‘My immigrant perspective gave me a heightened antenna for injustice’: Dr. Mona Hanna at the 2025 Welcoming Interactive

The 2025 Welcoming Interactive is coming to Detroit, Michigan this May. From the Underground Railroad and Great Migration to today’s immigrant and refugee communities setting down roots, Michigan’s history of migration and inclusion runs deep. That legacy of welcoming will take center stage at this year’s conference.

We’re spotlighting leaders, organizations, and efforts from Michigan and beyond that are building stronger, healthier, more inclusive places — which is why we’re so excited to announce one of our inspiring plenary speakers.

Dr. Mona Hanna—pediatrician, scientist, activist, and author—will kick off the conference the morning of Wednesday, May 21 with her personal immigrant story and her ongoing fight for public health and safety in Michigan, creating a more welcoming future for all.

Dr. Mona was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and USA Today’s Women of the Century for her role in uncovering the Flint water crisis. She is the Associate Dean and Professor of Public Health at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine.

Read on for Dr. Mona’s pre-conference reflections.

Without giving too much away, what can attendees expect to hear from you at the Welcoming Interactive?

Folks will hear the story of an immigrant that wasn’t supposed to be in this country. They will hear how she helped uncover one of the most emblematic environmental and public health crises of our time and how she continues to resist the status quo and fight for justice.

How does your personal story drive your work?

When my family and I immigrated to this country, Lady Liberty’s arms were wide open. By and large, we were welcomed and as such, I grew up confident and competent and committed to service.

That personal background drives all my work. It is why I went into medicine and public health and why I am an advocate.

I have always thought that my immigrant perspective gave me a heightened antenna for injustice — a different perspective on how I see the world and how I work. And most importantly, a sense of duty to give back.

What suggestions do you have for the average person who wants to foster welcoming, equity, and belonging in their community?

Say hi to everyone. Give hugs. Be kind. Read books. Vote.