Staff Members
Julie Lubisi
Executive Director
Public Health Association of Nebraska
Julie joins PHAN with over 20 years of experience advancing public health locally and globally through advocacy, research, evaluation, and community-based practice. Her interdisciplinary work has focused on HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, child welfare, immigrant and refugee health, and workforce development. She is currently a PhD candidate in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, where her research examines how healthcare systems can better respond to gender-based violence.
Julie is passionate about strengthening the public health workforce, advancing advocacy, and ensuring the sustainability of programs and research that address pressing community needs. She looks forward to collaborating with PHAN’s members and partners to co-create solutions for a stronger, more resilient future for all Nebraskans. Outside of work, Julie enjoys cheering on her daughter at volleyball games and planning her next travel adventure.
Maria Bergner
MPH Practicum Student
University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health
Maria Bergner is a Master of Public Health candidate with a concentration in Health Administration and Policy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and has a diverse background in midwifery, public education, and medical missionary work overseas. These experiences have shaped her passion for public health and her commitment to preventing disease, improving access to resources, and addressing health inequities affecting marginalized and underserved communities.
Maria is particularly interested in rural health, public health advocacy, social determinants of health, and community-based approaches to improving health outcomes locally and globally. She hopes to use her public health education and varied professional experiences to help bridge gaps in resources and opportunities for communities in need. Following her MPH, Maria plans to pursue a Doctor of Public Health (DrPh) and continue working toward more equitable and accessible public health systems.
Esha Noor Butt
Student Intern
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Hi! I'm Esha, and I'm currently a senior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha pursuing a double major in Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice. I am especially looking forward to being a representative of the Student Collaboration and Leadership Program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha for PHAN. As a pre-law student, I find it terrifically important to understand the intricacies of the work that organizations dedicated to communal welfare do. My background spans legal case analysis, educational support, and client support, all of which I hope to bring meaningfully to the Collaborative at UNO and PHAN's efforts. I am particularly passionate about the intersection of public health and social justice, and I look forward to learning how PHAN navigates that space across Nebraska.
I have over three years of experience working with community-based departments, where I have engaged directly with clients through case management, outreach, and advocacy, supporting individuals across legal, workforce development, and rehabilitation contexts. Beyond direct service, I have contributed to qualitative and quantitative research and organizational communications, developing a well-rounded foundation in both the human and systemic dimensions of community work. Even through my research experience, I have seen working closely with vulnerable populations as a means to extend communal services beyond simply data measurements and data collection.
In my free time, I enjoy writing fiction, cooking mostly our traditional dishes, and spending time volunteering at the Felius Cafe, where my favorite cat is Griffin.
Connecting Public Health in Nebraska for over 75 Years
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