Search Results

2024 Pre-Health Dreamers' Annual Conference Prices Location $25 Student $75 Educators / Staff Date July 25 & July 26, 2024 (9:00 am - 3:00 pm/pst) Share Online This year, PHD’s annual conference will be held online. The conference will focus on raising awareness about access to health-related programs and careers for undocumented individuals. The conference will introduce participants to advocacy and engage them in conversations about equitable policies that support our communities. PHD expects more than 200 community members to attend. PHD will list you as sponsors during our annual conference. Please click on the sponsor section below to learn more. RSVP Speaker Spotlights Conference Agenda Click here to view agenda Thank you for your partnership and for being a conference sponsor. BECOME A SPONSOR

Contact Us! The Team Click on the member you wish to email Join the Listserv Yadira Ortiz Executive Director Nursing , Dentistry Advocacy Support Licensure Ally Trainings Sponsorship Financial Assistance Background check for SSN Other health-related professional programs Join PHDreamers Maria Navarro Program Coordinator PEEP Program Student Network questions Social Media

We are excited to share that Pre-Health Dreamers' 4th Annual Conference : "Revolutionizing the Health of Undocumented Communities" will be held online from July 25 to 26, 2024 . RSVP 18 states represented at our annual conference Thank you to our sponsors for believing in our mission! BECOME A SPONSOR LEARN MORE

The Founders. Who We Are Timeline April 2012 November 2014 April 2019 January 2022 June 2021 Informally co-founded in 2012 by three undocumented youth in the San Francisco Bay Area. PHD was adopted and became a project of Immigrants Rising.. PHD launched the first annual cohort of the Peer Engagement and Enrichment Program (PEEP), formerly known as Health Professions Advancement Program (HPAP). Pre-Health Dreamers became its own fiscally-sponsored project of Community Initiatives. PHD hosts its 1st Annual Conference "Revolutionizing the Health of Undocumented Communities". PHD launches the National Community Coalition (NCC), a cohort of institutions committed to expanding their support and resources for undocumented individuals by addressing barriers and promoting systemic change. Denisse Rojas, MD, MPP Founder & CEO Denisse Rojas Marquez envisions a health care system where no individual is excluded. Growing up as an undocumented immigrant, she and her family had limited health care options and as a result, they would delay treatment for illnesses and use free or subsidized health care. Through these difficult experiences, Denisse was inspired to become a doctor in underserved communities that advocates for all patients and is a leader in shaping health care policies. Denisse was less than a year old when she and her family left Mexico for the United States. As a resident of Fremont, California, her family found new opportunities that enabled Denisse and her two siblings to attend college. Her path, however, had many roadblocks. Due to her status, Denisse was ineligible for financial aid and was often discouraged that school counselors could not offer guidance on her educational goals. Moreover, Denisse was painfully separated from family members who, as a result of stalled policies on immigration, left for Canada. Denisse remained steadfast in her aspirations and graduated from UC Berkeley with majors in Sociology and Integrative Biology in 2012. That same year, Denisse co-founded a national organization called Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD) to provide advising, resources and advocacy for other undocumented youth like herself. In just a few years, PHD has reached over 800 members in 42 states. Through Denisse’s leadership, the organization co-sponsored legislation to allow California licensing boards to award professional licenses to individuals regardless of immigration status, given all other requirements are met, and engage in institutional advocacy in partnership with other academic groups. She co-authored an article in Academic Medicine that provides guidance on considering DACA recipients for residency positions. As a result of PHD’s advocacy, more health professional programs will consider undocumented students for admission. Denisse has