Praveena Fernes

Praveena joins the 826 team as the 2024-25 Research Fellow.

She brings a unique depth of experience that bridges community-engaged research, critical public health, and creative storytelling. As a Marshall and Fulbright scholar, Praveena had opportunities to explore issues of social justice across different communities that have reinforced her belief in the importance of improving access to scholarship opportunities for young students of color. She is currently a PhD candidate at The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), where she is exploring the place-based experiences of people who are homeless and seek drug and alcohol services in East London.

Her journey into the world of storytelling and community engaged writing began in high school, when she discovered the transformative potential of writing and oral history through educational programming she received from Voice of Witness (VOW). She now is a member of VOW’s education advisory board and is passionate about creating pathways for under-represented voices to thrive in academia and beyond.