Based in Chicago, Illinois, Aisha Tepede is the Manager of Global Health Education at the American Academy of Pediatrics (APA). She works with healthcare providers worldwide to develop equity-centered curricula and foster cross-cultural learning, ensuring programs reflect the voices and needs of the children and families they serve.

Aisha’s passion for global health began during an immersion in Cape Town, South Africa, where coursework, in-country learning, and volunteer work with local organizations gave her a deeper understanding of the country’s history, culture, and health challenges. The experience inspired her commitment to creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration across borders.

At AAP, she is most excited about leading the 2025 Global Health Education Course, Global Health Now: Current Issues and Emerging Trends, and launching a training at APHA 2025 on Decolonizing Global Health: GHEARD’s Approach to Advancing Equity. Both initiatives reflect her dedication to advancing equity through education and creating space for critical reflection and dialogue.

Guided by Dr. Maya Angelou’s words—“people will never forget how you made them feel”—Aisha sees leadership as a chance to shape learning experiences that inspire, challenge, and empower others.