Trisha Kumar is a community health manager based in Portland, Oregon, with a diverse background in biology, public health, and the performing arts. She combines scientific rigor with creative energy, showing up in both healthcare initiatives and dance studios. As a former student leader at Lewis & Clark College, Trisha has developed strong collaborative skills and a passion for public well-being. Today, her work focuses on improving community health outcomes through policy, outreach campaigns, and relationship-building demonstrating how blended expertise in science, arts, and empathy can drive positive change in regional healthcare systems.
Educational Journey and Early Involvement
Roots in Mountain View, California
Raised in Mountain View, California, Trisha Kumar excelled academically while nurturing her interest in theater and dance. This dual passion shaped her outgoing yet analytical personality qualities that would define her future roles in leadership and health advocacy.
College Years at Lewis & Clark
At Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Trisha earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in theater and a dance focus. During her college years, she was highly active: serving as a resident advisor, student orientation director, production manager, stage manager, choreographer, and ambassador for the Student Alumni Association. She also studied abroad in New Zealand on a biology-focused trip.
Transition to Public Health
Advanced Education in Public Health
Trisha deepened her academic credentials by earning a master’s degree in public health, specializing in health systems management and policy, from the OHSU–PSU School of Public Health in 2021.
Professional Role: Health Systems Leadership
Currently, Trisha serves as the community health manager for the Willamette Health Council in Marion and Polk counties. In this role, she develops and implements health programs, focusing on community-centered outreach and improving population health outcomes. Her science background supports data-driven decision-making, while her creative side enhances community trust and engagement.
Key Qualities and Contributions
Building Relationships
Trisha excels at connecting with diverse stakeholders residents, local providers, community leaders ensuring health initiatives are inclusive and impactful. Her communication skills, honed through leadership and the arts, are vital to effective outreach.
Leadership and Teamwork
Trisha’s college leadership roles and health manager position demonstrate her ability to coordinate teams and projects. She balances logistics, mentoring, and innovation to meet community needs efficiently.
Creative Approach to Public Health
Her background in theater and dance allows Trisha to design interactive workshops, creative campaigns, and culturally responsive outreach programs enriching the traditional public health toolbox with imaginative strategies.
Beyond the Office: Personal Life and Hobbies
Community Ties and Family
Trisha lives in Portland’s northeast with her husband, Nick, a college friend, and their retired racing greyhound, Kyoshi. Her roots in community and family life reinforce her dedication to public service and local well-being.
Relaxation and Hobbies
Outside her professional role, Trisha enjoys yoga, sewing, birding, and dancing. These activities support her mental and physical health reflecting a well-rounded personal commitment to wellness.
Staying Connected to Her Alma Mater
Engaging With Students and Alumni
Trisha continues to support Lewis & Clark College through alumni activities. She mentors students and participates in events, fostering a culture of growth and continuous improvement.
Advocacy and Inspiration
As an alumna with multifaceted expertise, Trisha inspires current students to pursue interdisciplinary paths and community impact demonstrating that combining arts and sciences can create meaningful professional and civic contributions.
Impact and Vision
Community Health Innovations
Trisha’s leadership at Willamette Health Council helps shape policy and program strategy to reduce disparities, improve access, and build healthier communities. She works toward a vision where health equity is central to public service.
Long-Term Goals
- Expand health programs across underserved communities.
- Apply creative approaches to community education and policy advocacy.
- Continue mentoring professionals pursuing interdisciplinary, impact-driven careers.
Trisha Kumar blends academic excellence, artistic creativity, and compassionate leadership into a powerful model for modern public health. From biology and theater majors to community health management, she proves that data-driven public service and creative engagement can work in harmony. Her journey from student leader to health advocate demonstrates the potential of interdisciplinary skills to solve complex challenges. As she continues her work in Oregon and beyond, Trisha exemplifies how empathy, innovation, and community commitment can drive meaningful change in public health.
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