Lisberma Peralta Aquino is an MPH candidate in Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, enrolled through the Columbia-Vassar 4+1 program. Her studies center on the ways social, political, historical, cultural, psychological, and economic forces shape health outcomes and access to care. She holds a B.A. in Neuroscience & Behavior and English Literature from Vassar College, graduating with departmental honors in both fields. Lisberma has extensive experience in public health outreach and civic engagement through her work with the City of Passaic, NJ, where she has supported the Mayor’s Office since 2020 in roles ranging from Office Manager to Mayor’s Assistant. In these positions, she has overseen public health communication campaigns, coordinated large-scale community events, and managed public health initiatives, some even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During her time as a practicum student in Summer 2025, she contributed to the development of Bridging the Divide: Exploring the Relationship Between NCDs and Mental Health and Wellbeing for Children, Youth, and Families, a global compendium highlighting the bidirectional and complex relationship between NCDs and mental health. In this role, she reviewed submissions, coordinated communications, and helped organize the hybrid launch event at Columbia University’s Medical Center. Across her work, Lisberma aspires to continue bridging local government, public health research, and advocacy to advance healthier, more inclusive systems.