also been a spokesperson for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that was created by then President Obama in 2012. Her story has been featured in CNN Money, National Public Radio’s Latino USA, and Forbes magazine recognized Denisse in its ‘30 Under 30’ most influential entrepreneurs in education. For her achievements as a New American and her potential to contribute to American society, Denisse also received the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans for up to $90,000 in support for graduate school. Denisse completed her MD at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and her Masters in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is currently an emergency medicine resident at Boston Medical Center. Denisse has devoted herself to a life of service through direct care, research, and policy to ensure that quality health care is accessible to all underserved communities and higher education is attainable for underrepresented minority students. Co-Founder & Project Board Member Emergency Medicine Resident New Latthivongskorn, MD, MPH Founder & CEO NEW LATTHIVONGSKORN is an immigrant rights & health justice activist, and a family & community doctor. After moving to the U.S. as a child, his family has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Having experienced, first-hand, the alienation and confusion that immigrant families face in attempting to navigate health care systems in the U.S., he became interested with the idea of working to improve health for all marginalized communities. He is a graduate of University of California Berkeley, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health with a Masters degree in Public Health, and the first undocumented graduate from University of California San Francisco, in the Program in Medical Education for the Urban Underserved (PRIME-US). Outside of academia, his immigrant rights activism has varied from advocating for policies to expand access to higher education & health care, community-organizing with pre-health career students, and federal reforms. He served as a plaintiff in the successful lawsuit against the Trump administration’s effort to end the DACA program, and has been invited to meet with President Biden as the first guests in his presidency. Now, as a resident physician at San Francisco General Hospital, New continues to engage in work at the intersection of immigrant rights, health & medicine, and culture change. He was named to 2017 Forbes' 30 Under 30 for co-founding Pre-Health Dreamers, an organization that works to support undocumented students pursuing health careers. He was named one of “25 Leaders in Action” by Asian Americans Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP), top “10 Asian-Pacific American Influences” by Buzzfeed. New has been recognized for his commitment to social justice and service: the 2017 Excellence in Public Health Award by the U.S. Public Health Service, as well as the UCSF Chancellor’s Award for Service and the Thomas N. Burbridge Award. He was the sole recipient of the Gold-Headed Cane for Humanism in his graduating class from UCSF School of Medicine, class of 2019. He is a co-recipient of the national Vilcek-Gold Award for Humanism in Healthcare in 2021. Family & Community Medicine, UCSF & Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital Co-founder, Pre-Health Dreamers and Project Board Member Angel Ku, Ph.D. Founder & CEO Angel Ku is a Mexican born scientist in the field of precision medicine at Varian’s department of Global Translation Science. His passion to improve the lives of cancer patients has led him to investigate new therapeutic strategies for cancer. His expertise in systems biology has led to him combine both experimental and computational approaches for discovering novel cancer therapeutics. During his graduate and undergraduate career Angel organized with several student-led organization to advocate for access to health careers for undocumented students. He was a co-founder of San Francisco State University’s undocumented student organization and a member of Immigrants Rising Outreach Team. Outside his lab enjoy enjoys riding his bike through California’s beautiful scenery with friends and family. Scientist, Dept. of Genomics & Precision Medicine Co-founder, Pre-Health Dreamers

