When Aaliyah Olvera Vanzzini began her college journey, she was torn between two distinct paths: nursing or business. Driven by her passion for healthcare, she initially chose the pre-nursing track. But as the coursework unfolded, Aaliyah realized something wasn’t quite right. “I was in a slump,” she recalls, unsure of her next steps.
That’s when Sarah Johnson, director of the Health Services Management program at the Fairbanks School of Public Health, stepped into her first-year seminar class. Sarah’s presentation opened Aaliyah’s eyes to an entirely new world—one that combined her love for healthcare with the strategic and operational elements she admired in business. Inspired, Aaliyah didn’t waste time. The very next day, she switched her major to Health Services Management, a decision she describes as life-changing.
“Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made,” Aaliyah says. “The HSM program introduced me to a side of healthcare I didn’t even know existed.”
Aaliyah’s time at Fairbanks was more than just classroom learning. She dove headfirst into practical experiences, securing three distinct internships that shaped her career. Her first stop was at the Versiti Blood Center of Indiana, where she explored the complexities of healthcare operations in a nonprofit setting. From coordinating blood donation logistics to supporting life-saving procedures, she saw how vital behind-the-scenes work is in the healthcare system.
Next, Aaliyah interned with the Indiana Department of Health’s Office of Minority Health. Here, she found her passion for equity, working alongside leadership to address health disparities affecting minority communities across the state.
“It was incredibly rewarding to see how OMH’s initiatives made a tangible difference in people’s lives,” she says.
Her third and final internship brought her to Forvis Mazars, LLP as a healthcare reimbursement intern. This role gave her hands-on experience with Medicare and Medicaid cost reporting for nursing facilities. Her performance during this internship didn’t go unnoticed—upon graduation, Forvis Mazars offered her a full-time role as a healthcare consultant.
Today, Aaliyah thrives in her new role in Indianapolis. “No two days are the same,” she says. Much of her time is spent preparing detailed cost reports for clients, attending professional development conferences, and collaborating with her team on consulting engagements. Her favorite part of the job? The dynamic environment and constant learning opportunities.
Aaliyah’s transition from student to professional has been seamless, thanks in part to the lessons she learned at Fairbanks.
“The most valuable thing I learned was the importance of asking questions,” she emphasizes. “It’s okay not to know everything. What’s important is being curious and speaking up.”
Reflecting on her college years, Aaliyah has some advice for current and prospective students: stop comparing yourself to others. “Everyone’s path is different, and that’s okay,” she says. “Focus on your journey, and don’t be afraid to take risks.”
She also encourages students to embrace the network of support at Fairbanks.
“The HSM program is like a family. Everyone wants to see you succeed, and they’ll help you get there,” she shares. It’s this sense of community that Aaliyah treasures most, along with the relationships she built along the way.
One of Aaliyah’s proudest moments came shortly after graduation, when she was awarded the 2024 Outstanding Student Award from the Fairbanks School of Public Health. “It was an incredible honor,” she says. “It felt like all my hard work had paid off.”
Looking ahead, Aaliyah is excited about her future. While she’s currently focused on growing in her role at Forvis Mazars, she has her sights set on returning to Fairbanks for a Master of Health Administration. “I’m eager to keep learning and expanding my expertise,” she says.
For Aaliyah, Fairbanks was more than just an academic institution; it was a launchpad for a fulfilling career in healthcare. From her initial doubts to her growing confidence in the HSM program, she’s proof that the right guidance and opportunities can make all the difference. And while her journey is far from over, she’s already inspiring the next generation of healthcare leaders.
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