Koyinsola Oyefeso joins the HEAL Initiative as a Training and Curriculum Intern. She is a rising first generation 3rd-year at the University of San Francisco, where she is studying Psychology with a double minor in Biology and French Studies. Koyinsola was born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised in Aurora, Colorado. She currently works at her school’s Career Services Center as a Career Planning Peer, and volunteers at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and San Francisco Animal Care and Control. She aspires to obtain her MD after graduation.
Koyinsola Oyefeso joins the HEAL Initiative as a Training and Curriculum Intern. She is a rising first generation 3rd-year at the University of San Francisco, where she is studying Psychology with a double minor in Biology and French Studies. Koyinsola was born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised in Aurora, Colorado. She currently works at her school’s Career Services Center as a Career Planning Peer, and volunteers at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and San Francisco Animal Care and Control. She aspires to obtain her MD after graduation.
Sandra Chu joins the HEAL Initiative as a Training and Curriculum Intern. She is a rising junior at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, where she studies Biology and Asian Studies. She was born and raised in San Francisco, and has previously interned at the California Academy of Sciences and Literacy for Environmental Justice. After graduating, she hopes to become a doctor.
Sandra Chu joins the HEAL Initiative as a Training and Curriculum Intern. She is a rising junior at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, where she studies Biology and Asian Studies. She was born and raised in San Francisco, and has previously interned at the California Academy of Sciences and Literacy for Environmental Justice. After graduating, she hopes to become a doctor.
Monique Tulley-Bahe (she/her) is a master’s student in the School of Social Work at the University of Denver. Monique is Dinéborn for the Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water) and Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle People) clans. Her desire in wanting to earn a master’s degree in social work comes from wanting to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Monique plans to use her LCSW as a tool for change and to enhance the well-being of mainly Indigenous individuals/communities that have long been and continue to be overlooked, underserved, and underrepresented in mental health care services development and delivery. Monique graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology from the University of New Mexico. She is an Indian Health Services Scholar, Chief Manuelito Scholar, and Dean’s List recipient. Her work experience includes being a research assistant at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the University of Utah Hospital. She has also interned at Salt Lake City Veteran’s Affairs, U.S. Department of Health, and Human Services- Office of Minority Health, and the National Science Foundation. She is a mother of three and looks forward to joining the ranks of Indigenous Health Professionals.
Monique Tulley-Bahe (she/her) is a master’s student in the School of Social Work at the University of Denver. Monique is Dinéborn for the Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water) and Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle People) clans. Her desire in wanting to earn a master’s degree in social work comes from wanting to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Monique plans to use her LCSW as a tool for change and to enhance the well-being of mainly Indigenous individuals/communities that have long been and continue to be overlooked, underserved, and underrepresented in mental health care services development and delivery. Monique graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology from the University of New Mexico. She is an Indian Health Services Scholar, Chief Manuelito Scholar, and Dean’s List recipient. Her work experience includes being a research assistant at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the University of Utah Hospital. She has also interned at Salt Lake City Veteran’s Affairs, U.S. Department of Health, and Human Services- Office of Minority Health, and the National Science Foundation. She is a mother of three and looks forward to joining the ranks of Indigenous Health Professionals.
Sofia Esteva (She/Her/Ella) is a first generation 4th year student at Dominican University of California studying Global Public Health with a minor in Community Action and Social Change. Sofia has a background in community work in San Francisco’s Mission District. She is currently supporting the Center for Domestic Peace conducting research. She was president of the Latine Unidos club, where she planned events to showcase Latine culture, address disparities within the Latine community and empower Black and Brown voices on campus. Her interest for health equity roots from her Indigenous background as well as the diverse cultures she has been exposed to during her community work. She aspires to obtain her masters degree in Epidemiology-BioStatistics after graduating and hopes to continue supporting marginalized communities as a career.
Sofia Esteva (She/Her/Ella) is a first generation 4th year student at Dominican University of California studying Global Public Health with a minor in Community Action and Social Change. Sofia has a background in community work in San Francisco’s Mission District. She is currently supporting the Center for Domestic Peace conducting research. She was president of the Latine Unidos club, where she planned events to showcase Latine culture, address disparities within the Latine community and empower Black and Brown voices on campus. Her interest for health equity roots from her Indigenous background as well as the diverse cultures she has been exposed to during her community work. She aspires to obtain her masters degree in Epidemiology-BioStatistics after graduating and hopes to continue supporting marginalized communities as a career.
Assata Gui’Chard is a rising first generation fourth-year Health Sciences major on the Pre-Medical track at Spelman College. She has always had a background in the healthcare field and thrives to make a difference in the lives of people who do not have adequate resources. In the summer of 2021, Assata was an intern at Choice in Aging through the Health Career Connection. Her goal is to be a change agent in creating a more equitable and holistic system of healthcare for communities of color.
Assata Gui’Chard is a rising first generation fourth-year Health Sciences major on the Pre-Medical track at Spelman College. She has always had a background in the healthcare field and thrives to make a difference in the lives of people who do not have adequate resources. In the summer of 2021, Assata was an intern at Choice in Aging through the Health Career Connection. Her goal is to be a change agent in creating a more equitable and holistic system of healthcare for communities of color.
Christine Mazzi is a junior at UC Berkeley and an intended Public Health major. Originally from Uganda in East Africa, Christine has a passion for Global Health- specifically the intersections between socioeconomic disparities and healthcare throughout the Americas and the Global South. Christine hopes to learn everything from ‘How to run a non profit’ to ‘How health inequity is tackled globally’ during her time with HEAL. Upon graduating, she plans to pursue an MPH with a focus in Epidemiology, and afterwards build a career in Global Health and Philanthropy in East Africa.
Christine Mazzi is a junior at UC Berkeley and an intended Public Health major. Originally from Uganda in East Africa, Christine has a passion for Global Health- specifically the intersections between socioeconomic disparities and healthcare throughout the Americas and the Global South. Christine hopes to learn everything from ‘How to run a non profit’ to ‘How health inequity is tackled globally’ during her time with HEAL. Upon graduating, she plans to pursue an MPH with a focus in Epidemiology, and afterwards build a career in Global Health and Philanthropy in East Africa.
