Sanaa Akbarali

Sanaa Akbarali has a comprehensive background in public health with a focus on maternal and child health. Sanaa began their career in 2012 as an intern at the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, where they gained experience working with children and youth with special health care needs. During this time, they also worked as a Graduate Student Assistant in the Department of Maternal and Child Health at George Washington University.

In 2013, Sanaa became a Research Associate in the Department of Health Policy at George Washington University, where they contributed to research projects in the field of health policy. Sanaa held this role until 2015 when they transitioned to the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

At the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Sanaa began as an Analyst in Maternal and Child Health before being promoted to Senior Analyst. In 2017, they became the Director of Family and Child Health, and in 2021, they were elevated to their current position as Senior Director of Maternal and Infant Health. In these roles, Sanaa has been responsible for overseeing and implementing initiatives aimed at improving the health outcomes of mothers and infants at the state and territorial level.

Sanaa Akbarali earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and French from the University of Oklahoma in 2009. Sanaa then went on to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a specialization in Maternal and Child Health from The George Washington University- Milken Institute School of Public Health, completing their studies in 2013.