General Information

Name	Apekshya
Last Name	Pokhrel
Nickname	apekshya_pokhrel

Background

Organization	Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology
Professional Title	Business Analytics Student – Cambrian College
Bio and Background	I am currently studying Business Analytics at Cambrian College. I have a growing interest in using data to solve real-world problems, especially in areas like public health and community support. Through my course and projects, I have been learning tools like Power BI, Excel, SQL, and Python to analyze and visualize data. I enjoy working in teams and am excited to apply what I have learned to projects that make a meaningful impact.
Why I am a Force for Health® Member...	I joined the Force for Health Network because I wanted to be part of something that combines learning and community service. This project gives me the chance to work on real public health data while also supporting important causes. It is a great opportunity to grow my skills and be part of a team that’s trying to improve lives through technology and education
How I use the Force for Health Network Tools	The tools provided by the Force for Health Network help me understand how public health and data come together. They give me a better view of how we can use data to track health trends, build useful dashboards, and engage people in their own wellness. These tools also help me stay organized and collaborate better with my team.
My inspiration	I’m inspired by people who dedicate themselves to helping others—especially those in healthcare and education. Growing up in a community where access to reliable health information was limited, I saw how a lack of awareness affected people’s well-being. Many didn’t know how to manage basic health issues, not because they didn’t care, but because they didn’t have the right information. This made me realize the importance of accessible knowledge and sparked my interest in data analytics. I want to use data to help bridge that gap and support communities in making informed decisions for a healthier future.
Location	I am currently in Sudbury, Ontario. However, I consider my community to be both the place where I live now and the one I grew up in back home. My roots are in a small town where people support each other, but often lack access to health education and services. Now living in Canada, I see similar challenges faced by newcomers and underrepresented groups. So for me, “my community” includes anyone who may be underserved or overlooked when it comes to health awareness and support—no matter where they are.
What would you like people to know about your community?	I come from a close-knit community where people are hardworking, supportive, and deeply rooted in tradition. While there is a strong sense of togetherness, many still face challenges when it comes to access to healthcare, education, and digital resources. Despite these limitations, there’s a genuine willingness to help one another and a strong desire to improve. I believe that with the right tools and information, communities like mine can grow stronger and healthier, and I hope to be part of that positive change through the work I do.

My Citizenship Health Factors

Some of the factors that have been challenging for me have been...	Coming from Nepal, one of the challenges I’ve faced is the difference in how health systems work between countries. In my hometown, many people rely on home remedies or don’t seek help until the problem becomes serious. After moving to Canada, understanding how to access proper healthcare, especially as an international student, was confusing at first. I’ve also struggled to balance my mental health while adjusting to a new environment, working part-time, and studying full-time.
It's important for me to be part of my community's health because...	I have seen how a lack of awareness can harm people’s health. Being part of my community’s health gives me a chance to share useful information, support others going through similar struggles, and help people make better choices. Even small efforts—like sharing tips or checking in on someone—can make a real difference.
Some of the strength of my community health factors are:	In Nepal, people in my community truly care for each other. If someone is sick or going through a hard time, neighbors and relatives always step in to help. There’s a strong sense of emotional support and togetherness. Here in Canada, I’ve also found that there are many good resources, and students are becoming more open about mental health and wellness, which I think is a big step forward.
Some of the challenges in my community regarding certain health factors are:	One of the biggest challenges is the lack of awareness about preventive care. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health issues often go undiagnosed. There’s also hesitation around discussing mental health or seeking professional help, which makes it harder for people to get the support they need.
I believe I can help improve my community's health by...	Using what I’ve learned in analytics to make health data more understandable. I can create simple visuals or share insights that help people recognize patterns and risks in everyday life. I also want to encourage open conversations about health so that people feel more comfortable asking questions and looking after themselves

Advancing the DREAM

Advancing the DREAM - What it means to me

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words remind us that good healthcare should not be a privilege—it should be a basic right for everyone, no matter where they come from. Growing up, I saw how lack of health education and access affected many people in my community. They often didn’t get the help they needed simply because they didn’t know where to go or didn’t feel supported. To me, advancing the DREAM means using what I’ve learned to help close those gaps. It means working toward a future where everyone—regardless of race, income, or background—has access to clear, reliable health information and support. Through my work, I want to make sure no one is left behind because of where they live or what they don’t know.

My Action Pledge to Advance the DREAM?

In 2025, I pledge to focus on making health information more accessible and easier to understand—especially for communities that often get overlooked. I will use my data and analytics skills to create visuals, messages, or tools that help people take control of their own health. Whether it’s through small awareness projects or supporting larger efforts like this capstone, I will do my part to share knowledge, encourage action, and stand for health equity in everything I do.

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