Adesuwa Osunde (she/her) is a recent graduate from UC Berkeley where she majored in Public Health. Her interests within public health include addressing health inequities through health policy and advocacy. Through this interest, Adesuwa aims to be a decision maker that promotes and provides better health for communities, especially the underserved and under-resourced. She hopes to be a lifelong learner, specifically learning about different cultures and the lived experiences of those from diverse backgrounds. During her time as a HEAL intern, Adesuwa hopes to learn more about how a non-profit organization operates and learn how health equity is addressed through a global lens.
Adesuwa Osunde (she/her) is a recent graduate from UC Berkeley where she majored in Public Health. Her interests within public health include addressing health inequities through health policy and advocacy. Through this interest, Adesuwa aims to be a decision maker that promotes and provides better health for communities, especially the underserved and under-resourced. She hopes to be a lifelong learner, specifically learning about different cultures and the lived experiences of those from diverse backgrounds. During her time as a HEAL intern, Adesuwa hopes to learn more about how a non-profit organization operates and learn how health equity is addressed through a global lens.
Vivian Lu (she/they) is an upcoming first-generation 4th year student at UC Davis, where she is double majoring in Communications and Global Disease Biology and minoring in Public Health. She is currently doing research on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancies and its relation to media trust, and presented her findings at the UC Davis Undergraduate Research Conference. She is also a board member of the Vietnamese Student Association, where she is responsible for hosting Identity Workshops and directing an annual Culture Show, a philanthropic theatre production aimed to showcase Vietnamese culture and tackle disparities within the Vietnamese community. Her interest in global health is developing, but her passion for health equity and public health began at an early age, when she interned at a local hospital in 8th grade that took in those with no insurance. With her growing experiences and knowledge, she hopes to continue to work towards reducing health inequities and strengthening solidarity between communities of color.
Vivian Lu (she/they) is an upcoming first-generation 4th year student at UC Davis, where she is double majoring in Communications and Global Disease Biology and minoring in Public Health. She is currently doing research on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancies and its relation to media trust, and presented her findings at the UC Davis Undergraduate Research Conference. She is also a board member of the Vietnamese Student Association, where she is responsible for hosting Identity Workshops and directing an annual Culture Show, a philanthropic theatre production aimed to showcase Vietnamese culture and tackle disparities within the Vietnamese community. Her interest in global health is developing, but her passion for health equity and public health began at an early age, when she interned at a local hospital in 8th grade that took in those with no insurance. With her growing experiences and knowledge, she hopes to continue to work towards reducing health inequities and strengthening solidarity between communities of color.
Comie Sotio is currently attending San Francisco State University majoring in Kinesiology and simultaneously studying in Martinsburg College to become a pharmacy technician. Propelled by her curiosity to find a solution for her illness as well and to make healthcare accessible for all, her interests in global health manifested as she participated in numerous internships in the healthcare field as soon as she was 14 years old. She has engaged in Asian Youth Prevention Services, UCSF Youth Health & Leadership Programs, UCSF College Track Health Professions Mentorship Program, and UCSF Gladstone Summer Scholars Internship Program. She then transitioned as a nurse assistant at UCSF Parnassus and Mission Bay to help with her career goal to become a nurse. After completing her BSN she plans to continue to attain a masters in public health or immediately join a world health organization.
Comie Sotio is currently attending San Francisco State University majoring in Kinesiology and simultaneously studying in Martinsburg College to become a pharmacy technician. Propelled by her curiosity to find a solution for her illness as well and to make healthcare accessible for all, her interests in global health manifested as she participated in numerous internships in the healthcare field as soon as she was 14 years old. She has engaged in Asian Youth Prevention Services, UCSF Youth Health & Leadership Programs, UCSF College Track Health Professions Mentorship Program, and UCSF Gladstone Summer Scholars Internship Program. She then transitioned as a nurse assistant at UCSF Parnassus and Mission Bay to help with her career goal to become a nurse. After completing her BSN she plans to continue to attain a masters in public health or immediately join a world health organization.
Vanessa Murillo is a recent UC Santa Barbara graduate with majors in Bio-Anthropology and Spanish. Her interest in global health and health equity originated from growing up in a Spanish speaking family and having to skip school & accompany her grandfather to all of his doctor’s appointments. Translating medical information at such a young age really put into perspective the disparities between communities of color in the United States. In 2017 she interned at the Stanford School of Medicine where she spent three months able to conduct research in the East Palo Alto community on type two diabetes in children. She presented her work on the last day of the program to a board of directors and Stanford physicians and won first place for the research and presentation. With her education and experiences, it has allowed her to gain deeper interest in health equity and plans to pursue a career in nursing and come back to serve her community in Redwood City.
Vanessa Murillo is a recent UC Santa Barbara graduate with majors in Bio-Anthropology and Spanish. Her interest in global health and health equity originated from growing up in a Spanish speaking family and having to skip school & accompany her grandfather to all of his doctor’s appointments. Translating medical information at such a young age really put into perspective the disparities between communities of color in the United States. In 2017 she interned at the Stanford School of Medicine where she spent three months able to conduct research in the East Palo Alto community on type two diabetes in children. She presented her work on the last day of the program to a board of directors and Stanford physicians and won first place for the research and presentation. With her education and experiences, it has allowed her to gain deeper interest in health equity and plans to pursue a career in nursing and come back to serve her community in Redwood City.
Mike’l is a first-generation third-year Communications Studies major with minors in Biology and African American studies on the Pre-Medical track at the University of San Francisco (USF). On-campus Mike’l is a Team Lead for the Orientation Team (GO Team), University Ambassador, member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and an inaugural member of the Black Scholars Program. He is passionate about serving both USF and the greater San Francisco community, you will find him active in a host of organizations and opportunities.
Mike’l is a first-generation third-year Communications Studies major with minors in Biology and African American studies on the Pre-Medical track at the University of San Francisco (USF). On-campus Mike’l is a Team Lead for the Orientation Team (GO Team), University Ambassador, member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and an inaugural member of the Black Scholars Program. He is passionate about serving both USF and the greater San Francisco community, you will find him active in a host of organizations and opportunities.
