"Communication is a powerful tool for advocating for others, especially in healthcare": Anjili Maharaj ‘25

Anjili Maharaj’s academic and professional journey reflects a consistent dedication to communication and a deep-seated desire to advocate for others. Graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a minor in Asian American Studies, her foundational years also included an Associate of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Diablo Valley College. Before enrolling in the Master’s Degree in Professional Communication (MAPC) program at the University of San Francisco in 2023, Anjili actively explored the communication field through various on-campus roles and off-campus opportunities. She tutored in public speaking, assisted students at the Student Union, and gained experience in content creation through internships and volunteer work.

A turning point in Anjili’s career came during a 2019 internship with an organization supporting minority small business owners. Assisting with administrative tasks and content creation ignited a specific passion: working for a mission-driven organization. Progressing from intern to contractor and eventually securing a full-time role there, she recognized the significance of communication-focused roles within values-driven entities. This experience solidified her desire to further hone her skills, leading her to pursue the MAPC program. Anjili’s passion extends deeply into both communication and healthcare. She believes strongly that "Communication is a powerful tool for advocating for others, especially in healthcare." Driven by core values of equality, compassion, and kindness, she aims to channel her communication abilities to support marginalized communities and promote equitable access to patient-centered care.

When considering graduate programs, Anjili focused primarily on institutions within the Bay Area. USF’s MAPC stood out due to its location, its stated values and mission, and the numerous career and networking avenues it presented. The program’s offering of three distinct concentrations – Technical, Strategic, and Health – also appealed to her. Recognizing the breadth of the communication field, Anjili appreciated the program’s commitment and the dedication of its advisors in guiding students toward their specific areas of interest.

Anjili chose the Health Communication concentration because its coursework directly resonated with her aspirations. The classes offered were closely aligned with her future career goals in healthcare advocacy. She feels confident that the knowledge and skills gained through this concentration will enable her to effectively contribute to roles where patient-centered communication is essential for equitable and accessible care. Reflecting on her learning, Anjili recalls a consistent theme from her cross-cultural business communication course with Professor Tika Lamsal: the importance of empathy and patience in all communication, particularly across cultures. This value has remained with her. Similarly, in Professor Kevin Slattery’s Media Advocacy course, the emphasis on identifying and leading with core values – for Anjili, these are equality, compassion, and kindness – has shaped her approach to her communication work.

Anjili’s time at USF provided clarity regarding her future career path. The curriculum and the interactions with experienced professors and professionals, particularly in her Health Communication Seminar, exposed her to real-world applications of communication in healthcare. A memorable project involved collaborating with Mobilize Love, an organization providing mobile resources and educational opportunities to underserved communities. Her class developed a strategic communication plan for them, offering a tangible opportunity to apply their learning. This experience, early in her MAPC journey, solidified her focus on health communication and her desire to work with mission-driven organizations. The supportive cohort and the networking opportunities further affirmed her chosen direction. Anjili’s experience at USF has been instrumental in defining her beginning career, equipping her with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical insights needed to pursue her ambitions in health communication and advocacy.