Institutional Guidance: Licensure Academic barriers, such as institutions refusing to admit students based on their immigration status, can present unnecessary stress and challenges to rising students. These guides provide information on how to apply for programs that consider undocumented applicants with temporary benefits, DACA, or other immigration statuses. Professional and Occupational Licensing for Undocumented Students DACA, TPS, non-SSN Th is document details which states provide licensure to rising undocumented health professionals. Both, individuals with and without an SSN are discussed.

PEEP | Student Portal The advent of long and ongoing educational system for professional has highlighted the need for better policy at both the institutional and local level. We are looking for the most interesting applications that make up a variety of backgrounds to tackle these educational boulders. This is the program to brainstorm and build innovative solutions with students from like minded environments. As a member of the PEEP Cohort you will be armed with the tools and social networks needed to tackle higher educational pursuits as an immigrant. Interested in all of the above? Join our 2024 PEEP Cohort! Please make sure that you are willing to commit to attend mandatory sessions and meet the PEEP Innovative Challenge commitments. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. Coming this Fall PEEP Scholar Program Schedule for Students Full program schedule, highlighted with mandatory, optional and workshop events. PEEP Student Resources Resources shared during webinars that is made available to Pre-Health Dreamers PEEP Students for the 2023 Cohort.

This report details goals met by PHD during its 2024-2025 programming year and future 2025 - 2026 goals. Published July 2025. PHD's 2025 Annual Report Statistics Get to know a little bit more about Pre-Health Dreamers as well as getting more information on our students! Future Goals Pre-Health Dreamer's vision to help our next generation, immigrant students achieve their dreams! From our Scholars See what our students have to say about their life experiences as well as their experiences with PHDreamers! Work from our Students See some of the work around the immigrant and health communities from our students. MotivatingAmerica's Future Leaders. Check out the Leading campus and other organizational events attended by Pre-Health Dreamers actions. Read More

Pre Health Dreamers Pathways: Unlocking health careers, breaking barriers Application Cycle Location Oct. 30, 2025 - Dec. 5, 2025 Virtual Year 2025-2026 Share PATHWAYS is a four-month virtual program designed to help undergraduate undocumented students who are passionate about pursuing careers in healthcare. The program offers career exploration and focuses on various aspects such as professional development, academic enhancement, advocacy, establishing support networks, and introduction to entrepreneurship. Accepted participants will have the opportunity to engage in online events with their peers to share resources, exchange knowledge, and receive support within a safe and inclusive environment. Apply Student Apply today to be a part of the PATHWAY Scholar Program. Learn more

2023 PEEP Innovation Challenge See the winners for last years 2023 PEEP Innovation Challenge Read More Carolina Cortez Marure, Alexis Perez, Abdullah Bajwah Help seeking behaviors in the Latinx community for those suffering with mental illness The underrepresentation of cultural minorities in mental health careers, combined with the stigmatization surrounding mental health, deters members of the latinx community from pursuing vital mental health treatment. Read Tech Lead Ashley Jones This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio. Button Office Manager Tess Brown This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio. Button Product Manager Lisa Rose This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio. Button HR Lead Kevin Nye This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio. Button Customer Support Lead Alex Young This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio. Button QA Specialist Andrew Cole This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio. Button Content Strategist Debbie Green This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio. Button Product Manager Alissa Rose This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio. Button Apply Today This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content. info@mysite.com 123-456-7890

BECOME A SPONSOR Click Here Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD) is excited to announce that we are seeking sponsorship for our 2-Day Student Retreat and Annual Conference taking place in July 2023 in Los Angeles, CA. This will be the first in-person retreat for our students since the pandemic, and it will be the first time our conference is in person!

BIG THINGS HAVE DETERMINED BEGINNINGS... Informally co-founded in 2012 by three undocumented youth in the San Francisco Bay Area, Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD) flourished out of the need for comprehensive support to pursue higher education at the graduate and professional levels. Mission Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD) promotes a culture of inclusion in higher education and healthcare by working with institutions to establish equitable holistic support and processes for undocumented communities. PHD empowers and equips students to skillfully use their voices to create a meaningful connection with higher education and professional programs. PHD has witnessed first-hand the lack of resources available for undocumented students pursuing health-related professional programs, like medicine, dentistry, nursing, research, and more. Even more, PHD participants show us that the barriers from ten years ago still exist today for traditionally underrepresented communities. We are empowered to support the community and strive to change the education and healthcare system for all immigrants. Vision PHD believes that immigration status should not exclude anyone from pursuing their dreams of higher education, careers, and contributing to their communities. PHD envisions a healthcare system that is accessible and welcoming to all regardless of their immigration status. PHD’s programs encourage equitable access, educational opportunities, and resources for traditionally underrepresented communities. We believe that by providing a continuity of support and training for undocumented pre-health students and health professionals, we will positively impact the health care services that undocumented communities receive. Our team provides: Student advising and advocacy support through our Peer Engagement and Enrichment Program (PEEP) National peer-support network and resources Institutional advocacy in higher education and health care through our National Community Coalition (NCC). Community training on health care access for the undocumented and immigrant community (NCC) A platform that elevates immigrant-friendly policy and legislation. Our interdepartmental collaborations address barriers and challenges from distinctive angles and at different levels. PHD adapts to the unique adversities that arise for individuals with complex immigration circumstances to best serve our diverse immigrant population.