Barune Thapa is a recent UC Berkeley graduate with majors in Public Health and Molecular and Cell Biology (Immunology). His interest in global health originated in Nepal, his family home, where he worked on several public health projects in high school through Dhulikhel Hospital, learning about systemic injustice through experiences and reflection. In his freshman year of college, Barune founded GlobeMed at Berkeley, an organization which exposes students to global health through partnership with Dhulikhel Hospital and constant systems-level reflection of their collaborative community-based work. While leading GlobeMed at Berkeley, Barune also worked as a research assistant for the Children’s Health and Air Pollution Study and conducted his own honors thesis research on air pollution exposures to bus commuters in Kathmandu, Nepal. In the summer of 2018, Barune was an intern at the Centro de Acogida a Refugiados (Refugee Center) in Madrid, Spain. Barune will be attending the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the fall, pursuing a Master’s in Global Health and Population.
Barune Thapa is a recent UC Berkeley graduate with majors in Public Health and Molecular and Cell Biology (Immunology). His interest in global health originated in Nepal, his family home, where he worked on several public health projects in high school through Dhulikhel Hospital, learning about systemic injustice through experiences and reflection. In his freshman year of college, Barune founded GlobeMed at Berkeley, an organization which exposes students to global health through partnership with Dhulikhel Hospital and constant systems-level reflection of their collaborative community-based work. While leading GlobeMed at Berkeley, Barune also worked as a research assistant for the Children’s Health and Air Pollution Study and conducted his own honors thesis research on air pollution exposures to bus commuters in Kathmandu, Nepal. In the summer of 2018, Barune was an intern at the Centro de Acogida a Refugiados (Refugee Center) in Madrid, Spain. Barune will be attending the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the fall, pursuing a Master’s in Global Health and Population.
Kaitlyn is Native American from the Navajo Tribe and is currently attending Northern Arizona University (NAU). She has just completed her first year in NAU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Her interest in global health and health equity originated from growing up on the Navajo Reservation and her clinical experience within her community as a nursing assistant and while in the nursing program. In 2018, she was selected by the Minority Health & Health Disparities International Research Training (MHIRT) Program as a student researcher in which she spent two months in New Zealand conducting diabetic heart research in Dunedin Hospital’s Department of Medicine. In June 2019, she attended and co-presented about Indigenous Knowledge and Health Sovereignty at the fourth annual Social Medicine Consortium Conference in Jaltenango de la Paz, Mexico. These opportunities and experiences have deepened her interest in health equity and she hopes to use the knowledge and connections she has made to benefit her Native people. She has a deep love and respect for Indigenous populations and believes that the diversity in nursing allows her to best serve her people by being a conduit – bridging knowledge from the health field with cultural wisdom and clinical knowledge to provide patient-centered care. Upon obtaining her BSN, she intends to gain quality work experience and return to the Navajo Reservation, or another under-served Native community, to provide culturally-sensitive care to her patients.
Kaitlyn is Native American from the Navajo Tribe and is currently attending Northern Arizona University (NAU). She has just completed her first year in NAU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Her interest in global health and health equity originated from growing up on the Navajo Reservation and her clinical experience within her community as a nursing assistant and while in the nursing program. In 2018, she was selected by the Minority Health & Health Disparities International Research Training (MHIRT) Program as a student researcher in which she spent two months in New Zealand conducting diabetic heart research in Dunedin Hospital’s Department of Medicine. In June 2019, she attended and co-presented about Indigenous Knowledge and Health Sovereignty at the fourth annual Social Medicine Consortium Conference in Jaltenango de la Paz, Mexico. These opportunities and experiences have deepened her interest in health equity and she hopes to use the knowledge and connections she has made to benefit her Native people. She has a deep love and respect for Indigenous populations and believes that the diversity in nursing allows her to best serve her people by being a conduit – bridging knowledge from the health field with cultural wisdom and clinical knowledge to provide patient-centered care. Upon obtaining her BSN, she intends to gain quality work experience and return to the Navajo Reservation, or another under-served Native community, to provide culturally-sensitive care to her patients.
Isabella, or Izzy, recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a major in Public Health and a minor in Global Poverty and Practice. Over the past few years, she has worked with The Suitcase Clinic, a student run free clinic for the unhoused and underserved Berkeley population, as the secretary of the internal committee and service coordinator for the women’s clinic. Izzy has also worked on several economic development projects for a ministry on the Yakama Indian Reservation, specifically with a financially literacy program for a newly created screen printing business. Through this experience and her continued relationship with this organization, Izzy has discovered her passion for health justice among American Indian Reservation communities, specifically with addressing childhood trauma. This fall, Izzy will begin a one-year program at UCSF to obtain her Masters in Global Health Science, where she will continue to cultivate her knowledge and pursuit of health equity on reservations. Her hobbies include painting and playing in the sun, and her favorite place to be is in the ocean!
Isabella, or Izzy, recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a major in Public Health and a minor in Global Poverty and Practice. Over the past few years, she has worked with The Suitcase Clinic, a student run free clinic for the unhoused and underserved Berkeley population, as the secretary of the internal committee and service coordinator for the women’s clinic. Izzy has also worked on several economic development projects for a ministry on the Yakama Indian Reservation, specifically with a financially literacy program for a newly created screen printing business. Through this experience and her continued relationship with this organization, Izzy has discovered her passion for health justice among American Indian Reservation communities, specifically with addressing childhood trauma. This fall, Izzy will begin a one-year program at UCSF to obtain her Masters in Global Health Science, where she will continue to cultivate her knowledge and pursuit of health equity on reservations. Her hobbies include painting and playing in the sun, and her favorite place to be is in the ocean!
Mariam is a recent graduate from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Biochemistry/Cell Biology and minors in Global health & African American Studies. She is invested in promoting health equity and challenging the way health systems approach structural deficiencies that influence precarious life conditions. Mariam has a passion for community health advocacy and draws from her background as a child of Sudanese immigrants to influence her work with African/Black and Middle Eastern populations. Currently, Mariam is a women’s health advocate at the UCSD School of Medicine Refugee Health Unit where she holds a weekly conversation series with women of the African/Middle Eastern diaspora to provide a safe space to discuss topics surrounding sexual/reproductive health. Most recently, she had the opportunity to travel to Columbia, South Carolina and work with two local non-profit organizations to provide health screenings and resources to it’s marginalized African American & Latinx populations. Mariam plans to pursue an MPH in Global Health and a Ph.D in Medical Anthropology.
