Dr Walani is a global health professional who has held leadership and advisory positions in several international organisations including the MiracleFeet, WHO, March of Dimes and New York University, resulting in significant impact through global health initiatives, maternal and child health programs, and nursing education and practice.
Before joining AKU, Dr Walani was Global Policy and Advocacy Advisor at MiracleFeet – a US-based not-for-profit organisation with programmes in 35 countries, and previously worked as Vice President of Global Programs at the March of Dimes Foundation, USA for almost a decade. She has taught extensively in graduate nursing programs at Felician University, University of Connecticut, Arizona State University and Pace University, New York. Early in her career, she was on the faculty of AKU-SONAM as well.
Dr Walani obtained her initial nursing and midwifery education from AKU and later pursued further education in the US. She holds a PhD in Nursing Research and Theory Development from New York University, a Master of Public Health from Harvard University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Simmons College, Boston, USA.
After three decades of working and living in the US, Dr Walani has returned to her alma mater to serve as the current Dean.
Dr Walani believes in equity, inclusion and collaboration at all levels. Bringing a wealth of global leadership and networking experience and distinguished academic qualifications, she leads AKU-SONAM towards new heights of institutional excellence through global and national partnerships and by increased alignment with AKU’s mission and vision.
