Meet Mona Patel: Our Volunteer In New York
Meet one of our rockstar interns, Mona Patel!
From her time in school, Mona has experience organizing health education events and workshops on diabetes management and planning health outreach campaigns on smoking cessation. Having studied dentistry, Mona also has field experience with community dentistry, teaching oral health education in rural area, and managing outreach campaigns and community health projects in India. Mona also volunteers with the American Red Cross in disaster cycle services. Read on to learn more about Mona and her passion to improve global health and make healthcare more accessible for all.
Where is home? My home has always been in Gujarat, India until I came to Jersey City, in New Jersey, USA.
Education: I earned my bachelors in dental surgery and recently graduated from Long Island University with a master of public health. I am interested in doing further work in global health.
CMMB volunteer post: Communications intern on the strategy and innovation team.
If you were asked to sum yourself up in two words, which two would you choose? Enthusiastic and determined.
Why CMMB? I believe in CMMB’s mission to increase accessibility to quality healthcare globally and provide innovative solutions where needed.
Imagine you are stuck in an elevator. Who would you most like to be stuck with? And why? Daisaku Ikeda, the current President of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a non-profit Buddhist organization dedicated to the welfare of all people.
I keep reading his writings and teachings of his previous mentors. I have been practicing Nichiren Buddhism for two years, and it has changed my life for the better. Daisuku has led SGI globally, and it has been practiced in more than 150 countries with the belief that each and every person deserves to be happy!
You are featured in the NY Times or your national newspaper. What’s the headline? “Equal Healthcare For All Finally Possible.”
What would be your theme song? Pal Pal Dil Ke Pass – Hindi Song (Bollywood)
Imagine if you were an animal – which would you be and why? A lion. Lions are symbolic of fearlessness and courage, two things I strive for and that push me forward to face life’s challenges.
What is your hope for your experience volunteering with CMMB? I hope to improve my personal and professional skills.
What book should everyone read?The New Human Revolution by Daisaku Ikeda.
Who would you like to play you in the movie of your life? Gal Gadot
What is your hope for the future? Education and healthcare for everyone!
Favorite speech or Tedtalk: Meghan Markle’s speech for UN Women.
If you could solve one world problem, what would it be? I would want everyone to have equal access to healthcare.
What are the three things you are most grateful for? I am very grateful for my family, their support, and for the opportunity to chase my dreams!
Who is your biggest inspiration? Why? My mother is my biggest inspiration because she taught me to never give up and always believed in me!