Mariam is a recent graduate from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Biochemistry/Cell Biology and minors in Global health & African American Studies. She is invested in promoting health equity and challenging the way health systems approach structural deficiencies that influence precarious life conditions. Mariam has a passion for community health advocacy and draws from her background as a child of Sudanese immigrants to influence her work with African/Black and Middle Eastern populations. Currently, Mariam is a women’s health advocate at the UCSD School of Medicine Refugee Health Unit where she holds a weekly conversation series with women of the African/Middle Eastern diaspora to provide a safe space to discuss topics surrounding sexual/reproductive health. Most recently, she had the opportunity to travel to Columbia, South Carolina and work with two local non-profit organizations to provide health screenings and resources to it’s marginalized African American & Latinx populations. Mariam plans to pursue an MPH in Global Health and a Ph.D in Medical Anthropology.
Sam is a rising senior at UC Berkeley where he majors in History with an emphasis in Medical Anthropology. Academically, he has been inspired by the works of Berkeley anthropologists, Nancy Scheper-Hughes and Seth Holmes, who critically engage in the political-economic determinants of health inequity through their writing and personal activism. Having grown up in Gilroy, CA, Sam plans to write his senior History thesis on the health of migrant farm workers- a population he would like to work with as a hopeful physician. His passion for global health equity led him to work on a HIV-drug resistance project in Windhoek, Namibia and brought him to Sofia, Bulgaria as an intern for the Health Unit of the US Embassy. After graduation, he plans to gain clinical experience in a global health setting before applying for an MD and PhD in Medical Anthropology.
Sam is a rising senior at UC Berkeley where he majors in History with an emphasis in Medical Anthropology. Academically, he has been inspired by the works of Berkeley anthropologists, Nancy Scheper-Hughes and Seth Holmes, who critically engage in the political-economic determinants of health inequity through their writing and personal activism. Having grown up in Gilroy, CA, Sam plans to write his senior History thesis on the health of migrant farm workers- a population he would like to work with as a hopeful physician. His passion for global health equity led him to work on a HIV-drug resistance project in Windhoek, Namibia and brought him to Sofia, Bulgaria as an intern for the Health Unit of the US Embassy. After graduation, he plans to gain clinical experience in a global health setting before applying for an MD and PhD in Medical Anthropology.
Karen is a recent graduate from UC Berkeley where she majored in political science and molecular biology. Karen is heavily involved in her community, and her ultimate life goal is to make a difference in the world by helping those who need it the most. She teaches health education to ninth-graders in impoverished high schools, where she is able to raise awareness about mental health, sexual health and making healthy choices. She is also a Health Advocate at San Francisco General Hospital, where she helps families connect with resources in the community and as a result help them resolve their insecurities. After completing her undergraduate career, she plans on taking some time off school and working for a non-profit or for a world health organization. Further down the road, she plans on applying to a MPH/MD program.
Karen is a recent graduate from UC Berkeley where she majored in political science and molecular biology. Karen is heavily involved in her community, and her ultimate life goal is to make a difference in the world by helping those who need it the most. She teaches health education to ninth-graders in impoverished high schools, where she is able to raise awareness about mental health, sexual health and making healthy choices. She is also a Health Advocate at San Francisco General Hospital, where she helps families connect with resources in the community and as a result help them resolve their insecurities. After completing her undergraduate career, she plans on taking some time off school and working for a non-profit or for a world health organization. Further down the road, she plans on applying to a MPH/MD program.
Isabella, or Izzy, recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a major in Public Health and a minor in Global Poverty and Practice. Over the past few years, she has worked with The Suitcase Clinic, a student run free clinic for the unhoused and underserved Berkeley population, as the secretary of the internal committee and service coordinator for the women’s clinic. Izzy has also worked on several economic development projects for a ministry on the Yakama Indian Reservation, specifically with a financially literacy program for a newly created screen printing business. Through this experience and her continued relationship with this organization, Izzy has discovered her passion for health justice among American Indian Reservation communities, specifically with addressing childhood trauma. This fall, Izzy will begin a one-year program at UCSF to obtain her Masters in Global Health Science, where she will continue to cultivate her knowledge and pursuit of health equity on reservations. Her hobbies include painting and playing in the sun, and her favorite place to be is in the ocean!
Isabella, or Izzy, recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a major in Public Health and a minor in Global Poverty and Practice. Over the past few years, she has worked with The Suitcase Clinic, a student run free clinic for the unhoused and underserved Berkeley population, as the secretary of the internal committee and service coordinator for the women’s clinic. Izzy has also worked on several economic development projects for a ministry on the Yakama Indian Reservation, specifically with a financially literacy program for a newly created screen printing business. Through this experience and her continued relationship with this organization, Izzy has discovered her passion for health justice among American Indian Reservation communities, specifically with addressing childhood trauma. This fall, Izzy will begin a one-year program at UCSF to obtain her Masters in Global Health Science, where she will continue to cultivate her knowledge and pursuit of health equity on reservations. Her hobbies include painting and playing in the sun, and her favorite place to be is in the ocean!
Bianca is an international student from India, pursuing a double major in Public Health and Anthropology at UC Berkeley. During her gap-year, Bianca had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from patients and caregivers in settings devoted to HIV/AIDS research and community support in Ghana, Kenya, Colombia and Ecuador. Last summer she served as an intern at México’s Centros de Integración Juvenil in Tampico, a substance abuse counseling, care and government outreach initiative, arranging conversational forums in high schools on behalf of the centros. She serves as a research assistant at UCSF’s Substance Abuse Research Program and as a ‘caseworker’ at Suitcase Clinic’s Youth & LGBTQ+ space, advocating for those housing insecure in Berkeley.
