"Giving people a hand up instead of a handout transforms lives. When equipped with the right tools, most individuals seize the opportunity to uplift themselves. My life's work has been dedicated to empowering underserved communities, ensuring they have a fair shot at a brighter future."   

- Dr. Troy Nash          

Growing up was no walk in the park for Dr. Troy Nash. He faced the tough realities of poverty and a single-parent household, often navigating life in public housing. But instead of letting his circumstances weigh him down, young Troy found his escape in books. They opened up a whole new world for him, sparking a love for reading that stuck with him for over 35 years! It’s pretty remarkable, especially considering he was often labeled as “not college material” during his school days. But that didn’t slow him down one bit. Dr. Nash has made it his mission to advocate for underserved communities, working hard to improve their quality of life and help others rise above their challenges. As he puts it, “I’ve dedicated my life to uplifting overlooked communities and people because I know what it feels like to be made to feel invisible because of where you come from. I won’t stop until these communities get the opportunities they deserve to thrive.”

Brown University Student Spotlight: Championing Affordable Housing

By Mekenna Ledbetter GS

Troy Nash, family business owner, makes big moves in his home state of Missouri

A man in a suit and tie is smiling for the camera

Affordable housing is an essential social determinant of health, yet millions of Americans do not have access to affordable housing options. We spoke with Dr. Troy Nash, an affordable housing real estate developer and Brown University MPH student, who is working alongside his daughter to increase affordable housing options for individuals living in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Kansas City, Missouri and across the country.


In the following interview Nash discusses his background, what inspired him to pursue public health, why he’s passionate about affordable housing and how he’s applying what he’s learned in the Online MPH program to his work. (Click On The Photo To Learn More). 

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