Namandje Wali

Namandje Wali holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of New Haven, where she is also a proud alumna. Her academic and professional trajectory reflects a sustained commitment to advancing population health and promoting health equity, grounded in the belief that inclusive, equitable, and belonging-centered environments are essential to excellence in education, service, and practice.  Prior to joining The Tow Youth Justice Institute (TYJI) as Senior Project Manager for the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee (JJPOC), Namandje managed the North Hartford Ascend pipeline initiative, a cradle-to-career, place-based effort aligning health, education, and social systems to improve outcomes for children and families. She previously worked at Health Equity Solutions, further strengthening her focus on equity-driven policy and systems change. Passionate about public interest issues—particularly those impacting child health and juvenile justice—Namandje is committed to designing systems that address inequities in access and opportunity and advance health as a fundamental human right. She currently serves as a professor, mentoring undergraduate students to critically examine the structural drivers of health and justice. A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Namandje brings a values-driven approach to policy development, systems reform, and advocacy in service of children, families, and communities.