PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (May 19, 2025) – Looking in the mirror, Ruchika Gupta remembers what she saw—and how she felt: frustrated by health challenges that led to weight gain and constant body pain. She still hears the echoes of recent body-shaming experiences and her own inner critic tearing down her self-confidence. More than anything, she just wanted to feel like herself again.
Fed up with these external and internal struggles, she found a flicker of determination: there had to be a better way to care for her wellbeing. That spark soon ignited a bigger idea—what if she could help others avoid similar struggles?
She envisioned a platform that made health and wellness more accessible, convenient, and supportive for everyone, no matter their circumstances. That vision, paired with her personal journey and her growing expertise in leadership through her Ph.D. studies at Prairie View A&M University, laid the foundation for what would become Health Click Away.
Gupta founded the wellness app in 2020 to provide accessible, personalized health support for people around the world facing similar challenges. As she graduates this spring with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, she reflects on how her journey at PVAMU helped her transform private pain into public purpose.
A native of Delhi, India, Gupta brings an impressive academic background that includes degrees in elementary education, mathematics, and multiple advanced education credentials. Though not a first-generation college student, her path to a doctorate has been both personal and globally inspired.
Drawn to PVAMU for its reputation and inclusive environment, she immersed herself in the Educational Leadership Program within the Whitlowe R. Green College of Education. Her graduate assistant role under Dr. Pamela Barber-Freeman, professor and interim department head, offered a behind-the-scenes look at academic administration and helped sharpen her leadership skills.
“My experience as a graduate assistant offered invaluable insights into the operational dynamics and strategic decision-making processes within higher education,” Gupta said. “It significantly enhanced my understanding of leadership, complementing my entrepreneurial aspirations.”
While many students graduate with job offers, Gupta walks the stage focused on scaling the company she built during her time at PVAMU. Backed by $1 million in funding, Health Click Away is poised to expand with improved features, user-focused updates, and deeper integration into global wellness communities.
“I’m most looking forward to leveraging this recent funding to implement strategic growth plans,” she said. “I want to translate my long-term vision into reality and positively impact people’s well-being.”
The app is already emerging as a leading name in personalized digital health, using AI and coaching to deliver customized wellness solutions. Gupta envisions it becoming part of global healthcare systems in the next 50 years—empowering users with predictive health insights and preventative care tools.
She credits PVAMU for giving her the foundation to pursue that vision.
“The curriculum expanded my knowledge and sharpened my critical thinking,” she said. “Mentorship from faculty like Dr. [Douglas] Hermond and Dr. [Sarhan] Musa helped me navigate leadership in the U.S. and instilled in me the belief that no dream is too big.”
Among her most cherished PVAMU memories are those that reinforced her sense of belonging—her professor, Dr. Fred Bonner, calling her his “rock star,” participating in Cultural Fest, and seeing her vision for Health Click Away evolve while walking the University’s welcoming campus.
“My time at PVAMU helped bridge cultural and academic differences,” she said. “It gave me a sense of belonging and the confidence to chase my goals.”
When asked what she loves most about PVAMU, Gupta points to its welcoming spirit and its commitment to diversity.
“Coming from a different cultural background, I was particularly touched by the genuine warmth and support of my professors,” she said. “That care made a huge difference.”
She hopes today’s students carry forward that same message.
“Stay humble. Be ready to help others. Believe in your dreams and your ability to impact the world,” she said. “Your education can truly shape a better future.”
As she turns the tassel and steps fully into her role as an entrepreneur, Gupta remains deeply grateful for the community that helped her get here.
From personal hardship to global impact, Ruchika Gupta’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and service—a reminder of what can happen when education and purpose align.
“Completing this degree fulfilled my mother’s dream of seeing me as a doctor,” she said. “It’s a deeply meaningful accomplishment—and I couldn’t have done it without my family’s encouragement and PVAMU’s unwavering support.”
Click here to view a complete listing of this semester’s notable graduates.
By Meredith Mohr
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