When Chiamaka Akujuobi, M.P.H. (B.S. ’19, M.P.H. ’25) was growing up in Chesapeake and Suffolk, she imagined a future as an OB-GYN. Later, she considered nursing. But her path ultimately led her to an unexpected passion — senior care.

“I’ve always wanted to help people,” Chiamaka said. “I just didn’t know what form that would take.”

Her journey began in recreational therapy, where she discovered how meaningful connection and purposeful activities can improve lives. After earning her bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism from Old Dominion 91Ƶ in 2019, she became a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and worked as an activity director in a senior care facility. 

The job was challenging. Many people, including some residents of the senior care home where she worked, didn’t understand how recreational activities could combat isolation and give seniors a sense of motivation and purpose.

Seeking a broader impact, Chiamaka enrolled part time in the Master of Public Health program at the Joint School of Public Health (JSPH) at Old Dominion 91Ƶ and Norfolk 91Ƶ 91Ƶ, graduating in May 2025. 

“I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do,” she said. “I just knew I wanted to make a difference in public health.”

That connection became even more personal when Chiamaka started her public health practicum with Meals on Wheels in Spring 2025. Under the mentorship of Executive Director Megan Mann and with the encouragement of Michele Kekeh, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor in the JSPH, who introduced her to the organization, Chiamaka dove into data analysis and programming for her final project, using client surveys to improve services.

 “For many of the clients, Meals on Wheels isn’t just a meal, it’s often their only conversation of the day,” she said. 

Along with the socialization, the meals must also meet nutritional needs and standards, so she analyzed phone survey data from clients to determine where needs were being met and what could be improved. 

From there, the practicum turned into her full-time career. In August, Chiamaka began working as operations director for Meals on Wheels in Chesapeake. Her responsibilities now include tracking meal counts, preparing audits for funding partners and reports for the Board of Directors, holding volunteer appreciation events and much more. Although only in the job for a few months, she plans to use her analytical skills from her M.P.H. to learn more about coding and tracking data to improve the daily lives of senior citizens. 

“It’s a lot of moving parts, but it’s exactly where I want to be,” she said. “I’m building my leadership skills and making evidence-based decisions that matter.”

It came as no surprise that Chiamaka’s practicum experience turned into her full-time career after graduation, Dr. Kekeh said. 

“Her work ethic, humility and devotion to helping others were evident throughout her studies,” Dr. Kekeh said. “She was eager to apply her statistical knowledge to help the organization make sense of its data. I had the greatest pleasure of advising her throughout her practicum."

However, Chiamaka’s path wasn’t without setbacks. Shortly after graduation, she fell ill and is in the process of being diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. “I wondered, did I do all this education to not be able to work?” she said. “But Meals on Wheels kept me going.”

She credits the M.P.H. program with helping her grow personally and professionally. “It shaped my confidence and opened up my horizons,” she said. “People are as big as their environment. I love being part of something bigger than myself.”

Chiamaka said she hopes to continue growing with the organization and make a lasting impact. 

“Dr. Kekeh introduced me to a heaven-sent work environment,” she said. “I truly found my purpose. I can’t fix the world, but I can do my part.”