Mohammad Ammaar is a New Yorker, born and raised between NYC and Long Island — a first-generation college graduate and a first-generation medical student. He completed his undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University, where he built a foundation in Psychology and Chemistry while actively shaping student communities through mentorship, advocacy, and leadership roles in local and international health.

Ammaar’s path to medicine is grounded in determination, adaptability, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the communities that raised him. Coming from an immigrant family with limited access to academic guidance, he learned early how to navigate unfamiliar systems, open doors for himself, and create opportunities for others. These experiences shaped his commitment to advancing equity, uplifting students who share similar barriers, and directing his medical career toward service-based work with underrepresented populations.

As the USA President, Ammaar is dedicated to expanding mentorship, strengthening student support networks, and fostering spaces where members feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving more than they thought possible. He hopes to use his platform to advocate for intersectionality and to deepen community partnerships, amplify overlooked voices, and continue supporting first-generation and underserved students across the medical pathway.

Outside his academic and leadership commitments, you’ll find Ammaar exploring the city, venturing into nature, or working on projects that blend creativity, storytelling, and community impact. He aims to carry that same sense of curiosity, connection, and purpose into his work with the organization.

Shakia is honored to be the Vice President of the Underrepresented Student Alliance (USA)! She looks forward to the opportunity to work alongside such a passionate team as we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone on campus. She is committed to uplifting underrepresented voices and making a positive impact, not just within our school, but in the broader community around us. 

"Let’s make this year one of growth, unity, and meaningful change!" 

Elisha Barbanel Beh is a first-generation medical student from New York City. She was inspired to pursue medicine through a health equity lens after seeing the ubiquity of health disparity, from her neighborhood in Manhattan to the small town in Malaysia from which her dad emigrated. Elisha received her B.A. in Public Health with a French minor from Johns Hopkins University. She worked as a medical scribe, medical assistant, and a public health research assistant. She is particularly excited to bring her experience in multi-sectoral work to the Underrepresented Student Alliance as secretary. In her free time, Elisha likes to rock climb, bake, and hike! 

Patrick Young is a first-generation medical student from Vermont. He received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in biotechnology from McGill University, where he competed on the Rugby and Track teams. Serving as the treasurer of the USA, he is eager to support our allied partner organizations and foster a sense of community. Patrick’s experience in fundraising, event operations, and in the non-profit sector will help ensure our resources have the most significant impact on our community. He is proud to be a part of an organization that uplifts students' voices and celebrates what makes us unique. Outside of school, he enjoys cooking, racquet sports, and plant propagation.

Isra Ahmed is a first-year medical student born in Queens and raised in Long Island NY. She graduated from Stony Brook University, where she majored in Biology with a minor in Digital Arts. Between shifts as a medical scribe at an OB/GYN clinic, she volunteered at ICNA relief food pantries to help the underserved and helped arrange a clothing recycling initiative. She also volunteered with the Bayside Glen Oaks Volunteer Ambulance Corps, both as an EMT and an educator of their Youth Squad. She aspires to become a physician dedicated to the health and education of her community, empowering the underserved and advocating for equitable healthcare. In her role as the Public Relations Officer of the Underrepresented Student Association, she commits to building that sense of community among students of all identities. 

Outside of medicine, Isra enjoys drawing, painting, and long walks.

Jade Rodriguez is a first-year medical student at Albany Medical College and serves as the Community Service Chair for the Underrepresented Student Alliance (USA). An Albany native, Jade is deeply committed to giving back to the community that helped shape her. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Villanova University and spent two gap years working as a pediatric medical assistant in an underserved, predominantly Spanish-speaking community, as well as conducting neuroscience research at Albany Medical College. As a first-generation student, Jade is passionate about health equity and community engagement. She is particularly interested in surgical oncology, a path inspired by the loss of her father to pancreatic cancer. In her free time, Jade enjoys being outdoors, playing sports, and spending time with her family and friends.

Kenny Cordoba-Llanos is a current MS1 from Rhode Island. He Graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a double major in global business and Mandarin. While in Beijing during his senior year of his undergraduate studies, Kenny had the opportunity to live in Beijing and work for the Chinese Olympic Medalist, Chen Lu.  After, Kenny attended graduate school at the University of Liverpool in England where he earned his master's degree in sports business and management. After working in Sports Management post-graduation, he decided to pursue medicine. His current specialty interest is orthopedic surgery. 

Sarah Martínez is a proud Latina and native New Yorker. A three-time cancer survivor, Sarah was initially diagnosed with cancer during her sophomore year of college. She remained in school during the majority of her treatment, taking only a brief break from her education in 2013 to undergo an autologous stem cell transplant. Sarah went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University in 2016. Her acceptance to medical school came the following year through the Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY) Post-Baccalaureate Pipeline Program in Buffalo, NY – a program integral in support of underrepresented students success in medicine. Upon completion of the program, she began medical school at Albany Medical College in 2018, where she has remained a fierce advocate. Throughout her medical school career, she has served in leadership on a local, regional, and national level, and maintains research interests in diversity, health equity, and medical education. Sarah is working towards a career in Academic Medicine, as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist.

Dr. Mason received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Grinnell College. She subsequently received her MPH in Health Education and Management from the University of Illinois and a PhD in Preventive Medicine from the University of Southern California School of Medicine where she also completed a NIH Cancer Fellowship. Presently, Dr. Mason serves as Assistant Dean for Student Support and Inclusion in the Division of Community Outreach Medical Education and Associate Professor in the Departments of Medical Education and Community and Family Medicine at Albany Medical College. She, along with her colleagues, work to promote inclusion and equity along the health profession pipeline.

Prior to moving to AMC, she served as Faculty Director for the Meharry Medical College-Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center Cancer Partnership and AIDS Coordinator for the City of Pasadena, California. She is a proud member of the Sosa Academy of Medical Sciences and the Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society.