Student Spotlight - Sumer Chaudhry DRC’25

Through the Public Leadership Education Network at Douglass (PLEN), young leaders who care about the future of women and girls across the globe prepare to make their mark on the world. For Sumer Chaudhry DRC’25, that journey started this past fall in our nation’s capital. 

As a public health major with double minors in health administration and psychology, Sumer is interested in the way federal policy influences the health and wellness of everyday Americans. Through Douglass, Sumer traveled to Washington DC to attend the PLEN Health Policy Seminar.

“The PLEN Health Policy Seminar in Washington DC was a great learning experience,” Sumer said. “It gave me an inside look at how health policies are created and changed on a national level. I met with policymakers and advocates who work on these issues every day, and their insights helped me understand the steps and effort it takes to make a real difference in healthcare.”

Throughout the three-day seminar, Sumer listened and learned from professionals in the health policy industry and her peers at the conference. She cited the sharing of their common passions as one of the most impactful parts of the conference.

“Each person had such a unique journey, and their diverse experiences and goals were truly inspiring,” she said of the conversations. “Listening to how each speaker and participant found their own path into the field showed me just how many ways there are to make a positive impact in healthcare. It was a powerful reminder that each of us has a unique contribution to make, and I left feeling even more motivated to make a difference in the field. We also discussed how personal patient stories can shape health policy, which showed me how powerful individual voices can be in influencing change.” 

In addition to offering insights into the world of healthcare, the seminar challenged Sumer to hone her professional development skills and meet new connections.

“One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how to network effectively and share my personal brand. For example, we had a session on building connections and making a strong impression.

For Sumer, the trip marked her first visit to the nation’s capital.

“Traveling to Washington, D.C. for the first time was truly an unforgettable experience. I was amazed by the history and landmarks. It was incredible to be surrounded by so many symbols of American history and policy-making,” she said. “After graduating from Rutgers, my goal is to make a meaningful difference in the healthcare field, specifically in healthcare management with a focus on health equity. I want to help create systems and policies that ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their background or circumstances as it’s something I’m super passionate about.”

“My experiences at Douglass have helped prepare me for these future roles. Douglass has provided a supportive community that has encouraged me to take on challenges and believe in my potential,” she said. “It has also shown me that I am capable of achieving my goals and has connected me with students and mentors who inspire me to pursue my passions with confidence.”

To other Douglass students looking to make a difference, Sumer has some words of advice:

“I would say it’s okay to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Traveling to DC on my own was a big step for me, but in that short time, I learned so much and gained valuable lessons, insightful advice, and, most importantly, made connections with incredible people.”