Meet Saba Saiel-Bayot, 

Saba holds a Master of Science in Physiology from Georgetown University and a double major in Biology and Psychology, Neuroscience, & Behavior (PNB) from McMaster University, where she graduated summa cum laude. Saba’s path to medicine is grounded in resilience and purpose. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Saba spent her early years as a refugee in Pakistan before immigrating to Canada. Learning English as a second language and navigating life in a new country, she overcame many obstacles, especially as a woman pursuing a dream that wasn’t always encouraged in the society she was born into. Growing up in underserved communities deeply shaped her passion for equitable care and her commitment to uplifting others facing similar challenges. Throughout her journey, Saba has balanced rigorous academics with meaningful clinical work. She has worked as a medical assistant in dermatology and rehabilitation clinics, served as a research trainee on diagnostic approaches to fibromyalgia, and contributed to peer-reviewed publications in ultrasound imaging and machine learning. She’s also supported students as a teaching assistant in neuroscience and psychology courses, further showcasing her love of education. Outside the classroom and clinic, Saba is an advocate and community builder. From her leadership in the Afghan Students’ Association at McMaster to volunteering at food drives and emergency rooms, she has consistently fostered environments of care and inclusion.

As the USA President, Saba is dedicated to advocacy, mentorship, and building spaces where students from all walks of life can thrive. She’s still exploring her future specialty but is firmly rooted in her mission to serve and empower communities often left behind in traditional healthcare systems.When she’s not studying or organizing community initiatives, you can find Saba exploring local coffee shops, hiking in nature, or reading in beautifully designed libraries—always searching for inspiration, connection, and calm in her surroundings.

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!" 

Meet Emily Kong, 

Emily was born and raised in San Francisco, where she was fortunate to grow up in a diverse community surrounded by people from all walks of life. Her early childhood experiences shaped her values and sparked a lifelong passion for equity and advocacy in medicine. In college, she studied microbiology with a minor in global health, and  worked as a medical assistant and clinical research coordinator after graduation. Currently, she is interested in pursuing OB/GYN because she is eager to support patients in a field that often cares for vulnerable populations. Outside of medicine, Emily enjoys trying new recipes, cafe hopping, traveling, and reading.

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.

Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Ashburn, VA, Laila is a first-year medical student and a proud graduate of the University of Virginia, where she majored in Biology with minors in Kinesiology and Psychology. Prior to medical school, Laila worked as a medical assistant and scribe in local private practice dermatology offices, where she gained firsthand insight into patient care and complex skin conditions. She’s passionate about equitable care and deeply interested in how systemic diseases manifest differently in skin of color and underrepresented populations. As the Public Relations Officer of the Underrepresented Student Association, Laila is committed to building community, amplifying marginalized voices, and creating space for students who have long been left out of medicine. Her journey is grounded in curiosity, inclusion, and the belief that every patient deserves to be seen and understood. 

Outside of medicine, Laila enjoys matcha, discovering new restaurants, and all forms of movement: from hot yoga and Pilates to Indoor Cycling and weightlifting.

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.