fellow
students holistically in career preparation and ensuring they have the resources to
succeed. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family, participating in
community service events, and learning new baking recipes.
Marketing and Communications Intern: Esther Guerrero
Esther is a 2nd-year MPH student in the Health Behavior and Health Equity department,
with a focus on community-driven approaches to health and social justice. She is passionate
about advancing health equity, uplifting marginalized voices, and using public health
communication to create meaningful change. As the Marketing and Communications Intern,
Esther is committed to helping fellow students engage with career resources through
accessible and creative outreach. Outside of school, she enjoys biking, holistic wellness,
self-care, and planning future travel adventures.
Data and Assessment Intern: Geo Mifsud
Geo is a 2nd year MPH student in Health Management and Policy. They are interested
in the governance of health information management at the state and federal level.
In their role as a data analyst intern, they support the SPH careers team by collecting
and analyzing career and internship trends for students, employers, and university
stakeholders. Outside of school, they enjoy trying out local coffee shops.
Employment Opportunities and Analysis Intern: Leanna Chae
Leanna is a 2nd year MPH student in the Health Behavior and Health Equity department,
pursuing a certificate in Data Science. She is passionate about leveraging health
data to study the structural and behavioral factors driving obesity and chronic disease.
As a Careers Employment Opportunities and Analysis Intern, Leanna is excited to empower
her peers with resources and support as they navigate their professional journeys.
Outside of school, she enjoys listening to music and getting lost in way too many
books at once.