Bianca is an international student from India, pursuing a double major in Public Health and Anthropology at UC Berkeley. During her gap-year, Bianca had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from patients and caregivers in settings devoted to HIV/AIDS research and community support in Ghana, Kenya, Colombia and Ecuador. Last summer she served as an intern at México’s Centros de Integración Juvenil in Tampico, a substance abuse counseling, care and government outreach initiative, arranging conversational forums in high schools on behalf of the centros. She serves as a research assistant at UCSF’s Substance Abuse Research Program and as a ‘caseworker’ at Suitcase Clinic’s Youth & LGBTQ+ space, advocating for those housing insecure in Berkeley.
Nikki is a rising senior at University of Washington. She is majoring in Medical Anthropology & Global Health with a minor in Human Rights. Nikki is most interested in understanding the barriers to equitable health care and the human right to health. She is heavily involved in the international organization Child Rights and You, a non profit dedicated to supporting and providing resources for children in South Asia. Nikki is also a Research Intern for the Social Media and Adolescent Health Behavior Research Team (SMAHRT) at Seattle Children’s Research Institute where she had the chance to work on projects such as the marijuana industry’s usage of social media and an independent research project centered on Facebook events alcohol and safety messaging. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a MPH in epidemiology and one day combine her interests in research and health equity to support policy reforms around the globe.
Nikki is a rising senior at University of Washington. She is majoring in Medical Anthropology & Global Health with a minor in Human Rights. Nikki is most interested in understanding the barriers to equitable health care and the human right to health. She is heavily involved in the international organization Child Rights and You, a non profit dedicated to supporting and providing resources for children in South Asia. Nikki is also a Research Intern for the Social Media and Adolescent Health Behavior Research Team (SMAHRT) at Seattle Children’s Research Institute where she had the chance to work on projects such as the marijuana industry’s usage of social media and an independent research project centered on Facebook events alcohol and safety messaging. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a MPH in epidemiology and one day combine her interests in research and health equity to support policy reforms around the globe.
Karen is a recent graduate from UC Berkeley where she majored in political science and molecular biology. Karen is heavily involved in her community, and her ultimate life goal is to make a difference in the world by helping those who need it the most. She teaches health education to ninth-graders in impoverished high schools, where she is able to raise awareness about mental health, sexual health and making healthy choices. She is also a Health Advocate at San Francisco General Hospital, where she helps families connect with resources in the community and as a result help them resolve their insecurities. After completing her undergraduate career, she plans on taking some time off school and working for a non-profit or for a world health organization. Further down the road, she plans on applying to a MPH/MD program.
Karen is a recent graduate from UC Berkeley where she majored in political science and molecular biology. Karen is heavily involved in her community, and her ultimate life goal is to make a difference in the world by helping those who need it the most. She teaches health education to ninth-graders in impoverished high schools, where she is able to raise awareness about mental health, sexual health and making healthy choices. She is also a Health Advocate at San Francisco General Hospital, where she helps families connect with resources in the community and as a result help them resolve their insecurities. After completing her undergraduate career, she plans on taking some time off school and working for a non-profit or for a world health organization. Further down the road, she plans on applying to a MPH/MD program.
Omar is a rising senior at UC Berkeley pursuing a major in Public Health and a minor in Demography. He has been involved with Health Leads as well as being part of DULCE, an organization that focuses on the prevention of type II diabetes in disadvantaged communities. He is currently working on his research on type II diabetes in the Latino community and will try to start writing his thesis in the upcoming Fall. He plans to pursue a Masters and a Ph.D in Public Health.
Omar is a rising senior at UC Berkeley pursuing a major in Public Health and a minor in Demography. He has been involved with Health Leads as well as being part of DULCE, an organization that focuses on the prevention of type II diabetes in disadvantaged communities. He is currently working on his research on type II diabetes in the Latino community and will try to start writing his thesis in the upcoming Fall. He plans to pursue a Masters and a Ph.D in Public Health.
Anna is a recent graduate from Pomona College majoring in Molecular Biology. She is interested in global health through the lens of structural violence and is committed to systemic change through both resource and policy mechanisms. Anna has spent the past two summers seeking out opportunities to explore public health, first conducting patient intake at a clinic in Cusco, Peru, and then engaging in proposal writing and project development for FHI360 with the Laboratory Sciences Division in Bangkok, Thailand. This summer, she will be working with the HEAL Initiative as their monitoring and evaluation intern. She will also be exploring northern California for the first time and is especially excited to check out the social dance scene.
Anna is a recent graduate from Pomona College majoring in Molecular Biology. She is interested in global health through the lens of structural violence and is committed to systemic change through both resource and policy mechanisms. Anna has spent the past two summers seeking out opportunities to explore public health, first conducting patient intake at a clinic in Cusco, Peru, and then engaging in proposal writing and project development for FHI360 with the Laboratory Sciences Division in Bangkok, Thailand. This summer, she will be working with the HEAL Initiative as their monitoring and evaluation intern. She will also be exploring northern California for the first time and is especially excited to check out the social dance scene.
Leyla is currently an upcoming senior undergraduate student at California State University, Fresno where she is pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry with the intent of attending medical school after graduation. She is particularly interested in the intersection between environmental health (including the effects of climate change) and human health. She believes that addressing this aspect of healthcare will be crucial in the coming years, especially for those interested in pursuing a career in global healthcare. For the past three years, Leyla has been involved with the Fresno chapter of the Tzu Chi Mobile Clinic, a global clinic dedicated to providing quality medical, dental, and optometric care to underserved populations around the world. Leyla has also been a part of the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program (DDCSP), interned with the Geological Society of America, and is currently a medical scribe at Community Regional Medical Center.
Leyla is currently an upcoming senior undergraduate student at California State University, Fresno where she is pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry with the intent of attending medical school after graduation. She is particularly interested in the intersection between environmental health (including the effects of climate change) and human health. She believes that addressing this aspect of healthcare will be crucial in the coming years, especially for those interested in pursuing a career in global healthcare. For the past three years, Leyla has been involved with the Fresno chapter of the Tzu Chi Mobile Clinic, a global clinic dedicated to providing quality medical, dental, and optometric care to underserved populations around the world. Leyla has also been a part of the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program (DDCSP), interned with the Geological Society of America, and is currently a medical scribe at Community Regional Medical Center.