PATHWAYS Schedule Check out the amazing lineup of workshops for the upcoming Pathways cohort starting in January 2025. Pathways Portal Student Calendar

Health Care Access DACA and Medi-Cal “Enrolling in Medi-Cal means you will have access to health services for FREE or at low cost, including preventative services- like annual check-ups, dental and vision care, and medication.” BUILDING STRONGER CONNECTIONS & A SAFE SPACE FOR UNDOCUMENTED PATIENTS Pre-Health Dreamers' undocu ally training is designed for health professionals and pre-health students. This presentation defines the undocumented community and provides essential national-level data that brings awareness to the needs of this population. Our team will also discuss legislation affecting undocumented and immigrant communities and their access to health care, and how structural competency relates to undocumented immigrants. We will provide ideas for creating a safe clinical space, strengthening the connection between you and your undocumented patients, and developing partnerships that will continue to bring this training to your sites. Please contact yadi@phdreamers.org for more information and to request a training. Building Stronger Connections & A Safe Space for Undocumented Patients Immigrant Health Community Packet “Thank you to the CA-PIF, Outreach & Communications Workgroup and immigrant community experts for the Immigrant Health Community Packet below!” Please contact yadi@phdreamers.org to request a presentation. #Health4All “Pre-Health Dreamers has a shared vision of a healthier community, where everyone has access to affordable and quality health care regardless of immigration status. We are committed to collaborating with community partners in the effort to redefine “health” and “health care” for the undocumented immigrant communities, and to advocate for changes in legislation or policies to reach our vision. Documented or undocumented, everyone deserves to be healthy.” How Can Physicians Care and Advocate for Undocumented Immigrants? “About 11 million undocumented people are living in the U.S. today. This is one of the country’s most vulnerable populations because they frequently do not have access to health insurance and can be afraid to present for care. Physicians should understand the ethical issues that arise when supporting and caring for undocumented immigrants, refugees and asylees. “ NILC: Health Care Providers and Immigration Enforcement Know Your Rights, Know Your Patients’ Rights “The threat of increased federal immigration enforcement has raised concerns among immigrant families, some of whom may decide to forego necessary medical services out of fear that they could be putting themselves and their family members at risk. This factsheet provides advice to hospitals, medical centers, community health centers, other health care facilities, and advocates on how to prepare for and respond to (a) enforcement actions by immigration officials and (b) interactions with law enforcement that could result in immigration consequences for their patients.” California Health Care Resources for Undocumented Immigrants from Hispanas Organized for Political Equity (HOPE) “This resource guide provides a comprehensive list of affordable healthcare options. The resource guide includes services rendered, health care provider contact information, and types of fees.”

