Meet Jacquelyn Simington, a University of Connecticut class of 2022 graduate, who majored in Biological Sciences. Throughout her academic career, Jacquelyn worked full-time as a Home Health Aide, providing one-on-one care to elderly patients with brain injuries. During her time at UConn, Jacquelyn was a Track and Field athlete, which she shares fostered her mindset of diversity and inclusion. Further, Jacquelyn’s upbringing in foster care and blighted communities inspired her pursuit of a medical career, in an effort to give back to those in need. This is apparent in Jacquelyn’s works before attending Albany Medical College. During her GAP year, she was devoted to servicing vulnerable populations as a dog trainer, through service animal training. Jacquelyn also strived to make an impact on other students' success by providing advice from her own medical journey and experiences as a graduate mentor. Together, Jacquelyn’s identities are the drivers behind her aspirations to uplift and empower disadvantaged communities, principles of which she plans to continue to demonstrate in all her efforts as President of USA. Currently, Jacquelyn is interested in Orthopedic Surgery due to having two separate ACL repairs with TWO different grafts. In the past, she has collaborated in various systemic reviews and podiums underneath Yale’s Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jimenez. In her free time, Jacquelyn loves hanging out with her two dogs and spamming her group chats with funny TikTok videos.

Pamela is a first-generation Nigerian-American medical student from Connecticut. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and earned her Master of Science from Pace University in New York City. Prior to medical school, she worked as a Physician Assistant in Emergency Medicine and Primary Care. Her love for medicine and desire to become a better advocate for her patients, especially those from marginalized groups, is what led her to make the decision to attend medical school. She is thrilled to serve as Vice President for USA and help support all underrepresented students at AMC by upholding the organization’s ideals of recognizing our different identities and cultivating allyship. Outside of school, she loves to travel, all things interior decorating, and spending time with her family.

Redwan is from Hamtramck, MI. He attended Harvard and majored in Chemistry and Physics. He is a first-generation college graduate. After college, he worked in a hematology research lab at MGH, studying potential therapeutics for HUS. As secretary of USA, he is proud to be part of an organization that helps and empowers underrepresented medical students. 

Naziba Nuha is originally from Bangladesh and relocated to Florida during her high school years. Her lifelong aspiration has been to contribute positively to society, which is why she is passionate about medicine. It allows her the opportunity to assist those in need and provide support during their most challenging moments. In her leisure time, she enjoys cooking, skateboarding, and dancing. Serving as the treasurer of USA, her primary objective is to maintain a strong sense of collaboration. Naziba is eager to collaborate with our newly elected executive board, listen to their ideas, and explore innovative ways to bring them to fruition. Her focus ranges from financing events and backing projects to ensuring that our resources are optimally utilized. Ultimately, it's about joining forces for the betterment of our community.

Rosmery Reyes is a proud first-generation Latina and New Yorker. She graduated from the University at Albany in May 2023 with degrees in Human Biology and Spanish. Before attending medical school, Rosmery worked as a Pre-Health Peer Advisor and Tutor at SUNY Albany. As the admissions chair, she aims to be an advocate for those whose stories are yet to be heard, individuals whose perspectives can greatly enrich our community. Her dream is to help build a community that not only celebrates our differences but also actively supports and uplifts everyone's unique talents. 

Nicole Melissa Hernandez a native of Queens, NYC. As a first-generation queer Latinx individual, she chose to join the USA to contribute to the diversification of the field of medicine. Accepting the role of Intersectional Chair, she aims to establish connections and create opportunities for underrepresented students. Together, USA will embark on a transformative journey, and she is confident that we will have an exceptional year ahead!

Shema is a Sudanese American born in Brooklyn, NY. She attained her bachelor's degree from the University of Albany with a major in Human Biology and a minor in Psychology. She has always been passionate about medicine and has worked as a patient care associate and medical assistant throughout college, furthering her interests. She is also very passionate about advocating for underserved populations and hopes to use her position in USA for this purpose. In her free time Shema enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Tarick is a Palestinian-American and first-generation college graduate from New Orleans. He received his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in Public Health from Tulane University in 2023. Prior to starting medical school, he worked in a Tropical Medicine research lab rearing mosquitoes and as a Medical Assistant. In addition to USA, Tarick is the Vice President of the Muslim Student Association. Tarick enjoys basketball, soccer, and the outdoors.

Shavane is an ambitious young man who was born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Shavane moved to Mount Vernon NY in 2017, finished high school, and attended the University at Albany where he attained his Bachelor of Science in Biology. Before coming to medical, he worked as a Patient Care Associate and Group Exercise Instructor. Shavane has a high interest in General Surgery and Emergency Medicine. He also has a devoted love for serving the community and understanding the needs of each community so everyone can prosper and live a peaceful life.

Valerie is a proud Haitian-American and native New Yorker. She graduated from the University at Albany in May 2020 with degrees in Biology and Africana Studies as part of the first cohort of the EAPP. As the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair for the Class of 2024, she is a member of multiple organizations within USA and strives to bridge the gap between students of all underrepresented groups. Valerie aspires to pursue a career in academic medicine, specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. She is passionate about research, advocacy, mentorship, and education, particularly within rehab. In her spare time, Valerie loves art, restaurant hopping, listening to new music, and traveling.

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.