Evan is a senior at UC Berkeley majoring in public health. For the past couple of years he has been working in a soil microbiology lab and supporting development initiatives at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. He took this past semester off to travel to Morocco to conduct research on the country’s new migration legislation, and to intern at a public health school in Spain. He is passionate about alleviating educational disparities and works as the finance director for the Mixed Student Union Recruitment and Retention Center (MSURRC), a campus organization dedicated to increasing the representation of underprivileged students of color in higher education. Evan is very excited to use his experience with grant writing and development to help support the HEAL Initiative fundraising and expansion efforts this summer!
Evan is a senior at UC Berkeley majoring in public health. For the past couple of years he has been working in a soil microbiology lab and supporting development initiatives at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. He took this past semester off to travel to Morocco to conduct research on the country’s new migration legislation, and to intern at a public health school in Spain. He is passionate about alleviating educational disparities and works as the finance director for the Mixed Student Union Recruitment and Retention Center (MSURRC), a campus organization dedicated to increasing the representation of underprivileged students of color in higher education. Evan is very excited to use his experience with grant writing and development to help support the HEAL Initiative fundraising and expansion efforts this summer!
Hiwot Misker is an undergraduate studying Molecular Cell Biology at UC Berkeley. After volunteering at free clinics across the bay area under the program SSHCOP (Stanford Summer Health Careers Opportunity Program), she realized the importance of health equity and advocacy for health care reform. Since then Hiwot has been bridging the gap of health care professional representation by being a study group leader for Biology Scholars Program, an organization that serves minority students at Berkeley. Hiwot has experience in organizing and coordinating conferences and leading recruitments as the On and Off Campus Outreach chair for HASA (Horn of Africa Student Association). Now Hiwot will be working as the social media and business development intern where she hopes to expand HEAL and learn more about the nonprofit sector.
Hiwot Misker is an undergraduate studying Molecular Cell Biology at UC Berkeley. After volunteering at free clinics across the bay area under the program SSHCOP (Stanford Summer Health Careers Opportunity Program), she realized the importance of health equity and advocacy for health care reform. Since then Hiwot has been bridging the gap of health care professional representation by being a study group leader for Biology Scholars Program, an organization that serves minority students at Berkeley. Hiwot has experience in organizing and coordinating conferences and leading recruitments as the On and Off Campus Outreach chair for HASA (Horn of Africa Student Association). Now Hiwot will be working as the social media and business development intern where she hopes to expand HEAL and learn more about the nonprofit sector.
At an early age, Hoang relocated from a rural village in Hue, Vietnam to the Philippines, and then to the U.S. Inspired by the community around him, Hoang pursued a Bachelors of Science in Public Health at the University of Maryland, College Park in hopes that he can uplift other refugee and vulnerable communities. Hoang has been working with the Viet Nam Medical Assistance Program (VNMAP) to alleviate the health disparities that exist in the local Asian American community through outreach programs such as hepatitis B screening, education, and vaccination. His first global health exposure was assisting physicians in providing care to indigenous populations in Costa Rica and Panama where he saw that these short-term solutions were not sustainable. He pursued more long-term approaches and is currently the assistant manager for the PrimCARE project, a pilot project that aims towards creating a better primary care delivery model in the rural Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Hoang also loves working with students. Recently, he led a medical mission trip to Vietnam for undergraduate students and tutored refugee children in Baltimore hoping that he can inspire them. He aspires to one day become a physician so that he can provide care and work with underserved communities, locally and abroad. He enjoys spending his free time learning about other cultures, baking, and breakdancing.
At an early age, Hoang relocated from a rural village in Hue, Vietnam to the Philippines, and then to the U.S. Inspired by the community around him, Hoang pursued a Bachelors of Science in Public Health at the University of Maryland, College Park in hopes that he can uplift other refugee and vulnerable communities. Hoang has been working with the Viet Nam Medical Assistance Program (VNMAP) to alleviate the health disparities that exist in the local Asian American community through outreach programs such as hepatitis B screening, education, and vaccination. His first global health exposure was assisting physicians in providing care to indigenous populations in Costa Rica and Panama where he saw that these short-term solutions were not sustainable. He pursued more long-term approaches and is currently the assistant manager for the PrimCARE project, a pilot project that aims towards creating a better primary care delivery model in the rural Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Hoang also loves working with students. Recently, he led a medical mission trip to Vietnam for undergraduate students and tutored refugee children in Baltimore hoping that he can inspire them. He aspires to one day become a physician so that he can provide care and work with underserved communities, locally and abroad. He enjoys spending his free time learning about other cultures, baking, and breakdancing.
Roksana is currently finishing her Masters degree in International Education at New York University. She has also been working at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for the past four years in both the Infectious Disease and Infection Control departments. Most recently, she has worked as an infection surveillance specialist gathering and analyzing isolate data, which has an impact on both patient care initiatives as well as policy changes. She became interested in global health through her work at the hospital and simultaneous studies of global social, political and economic disparities. She advocates for community empowerment and approaching global health issues through local political and cultural contexts. This summer, she will be working with Global Health Core’s HEAL initiative as their curriculum development intern. She will also be navigating the west coast as a native New Yorker, enjoying the lovely weather.
Roksana is currently finishing her Masters degree in International Education at New York University. She has also been working at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for the past four years in both the Infectious Disease and Infection Control departments. Most recently, she has worked as an infection surveillance specialist gathering and analyzing isolate data, which has an impact on both patient care initiatives as well as policy changes. She became interested in global health through her work at the hospital and simultaneous studies of global social, political and economic disparities. She advocates for community empowerment and approaching global health issues through local political and cultural contexts. This summer, she will be working with Global Health Core’s HEAL initiative as their curriculum development intern. She will also be navigating the west coast as a native New Yorker, enjoying the lovely weather.
