Nessa graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Biology.  Following graduation, she spent time in the non-profit sector as an assistant manager of the American Red Cross Women, Infant, Children (WIC) program, as a tutor for children with autism, and conducted research in the area of neurobehavioral manifestations of HIV infection.

She received a Master's degree in Applied Physiology and matriculated into Chicago Medical School.  While in medical school, Nessa was selected for an internship at Partners In Health (PIH) in Boston where she worked towards improvements in health outcomes in resource-poor settings such as reducing mother to child transmission of HIV in rural Haiti.  As a 3rd year student, Nessa did an international elective in Kigali, Rwanda working with women and children affected by HIV.  She started a fundraising project for the HIV-infected Rwandan children and has also worked in many capacities with inner-city families in Chicago.  In recognition of her service to others, Nessa was selected by her peers for induction into the Golden Humanism in Medicine Honor Society.  She has a longstanding interest in international health and working in underserved communities.