Meet our Students! We are excited to highlight the stories of some of our PEEP participants across the nation who are striving to attend graduate and health professional programs. Only students with a current profile picture are shown. Please get to know our future scientists, educators, and health providers by hearing their stories and learning from their advice below! Rodrigo Career: Medicine Rodrigo is a DREAMer and a beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Rodrigo grew up in East Providence, Rhode Island, after coming to the United States with his parents at 10 months of age. They have rallied and organized Dreamers in Rhode Island and Washington D.C. to push for a permanent fix for DACA recipients. As a writer, Rodrigo's commentary on immigration policy is featured in Al Jazeera, The Guardian, and The Providence Journal. Locally, Rodrigo lobbied the General Assembly and the Governor for legislation granting undocumented immigrants driver's licenses. In 2018, the state passed a law ensuring that DACA recipients would be issued driver's licenses regardless of future federal policy. Due to their work on the issue, Rodrigo was asked to introduce Governor Gina Raimondo at the bill signing. Rodrigo will graduate from the University of Rhode Island with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Data Science. Luis Career: Medicine First-generation Veracruz immigrant Luis Alberto Hernandez Campos, 22, lives in sunny Arizona. Growing up, ancestors and nation were foreign. My parents brought me to the US at one year old to end poverty. They struggled to attain goals and support their growing family without financial aid. They supported the family by working hard instead of going to college. While my father worked in the fields, my mother helped my grandmother sell products at home. US National Scholarship. Financial stress reduction and learning have greatly improved my life. Student Specialist at ASU's DREAMzone for DACA, undocumented, and mixed-status students was my second job. It showed financial issues. Alexis Career: Physician Assistant There were many factors that have influenced my decision to pursue a career in health. Ultimately, the main factor was my interest in STEM from a young age. I was interested in science since the 5th grade and knew that I wanted to continuously expose myself to this general field of study. A dreamer without the documentation. Facing obstacles that I had no control over but, braving them in search of my dreams. I wish to become an asset to my demographic in the medical field to bring ease to patients that call two countries their home. Diana Career: Medicine, Public Health I worked as an emergency room scribe which helped me familiarize myself with medical terminology. Having that past experience has aided me with my current job as a patient care technician. I currently work in a cardiovascular floor where I take care of patients after cardiac procedures such as CABG (coronary artery bypass graft), TAVRs (Transcatheter aortic valve replacement), and cardiac catheterizations. Danira Career: Ph.D I was born and raised in Nigeria until my family decided to relocate to the United States when I was 13. While growing up in Nigeria, an emphasis was placed on education and pursuing “high-ranking” jobs like a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. Consequently, I believed that becoming a doctor was the only way to contribute to building my community’s wellness. However, in Nigeria, I became curious about mental illnesses after hearing my family’s opinion on a case involving suicide. I hope to gain research experience/skill, improved communication skill, knowledge on financial budgeting and interview experience/skill. Ayodeji Career: Ph.D I was born and raised in Nigeria until my family decided to relocate to the United States when I was 13. While growing up in Nigeria, an emphasis was placed on education and pursuing “high-ranking” jobs like a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. My undergraduate experience at Mississippi State University had an enormous impact on focusing my interest to clinical psychology. These research experiences provided me with the tools to identify, analyze and potentially solve problems that need to be adequately addressed in research and clinical work. One of these problems is covered in my current research interests: identifying and working toward bridging the gap of access to mental health care for minority populations. Jissela Career: Medicine I was born in El Salvador in the year 2000 - an impoverished country with poor healthcare infrastructure at the time . During my first two years of life, I experienced breathing difficulties. I visited the hospital multiple times a week for respiratory therapies, providing temporary relief but no doctor could get to the bottom of what was causing the difficulties - all because they didn't have access to the necessary technology. Abdullah Career: Medicine, PhD From pre-K to twelfth grade in Maryland, housing in a 2-bedroom townhouse with six family members, I anticipated economic challenges. My life changed in the fall of 12th grade when I discovered I was a DACA recipient when applying for FAFSA. After preparing for numerous scholarships and chances, I was ready to seek them. I realized that my citizenship status would immediately eliminate my scholarship, internship, and other ambitions. I realized this more in college. I was unable to qualify for most scholarship and research programs due to ineligibility, making it challenging to secure funding for higher study. As a college student on the pre-MD/PhD route, intense competition arises due to limited possibilities and high demand. Sometimes, despite being competent for a position, such as a scholarship, research post, or job, I am not eligible. I participated in the McNair Scholars Program, a research-focused program for low-income and first-generation students, for a year. After the first year, I was supposed to completely enroll in the program to obtain funding for my research. Unfortunately, I was unable to join the program as I did not qualify for federal funding for my research projects. Eugene Career: Medicine Hello! My name is Eugene Kwon. I am a senior at Pomona College, where I major in chemistry. I'm from South Korea and I've lived in the neighborhood of Koreatown in Los Angeles with my mother since we arrived in the United States in 2014. From participating in the PEEP