Isheeta Madeka is currently an upcoming fourth year Public Health major at UC Berkeley, with an intent to earn her M.S. in Global Health and attend medical school in the near future. Throughout her collegiate career, she has developed a growing interest in the intersection between global health and healthcare education. Her experiences as a Senior Health Educator as part of Peer Health Exchange have allowed her to engage with comprehensive healthcare curriculums and healthcare education in low-resource settings. Her commitment to global health led her to participate in the Big Ideas@Berkeley Competition, where she was awarded 3rd place among 150+ competing teams nationwide on behalf of Emmunify. Along with Dr. Walsh and a few graduate students at UC Berkeley, Isheeta is currently involved in Emmunify as it attempts to dramatically increase vaccination rates in developing countries via mobile health care technology. She is excited to work as a HEAL Initiative intern this summer and develop her interests in global health among the other student interns and esteemed UCSF faculty!
Isheeta Madeka is currently an upcoming fourth year Public Health major at UC Berkeley, with an intent to earn her M.S. in Global Health and attend medical school in the near future. Throughout her collegiate career, she has developed a growing interest in the intersection between global health and healthcare education. Her experiences as a Senior Health Educator as part of Peer Health Exchange have allowed her to engage with comprehensive healthcare curriculums and healthcare education in low-resource settings. Her commitment to global health led her to participate in the Big Ideas@Berkeley Competition, where she was awarded 3rd place among 150+ competing teams nationwide on behalf of Emmunify. Along with Dr. Walsh and a few graduate students at UC Berkeley, Isheeta is currently involved in Emmunify as it attempts to dramatically increase vaccination rates in developing countries via mobile health care technology. She is excited to work as a HEAL Initiative intern this summer and develop her interests in global health among the other student interns and esteemed UCSF faculty!
Linh Nguyen graduated in December 2013 from the University of Maryland with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Asian American Studies. Linh first discovered his interest in medicine during a medical mission to Vietnam in 2010, acting as an interpreter between American physicians and Vietnamese patients. Valuing the ability to care for others with his own hands, to foster meaningful relationships with the people he wanted to help, and to witness his efforts making a tangible difference, Linh changed paths to pursue a career in medicine. Since 2011, Linh has been working for the Viet Nam Medical Assistance Program (VNMAP) to develop and implement health-related projects in the U.S. and Vietnam, most recently, SMASH-B, a hepatitis B education, screening, and vaccination program. In addition to his work in healthcare, Linh loves teaching. During college, Linh tutored, instructed a biology lab, and in 2009, he cofounded a program to educate orphaned youths in Vietnam. Linh hopes to combine his interests in clinical practice, academia, research, and global health in the future as a physician.
Linh Nguyen graduated in December 2013 from the University of Maryland with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Asian American Studies. Linh first discovered his interest in medicine during a medical mission to Vietnam in 2010, acting as an interpreter between American physicians and Vietnamese patients. Valuing the ability to care for others with his own hands, to foster meaningful relationships with the people he wanted to help, and to witness his efforts making a tangible difference, Linh changed paths to pursue a career in medicine. Since 2011, Linh has been working for the Viet Nam Medical Assistance Program (VNMAP) to develop and implement health-related projects in the U.S. and Vietnam, most recently, SMASH-B, a hepatitis B education, screening, and vaccination program. In addition to his work in healthcare, Linh loves teaching. During college, Linh tutored, instructed a biology lab, and in 2009, he cofounded a program to educate orphaned youths in Vietnam. Linh hopes to combine his interests in clinical practice, academia, research, and global health in the future as a physician.
Neha Shah is a rising senior undergraduate student at UC Berkeley, where she is pursuing a B.A. in Public Health with a minor in South Asian Studies. Neha has served as a health educator in under-resourced Bay Area high schools with Peer Health Exchange and has also worked to reduce educational disparities as a volunteer English teacher in Chiang Rai, Thailand with Learning Enterprises. Since then, she has searched for an opportunity to turn her focus to global health. As such, Neha looks forward to this summer, where she will work with the Global Health Core to plan a Complex Humanitarian Emergency training. She hopes her experience with the HEAL Initiative will give her more exposure to global health and prepare her for the fall semester, where she will be doing field work and taking community and public health courses at the University of Botswana in Gaborone.
Neha Shah is a rising senior undergraduate student at UC Berkeley, where she is pursuing a B.A. in Public Health with a minor in South Asian Studies. Neha has served as a health educator in under-resourced Bay Area high schools with Peer Health Exchange and has also worked to reduce educational disparities as a volunteer English teacher in Chiang Rai, Thailand with Learning Enterprises. Since then, she has searched for an opportunity to turn her focus to global health. As such, Neha looks forward to this summer, where she will work with the Global Health Core to plan a Complex Humanitarian Emergency training. She hopes her experience with the HEAL Initiative will give her more exposure to global health and prepare her for the fall semester, where she will be doing field work and taking community and public health courses at the University of Botswana in Gaborone.
Steph Wraith is a recent graduate from the College of William & Mary with a double major in Biology and Global Health. Her passion for public health has led her to spend the past four years working with a student organization in rural Nicaragua to address issues of community health, as well as spending time researching the role of maternal capacities in childhood diarrheal outcomes. She has experience with global health policy from time spent at USAID, as well as an interest in the social determinants that drive infectious disease patterns from a semester spent examining the health systems of India, Vietnam, and South Africa. Next fall, Steph will be headed to Emory University to pursue an MSPH in Global Epidemiology – this summer, she’s incredibly excited to come on board the HEAL team and assist the Global Health Core.
Steph Wraith is a recent graduate from the College of William & Mary with a double major in Biology and Global Health. Her passion for public health has led her to spend the past four years working with a student organization in rural Nicaragua to address issues of community health, as well as spending time researching the role of maternal capacities in childhood diarrheal outcomes. She has experience with global health policy from time spent at USAID, as well as an interest in the social determinants that drive infectious disease patterns from a semester spent examining the health systems of India, Vietnam, and South Africa. Next fall, Steph will be headed to Emory University to pursue an MSPH in Global Epidemiology – this summer, she’s incredibly excited to come on board the HEAL team and assist the Global Health Core.
Faisal Ansari is a recent graduate from UC Irvine. He has been working with LifeLong Medical Care through Americorps for the past year serving with a school-based health center in the underserved community of West Berkeley. He has collaborated with local NGOs in India to improve sanitation and provide sustainable light to rural communities as the Director of Project Initiatives for Project RISHI. Faisal will be working with the Global Health Core to expand our fellowship program.
