Dr. Simita Mishra

Jack Welch Management Institute

“Strategic thinker, lifelong learner, passionate about leveraging data and innovation for social impact.”

Age: 42

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Fun fact about yourself: I have traveled to 55 countries and completed 18 marathons and 23 half marathons.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Pune University, PhD in health informatics; ; University of Mumbai, Bachelor’s in Business

Where are you currently working? Currently I work at Northwell Health as Enterprise Lead for Population Health Informatics and at Hofstra University as a Professor in the Population Health Department.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of the achievements I’m most proud of is leading key population health initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic that accelerated our organization’s shift from volume-based to value-based care. I played a central role in implementing data-driven strategies to identify at-risk populations and manage chronic conditions and close care gaps – all while addressing the social determinants of health that became even more pronounced during the crisis.

In addition to these efforts, I served as a vaccine influencer within my organization and community, helping to address vaccine hesitancy through culturally-sensitive outreach, education, and trust-building. By combining clinical insights with empathetic communication, I was able to support public health goals and ensure greater vaccine uptake among vulnerable groups.

This experience reinforced my passion for health equity and my belief in the power of innovation, data and cross-sector collaboration to drive meaningful, scalable impact –especially when people need it most.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I already have a few degrees under my belt and have spent almost two decades in healthcare. I wanted a program that combined flexibility with leadership excellence. The Jack Welch Management Institute (JWMI) had applied learning and executive-level content taught by business leaders, and it was exactly what I needed to grow professionally while managing a demanding role.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? I really enjoyed the discussions with classmates from diverse industries and the real-time application of course material to my current role.

How did your online experience compare with your in-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? The online MBA experience was far more interactive, practical and immediately applicable to my professional responsibilities. Unlike my earlier academic experiences where I was a high-performing but relatively inexperienced student, this time I was able to draw upon years of real-world experience to contextualize and apply concepts in meaningful ways. The coursework was deeply aligned with real-time challenges in my role, making the learning more relevant and impactful. Additionally, the format fostered more intentional and thoughtful engagement with both peers and faculty, creating a collaborative learning environment that exceeded my expectations.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Be intentional with your time. Set weekly learning goals and actively participate – your network and growth depend on it.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? It has sharpened my strategic thinking, enhanced my leadership presence, and improved my ability to drive cross-functional initiatives aligned with business goals.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? While I have not yet received a formal promotion, the transformation in my leadership style, strategic thinking, and professional confidence has been profound. Through the program, I’ve adopted a more executive-level approach to communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. I now lead with greater clarity, purpose and agility.

More importantly, the MBA experience has reignited my ambition and expanded my vision for what’s possible. After 11 years in the same role, I’ve been inspired and empowered to actively seek new career opportunities that better align with my growth and capabilities. That alone is a promotion of mindset. I’m now more prepared than ever to pursue a bigger role where I can apply what I’ve learned and continue to evolve.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? Having already earned advanced degrees in healthcare, I was looking for a program that would strengthen my leadership capabilities in a way that transcends industry boundaries. I wanted a business education that was both practical and broadly applicable, with an emphasis on strategic thinking and executive decision-making. The online MBA format offered the flexibility I needed to balance a demanding career, family responsibilities and academic growth – allowing me to immediately apply what I was learning without stepping away from my professional role. It was the ideal way to accelerate my development while maintaining forward momentum in my career.

How many hours per week did you spend on your online MBA? 20 hours

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate goal is to lead a global health innovation organization that harnesses the power of data, digital technologies and strategic cross-sector partnerships to transform healthcare delivery. I aim to develop scalable, evidence-based solutions that reduce health disparities, especially in underserved populations, and drive measurable improvements in patient outcomes worldwide. By integrating cutting-edge tools like AI, real-time analytics, and personalized digital interventions, I envision creating systems that not only treat illness but also promote long-term wellness, equity and access to care on a global scale.

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