Mercilla Ryan-Harris, MPH
“For she who has health has hope; and she who has hope, has everything”
- Owen Arthur
Mercilla is a proud Atlanta native with a passion for improving the overall health of the black community through prevention and improving the health care delivery system. Growing up in a family of medical doctors and pharmacists, health care has always been an interest of hers. While in undergrad at Hampton University, Mercilla initially pursued a degree in Pharmacy; however, she learned that Pharmacy was not for her. One day in class, it dawned on Mercilla that she wanted to be a part of preventing diseases rather than only treating them. It was this epiphany that led her to the field of Public Health.
With the guidance of several mentors, Mercilla changed her major and obtained her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Hampton University. She then continued her education at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and received her Masters in Public Health in Health Policy and Management. Professionally, Mercilla has experience in grant writing, policy analysis, and program management. She hopes to use these skills and her background to bring about change in the health care delivery system.
When Mercilla is not working, she enjoys going to concerts, cooking, and traveling with friends.
Areas of expertise: health equity, health disparities, social determinants of health, public health program management, and operational management
