About Me
A journey from Ghana to North Carolina, from medicine to public health, and from uncertainty to purpose-driven advocacy.
My Story
Hello, I’m Maame Araba Oduro, and I believe that every story of growth begins with a step into the unknown. Mine began in Ghana, where I first fell in love with medicine, drawn by the immediate impact of healing individual lives. But as I witnessed the same preventable conditions affecting families again and again, I realized that true healing often requires addressing the roots, not just the symptoms.
That realization led me to North Carolina, where I pursued a Master’s in Public Health at the Gillings School of Global Public Health. It wasn’t an easy transition, leaving the familiarity of clinical practice for the broader, sometimes less tangible world of population health. But it was in that discomfort that I found my calling.
Today, I focus on maternal and child health advocacy, driven by the belief that every baby deserves a healthy start, every mother deserves safe care, and every family deserves hope. My work is guided by faith, shaped by experience, and motivated by the stories of resilience I encounter every day.
What Drives Me
Global Health Equity
Working to ensure that zip code, nationality, or economic status don’t determine health outcomes, especially for mothers and children.
Storytelling For Change
Using narrative to bridge the gap between research and human experience, making complex health issues accessible and compelling.
Faith-Centered Living
Believing that purpose and calling are gifts to be stewarded, and that grace guides even the most challenging professional and personal decisions.
Mentorship & Community
Creating spaces for young women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to thrive in global health and find their own voices.
Beyond the Work
When I’m not immersed in research or advocacy work, you’ll find me exploring the many facets of life that bring joy and balance. I’m passionate about baking; there’s something deeply therapeutic about the precision of measuring ingredients and the patience required for the dough to rise. Each loaf of bread feels like a small act of creation and care.
I find inspiration in unexpected places, including anime, which teaches profound lessons about resilience, friendship, and the power of believing in something greater than yourself. Some of my favorite series have shaped how I think about perseverance and community in ways that surprise even me.
Nature walks are my reset button, whether it’s the familiar paths near my home or discovering new trails when I travel. There’s something about being surrounded by trees and breathing fresh air that puts everything into perspective and reminds me of the bigger picture.