Raya’s Journey: Strengthening Families, Building Communities

Raya Francis advocates for family well-being and is a dedicated member of UMD’s international community. Now in her second year as a Ph.D. student in the Department of Family Science at the School of Public Health, Raya brings her deep commitment to family health, research, and community engagement to our campus.

Originally from Beit Meri, a town near Beirut, Lebanon, Raya’s research focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating family-centered programs that promote health and resilience in the U.S. and globally. She firmly believes that when families thrive, entire communities flourish, strengthening public health efforts worldwide.

Raya is a polyglot, fluent in Arabic, French, Spanish, and English, which helps her connect with diverse communities and perspectives. In the Fall of 2024, she welcomed new students as an International Orientation Leader (IOL) and now serves on the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB). As an ISAB member, she is dedicated to amplifying the voices of international students and strengthening connections with university leadership. 

Her advice to fellow international students? Embrace the journey, seek support, and celebrate what makes you unique: “Your unique background is your strength; let it shine!”