Staff spotlight: Tori Robinson, population health specialist

The Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute is proud to shine a light on one of our newest team members, Tori Robinson, who serves as MEWI’s first Population Health Specialist. With nearly twenty years of experience in the mental health field, Tori brings a deep commitment to community-centered care and a passion for supporting individuals and families across Mississippi. Her work strengthens MEWI’s mission by helping community members access essential resources, navigate barriers and receive compassionate, person-focused support. The following Q&A offers a closer look at Tori’s journey, her role and the vision she brings to MEWI.

What inspired your career in mental health, and how has that journey prepared you for your new role as a Population Health Specialist at MEWI?

I’ve always had a genuine concern for others, and that’s what drew me into mental health. Working in inpatient psychiatric care and outpatient therapy taught me how to truly listen, understand people’s struggles, and help them navigate tough moments. Those experiences prepared me for this role by showing me how important it is to meet people where they are and support the whole person, not just their immediate needs.

What drew you to MEWI, and what excites you about being the first person in this position?

I was drawn to MEWI because of its mission to eliminate health disparities and uplift communities across Mississippi. Being the first Population Health Specialist is exciting because I get to help shape what this role looks like and be part of something that can truly make a difference.

How do you define “population health,” and what does a community-centered approach mean in your day-to-day work?

I would say that population health means improving the well-being of entire communities by looking at the bigger picture, not just health but everything that impacts it. A community-centered approach means listening to people, understanding their barriers, and connecting them with real support and resources. That might be rental or utility assistance, emergency food bags, or simply being there when someone needs a listening ear.

MEWI focuses on reducing health disparities across Mississippi. How do you see your work contributing to that mission?

By helping our clients access basic community resources and support, we are addressing some of the major challenges that lead to health disparities in this state. Each client that our clinic is able to help is one more step closer toward improving stability and access to resources in their communities.

What are your goals for your first year in this role, and what impact do you hope to make for the individuals and communities you serve?

My goals are to build strong relationships, increase awareness of available resources and create a reliable system for helping individuals get what they need. Most of all, I hope to make people feel supported and seen, and help remove some of the burdens that make life harder for so many.