Phionah Atukunda

Dynamic Wellness Caregiver Coordinator at Home Watch Caregivers of Austin, adept at enhancing client well-being through effective communication and health promotion strategies. Proven expertise in grant writing and team management, successfully coordinated community health initiatives that improved access to care and fostered healthier lifestyles. Patient-focused professional equipped with administrative and customer service expertise. Helps keep healthcare services proceeding smoothly by coordinating communications, referrals, and policy enforcement. Talented in finding balanced solutions and resolving conflicts.

• Attendee, Whole Health, Whole Communities Symposium, Roanoke Virginia, 05/01/25
• Attendee, American Evaluation Association Conference, Portland, Oregon, 10/01/24
• Presenter, Virginia Public Health Association Conference (VPHA), Richmond, Virginia, 09/01/24, Title 'Advancing Community Health through One Health CARES Student Engaged Service-Learning Project in Uganda'
• Presenter, One Health Symposium, 08/01/23, Contributed to interdisciplinary discussions showcasing innovative approaches to Maternal and Child Health, Elderly Healthcare and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health in Uganda.

• Grant recipient, Early career development with Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH), U.K., 02/01/23, https://www.rstmh.org/news-blog/blogs/nihr-grant-awardees-2023
• Recipient, International Youth Exchange Fellowship, Danish Youth Program, Denmark., 07/01/11
• Recipient, Government of Uganda Merit Scholarship for the undergraduate diploma in orthopedic technology., 11/01/07

• Practicum: Evaluation of One Health CARES Projects, Virginia Tech & Makerere University, Uganda, Summer 2023, Evaluated community health initiatives, including Mama Kits, Menstrual Health Kits, Elderly Health, and Public Market Toilet projects, implemented by Virginia Tech and Makerere University students. Conducted interviews with students and key informants to assess program design, implementation, and outcomes. Administered surveys to community beneficiaries to measure project impact and long-term sustainability. Analyzed findings to provide recommendations on effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of community-based health interventions.
• Integrated Learning Experience (ILE) Project: 2024 Annual Report Development, Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension – River Street Education (RSE), Petersburg, VA, Spring semester 2025, Produced the 2024 Annual Report for RSE, a Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension project focused on food accessibility and reducing food insecurity in Petersburg, VA. Evaluated three major initiatives: Market @ Petersburg Public Library (PPL), the Local Food Purchase Assistance (Farm to Pantry) Program, and the Food is Medicine (Produce Prescription) initiative. Conducted data analysis, community interviews, and vendor consultations to assess program performance, community impact, and sustainability. Documented the role of SNAP and Virginia Fresh Match, which supported 1 in 6 sales dollars at Market @ PPL. Delivered recommendations to strengthen program reach, long-term sustainability, and equity in local food systems.

• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), 05/01/25, 05/01/30
• Member, Public Health Association – Virginia Tech, 01/01/23, Present
• Member, American Evaluation Association, 10/01/24, Present
• Member, Allied Health Professionals of Uganda, 04/01/11, Present

• Assistant Student Leader, Honors Residential Commons, East Ambler Hall, Virginia Tech, 08/01/24, Present, Organize and facilitate student activities and events to build a sense of community and engagement among residents. Coordinate with faculty, staff, and peers to design programs that support academic, personal, and social growth. Promote inclusivity and cultural competence by implementing diverse and inclusive programs. Acted as a mentor and resource for students, providing guidance and support to enhance their residential experience.
• Member of Academic Public Health Corp, Virginia Tech Department of Population Health Sciences in Partnership with New River Health District, 10/01/24, Present, Develop and manage social media content to promote public health initiatives and services offered by the New River Health District. Collaborate with public health professionals to design social media posts for engaging diverse community audiences. Enhance public health communication by creating evidence-based posts tailored to address local health priorities and improve health literacy.
• Chairperson, Uganda Red Cross Society, 2008, 2010, Kampala, Uganda
• Finance Minister, Reproductive Health Uganda, 2009, 2010
• Project Manager, St. Luke Chaplaincy (Anglican Church), 2009, 2010
• Facilitator (Trainer of Trainers), Uganda Red Cross Society, 03/01/19, 12/01/20, Designed and delivered 24 training sessions to equip volunteers and staff with essential skills in first aid, disaster response, and community health education. Developed a Life Planning Skills Manual for youth leaders. Mentored over 200 trainers in leadership skills and enhanced their capacity to lead community outreach initiatives.