Venita Ramirez, a student at the (COPH), is helping transform the doctoral student experience with the launch of the college鈥檚 first DrPH Peer Mentorship Program (DPMP). Designed to provide tailored support and connection among students, the program reflects a commitment to student-centered leadership, long-term sustainability and academic success.
Inspired by a gap she noticed in her own doctoral journey, Ramirez created the program to complement faculty advising and coaching services with the shared insight of peers who鈥檝e navigated similar academic and personal challenges.
鈥淲hile my cohort received incredible support, I saw how valuable it would be to connect with students further along in the process,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen shared her vision for peer mentorship, I knew I wanted to help bring it to life.鈥�
Ramirez applied a five-phase implementation plan informed by her military and civilian work experience, along with core DrPH competencies. From concept development to full rollout, she leaned on research and development expertise, strategic program optimization and impact assessment methodologies to build the program鈥檚 foundation.
Venita S. Ramirez, MPH, MS, CPH
The DPMP pairs mentors and mentees based on goals, communication preferences and availability. Mentees can seek guidance on a range of topics, including time management, stress or navigating university resources. The structure is intentionally flexible, allowing students to connect through email, video chat or messaging apps鈥攚hatever best suits their schedules.
To ensure the program is built to last, Ramirez developed sustainability tools including a continuity guide for future managers, templates housed on the COPH IT portal and feedback loops to track participant satisfaction and outcomes.
Feedback from the pilot cohort has already shown the power of peer connection.
鈥淥ne student told us they had considered dropping out,鈥� Ramirez said. 鈥淏ut knowing they had nonjudgmental peer support helped them stay the course.鈥�
Another mentee shared that simply having someone approachable and open to help 鈥渕akes it easier to ask questions, stay motivated and manage challenges.鈥�
For Ramirez, that impact is deeply personal.
鈥淢aking a difference in other students鈥� lives is fulfilling,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 believe it creates a ripple effect that will benefit not only the mentees, but also the many lives they will influence in the future.鈥�
Looking ahead, Ramirez hopes to expand the DPMP to include alumni mentors and grow its professional development reach. Her advice for students seeking to launch their own peer support programs?
鈥淪tart with the skills you already have,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd combine that with a passion for helping others. Peer mentorship can be a powerful, transformative experience鈥攆or everyone involved.鈥