Who she is…

Dr. Marissa Robinson, DrPH, MPH, is a nationally recognized public health leader, equity champion, and infectious disease expert dedicated to transforming systems and empowering communities. With over a decade of experience, she has led high-impact national initiatives advancing HIV/AIDS prevention, vaccine equity, and health outcomes for historically underserved populations.

Dr. Robinson currently serves as a Health Equity Specialist Lead and Co-Lead of the Black Women’s Initiative (BWI) at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, where she shapes strategy across HIV, STIs, vaccines, and antimicrobial resistance. She previously led the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative for over five years—driving cross-sector collaboration and measurable nationwide impact.

In addition to her federal leadership roles, she is the Principal Consultant of Real Health Impact, LLC, where she partners with organizations to advance equity-driven public health solutions, cultivate culturally responsive strategies, and build sustainable, community-centered programs.

Her career began as a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo, West Africa, and has since included critical roles at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CDC Foundation, and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). She is also the Vice President of the National Association for Doctors of Public Health (NADrPH) and an adjunct professor at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University.

Dr. Robinson holds a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) from Morgan State University, a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Emory University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Spelman College. She also completed a prestigious predoctoral fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Medicine, further sharpening her expertise in evidence-based policy, health equity, and infectious disease prevention.

A passionate mentor, she has provided guidance and support to hundreds of emerging public health professionals and doctoral candidates, helping shape the next generation of changemakers. She brings a unique blend of strategic leadership, technical expertise, and community-centered advocacy to every endeavor.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Robinson is a certified Zumba instructor, blending her love for movement, wellness, and joy.

Let’s build something meaningful—together.