Faisal Ansari is a recent graduate from UC Irvine. He has been working with LifeLong Medical Care through Americorps for the past year serving with a school-based health center in the underserved community of West Berkeley. He has collaborated with local NGOs in India to improve sanitation and provide sustainable light to rural communities as the Director of Project Initiatives for Project RISHI. Faisal will be working with the Global Health Core to expand our fellowship program.
Shunei Asao will be graduating from Whitman College in Washington with a degree in biophysics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Shunei has been involved in global health for several years now through the Friends of Hue Foundation (FHF). With FHF, Shunei has been traveling to a shelter in Vietnam where he helped organize mobile clinics, recruit physician, and draft budgets for medications. Shunei will now be utilizing his experience in cost-benefit analysis experience to improve the Global Health Core’s business model and support various marketing projects.
Shunei Asao will be graduating from Whitman College in Washington with a degree in biophysics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Shunei has been involved in global health for several years now through the Friends of Hue Foundation (FHF). With FHF, Shunei has been traveling to a shelter in Vietnam where he helped organize mobile clinics, recruit physician, and draft budgets for medications. Shunei will now be utilizing his experience in cost-benefit analysis experience to improve the Global Health Core’s business model and support various marketing projects.
Jaskirat is currently in his sophomore year at UC Berkeley double majoring in molecular cell biology and economics. Jaskirat’s interest in the business side of healthcare led to a internship at the Celiac Disease Foundation, where he promoted health living for children and worked on payroll and accounting to ensure the most cost effective budgets. Jaskirat’s experience in global health consists of a MEDLIFE medical brigade to Ecuador and now coordinates logistics for sustaining future brigades. This summer, Jaskirat will be contributing to the expansion of the Global Health Core business model and other key marketing projects.
Jaskirat is currently in his sophomore year at UC Berkeley double majoring in molecular cell biology and economics. Jaskirat’s interest in the business side of healthcare led to a internship at the Celiac Disease Foundation, where he promoted health living for children and worked on payroll and accounting to ensure the most cost effective budgets. Jaskirat’s experience in global health consists of a MEDLIFE medical brigade to Ecuador and now coordinates logistics for sustaining future brigades. This summer, Jaskirat will be contributing to the expansion of the Global Health Core business model and other key marketing projects.
Connie Chan, originally an economics major at UC Berkeley, has recently discovered her passion in healthcare, and is now double majoring in economics and public health. She was first exposed to medicine through her attendance at a medical-centered high school and her years of interaction with patients at local hospitals. Connie has excellent business management experience from her work in a business organization known as Ascend, where she created several large scale projects. Now, Connie will be working with our team to help build our business model and support various marketing projects to expand the capacity of our core. She describes herself as an R&B addict and television show marathoner who eats too much Mcdonald’s to be majoring in public health.
Connie Chan, originally an economics major at UC Berkeley, has recently discovered her passion in healthcare, and is now double majoring in economics and public health. She was first exposed to medicine through her attendance at a medical-centered high school and her years of interaction with patients at local hospitals. Connie has excellent business management experience from her work in a business organization known as Ascend, where she created several large scale projects. Now, Connie will be working with our team to help build our business model and support various marketing projects to expand the capacity of our core. She describes herself as an R&B addict and television show marathoner who eats too much Mcdonald’s to be majoring in public health.
Brett Lewis graduated in May 2014 from UC Berkeley with a degree in public health and minor in anthropology. A former Partners In Health volunteer, Brett’s passion for global health has led her to ventures such as researching pediatric malnutrition in Nepal and conducting an independent study in rural Uttar Pradesh, India. Now, Brett is joining the Global Health Core as a research intern for Dr. Shamsunder’s project, a meta-literature review of social determinants of health in medical education curriculum.
Brett Lewis graduated in May 2014 from UC Berkeley with a degree in public health and minor in anthropology. A former Partners In Health volunteer, Brett’s passion for global health has led her to ventures such as researching pediatric malnutrition in Nepal and conducting an independent study in rural Uttar Pradesh, India. Now, Brett is joining the Global Health Core as a research intern for Dr. Shamsunder’s project, a meta-literature review of social determinants of health in medical education curriculum.
Jose Sandoval is currently majoring in Business Administration at UC Berkeley and also intending to apply to medical school. He has built his own nonprofit organization to help the undocumented achieve higher education. Jose himself is undocumented and now helps the undocumented seek empowerment through lobbying, campaigning and educating community members. Jose has extensive business experience through his work with Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, and Highland Hospital. This summer, Jose will be supporting the global health core by expanding our business model and working of various other marketing projects.
Jose Sandoval is currently majoring in Business Administration at UC Berkeley and also intending to apply to medical school. He has built his own nonprofit organization to help the undocumented achieve higher education. Jose himself is undocumented and now helps the undocumented seek empowerment through lobbying, campaigning and educating community members. Jose has extensive business experience through his work with Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, and Highland Hospital. This summer, Jose will be supporting the global health core by expanding our business model and working of various other marketing projects.
Diana Tran is a recent graduate from UC Berkeley majoring in Public Health, minoring in Global Poverty and Practice. She has worked with the Special Needs Aquatic Program at Berkeley as a head instructor facilitating a disability health and rights course at UC Berkeley. She has also been involved in research for the Center for Infectious Diseases and Emergency Response as a Research and Data Analyst. Diana has a passion for global health which she displays in her work with Project Vietnam Foundation for which she served as a research assistant to develop need based surveys for the community of Hanoi, Vietnam. Currently, Diana will be working with the Global Health Core to expand our fellowship program.
Diana Tran is a recent graduate from UC Berkeley majoring in Public Health, minoring in Global Poverty and Practice. She has worked with the Special Needs Aquatic Program at Berkeley as a head instructor facilitating a disability health and rights course at UC Berkeley. She has also been involved in research for the Center for Infectious Diseases and Emergency Response as a Research and Data Analyst. Diana has a passion for global health which she displays in her work with Project Vietnam Foundation for which she served as a research assistant to develop need based surveys for the community of Hanoi, Vietnam. Currently, Diana will be working with the Global Health Core to expand our fellowship program.