Tally Sharma Venjohn is a 2013 graduate of the MHA program and is currently the Director of Major Gifts at Aeon, a nonprofit in the Twin Cities that works to create and save affordable homes in the community. She lives in Hopkins, MN, with her husband, Chris, and her son, Eddie. She is dedicated to her service on the Scholarship & Awards Committee and is thankful that her time at the U of M has helped guide her to where she is today.
What is your favorite part of volunteering with SPH?
Undoubtedly, it’s the people! I’ve truly enjoyed staying in touch with fellow classmates, as well as SPH team members through my work on the SPH Scholarship and Awards Committee (PDF). There is nothing more gratifying than directly hearing words of thanks from student recipients of the scholarships we award annually. I know that our committee makes a big difference in supporting the next generation of public health professionals!
Why did you decide to volunteer with SPH?
As an SPH alum I continue to employ a valuable learned skill set, as well as enjoy ongoing connections with others who genuinely care about my career growth and success. I wanted to identify a tangible way that I could give back to my experience as an SPH student and alum. It was an added bonus that I could bring some of my own professional expertise to the Scholarship & Awards Committee as a fundraiser. I am passionate about lifting up SPH as a tremendous example of collaboration and passionate innovation in both the Twin Cities and academic communities. The staff at SPH have made it easy for me to channel my energy in this way!
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering with SPH?
Take the plunge! It’s rewarding, challenging, and a wonderful reminder of why I decided to go into public health in the first place. I began by volunteering remotely on the committee when I lived in Kansas City, and have remained involved since moving back to the Twin Cities. I cannot emphasize enough that the SPH staff are always thrilled to work with alumni as volunteers, no matter when you graduated or where you live in the world.
Nominate an Alum for our Volunteer Spotlight Series
The School of Public Health boasts incredible volunteers who help advance our mission and values. Our volunteers serve on boards and committees, mentor current students, serve as guest lecturers, and so much more. Our volunteer spotlight series highlights the incredible contributions these individuals are making to SPH. Know an amazing volunteer at SPH? Submit their name and brief description of why they should be highlighted to sph-alum@umn.edu to be considered for a future spotlight.
