The HAVA Institute for Cultural Public Health is a global institute that bridges trust, prevention, and community leadership. We work at the crossroads of culture and science, creating health solutions that communities actually embrace.
Our approach is simple but powerful: when public health speaks the language of culture, communities listen. When communities lead, outcomes last.
HAVA evokes “breath” and “life” across languages — reflecting our commitment to restoring vitality through culturally rooted public health.
Research. Equity. Arts. Culture. Healing.
We integrate evidence-based public health frameworks with cultural practice and lived experience. Our research bridges academic rigor with community wisdom, ensuring that health interventions are both scientifically sound and culturally resonant.
Peer-Facilitated Curriculum & Leadership
We develop peer-facilitated curriculum, leadership programs, and cross-sector training that activate youth, health workers, and diaspora communities. Our educational model puts community members in the driver’s seat — not as recipients of information, but as leaders of change.
Embodied Public Health Engagement
We translate learning into embodied public health engagement — from NYC to Cote d’Ivoire — through festivals, listening sessions, village advisory boards, and immersive experiences. Activation means moving knowledge from the classroom into the community, from theory into practice.
Co-Founder & Director
Co-Founder