program, I hope to be a part of a community of like-minded immigrants in the US whose shared experiences help build the well-being and success of its members. I especially hope to connect and learn from this community in areas such as learning where to receive resources, networking, self-advocating, and learning to face issues plaguing an underrepresented community. Altogether, I hope to be able to succeed in fulfilling the goals of the cohorts of the program and give back to my communities. Joan Career: Physician Assistant As a young woman who grew up in Africa, with some corrupt and inconsiderate health care system and policy, I see and hear the news of how people who get injured or sick and need immediate care are either neglected or not responded to quickly because of the non- affordability of hospital fees which has resulted into many deaths of innocent individuals. That is why I choose and work towards becoming an Emergency Doctor, to provide immediate care to injured/ill individuals, to change the health care policy in my home country and other places with such policy and to build a legacy for myself. Also, to make a difference in people’s lives. Jim Career: Medicine Hi my name Jim Reynosa. I am college student who dreams of going to medical school. I was born and raised in El Salvador until I was 15 years old and I am currently living in California. I went to high school and as I said before I am currently enrolled at CSUN. My main language is Spanish but I learned English before coming to the US. I hope for the future to be certified doctor and pursue a career in medicine. Kelly Career: Medicine, Postbaccalaureate program What inspires me to pursue a health graduate/professional program is the need for representation of the undocumented community within higher education spaces. As a child, being a doctor was the only career I envisioned myself having. Due to the lack of healthcare access, I wanted to be able to provide the resources to those who were in need. The way healthcare is viewed more as a privilege rather than a right made me more upset. I also wish to create more of a representation within the spaces I enter so that those after me are discouraged to pursue their dreams. Isabel Career: Exploring Medicine, Dentistry, Ph.D, Postbacc Coming to the U.S. in my teens as an undocumented immigrant, and given that I neither knew English or had my parents nearby for support, I felt like I lost my voice. I couldn't express my opinions and thoughts to others, which led me to lose confidence in myself and my abilities. During my second semester of college I decided to take action and overcome this challenge. I set up daily goals, make plans and stick to a schedule diligently. Margarida Career: Medicine, Ph.D, Physician Assistant I always had to help others as much as possible. My mother and grandma always gave food, rides, and emotional support. Growing raised with these principles made me who I am, but I want to reach more people and change lives, especially undocumented ones. My shadowing doctor, Dr. Silka, inspires me. He is an educated, compassionate, and proactive doctor. No matter how long he's been in the hospital or how crowded it is, he's always happy and nice to his patients. His character will inspire me as a doctor, whether I become an ER doctor or not. Along with my interest in human physiology and anatomy, I want to be a doctor. With my undergraduate experiences, I wish to influence patients and bring them to a better health path by delivering ethnically or culturally appropriate patient care. Gabriella Career: Medicine, Postbaccalaureate program My name is Gabriella, and I am originally from Cameroun. Moving to the United States has provided me with numerous possibilities to further my education. I am currently in my last year of undergrad and will graduate in the spring of 2022 with a B.S. in Biology and a Chemistry minor. I enjoy tutoring and mentoring other students of the same background to make education more accessible for all. I hope to gain medical experience to apply to a medical school. I would love to become a physician and specialize in pediatrics. As a physician in the U.S., I hope to go back to the diverse community I grew up in and help eradicate the health disparities that are so prevalent. Deicy Career: Exploring Medicine, Physician Assistant 31 year old dreamer from Mexico City. I was brought to the United States at the age of 3 years old. My parent brought my brother and I to the United States for a better future and to become someone in life. Throughout all my struggles I managed to graduate from a Medical Assistant program, my Associates in Science in Public Health, and an Associates in Science in Kinesiology. Now I attend Cal State University San Marcos working on my Bachelor’s in Kinesiology with a concentrate in body movement. Helen Career: Medicine I need to become more familiar with the process. However, I did a Pre-health Scholars Program this past summer at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center and we had a session with the admissions team. During the session, we were presented with the different Medical School programs offered and how competitive they are. As a part of this program, I had the opportunity of shadowing physicians in Internal Medicine, General Pediatrics, and Pediatric Surgery. Elizabeth Career: Ph.D Being the first one to go through the college process in my family, having to figure it out on my own. Finding support was hard, and the struggles that come with being DACA recipient. Career: Ph.D Being the first one to go through the college process in my family, having to figure it out on my own. Finding support was hard, and the struggles that come with being DACA recipient. Career: Ph.D Being the first one to go through the college process in my family, having to figure it out on my own. Finding support was hard, and the struggles that come with being DACA recipient. Rosa Career: Medicine I think that the medical field offers many vital jobs and I would love to be apart of that community. I love helping people and if I could do it through something I am passionate about, it is a double win. Dietetics is a good spot for me because it is affordable, interesting, and relatively short. Karen Career: Medicine Navigating and dealing with my health complications is a stressor that I have encountered in college. While I have a medical condition and am receiving treatment, there are still instances where I get sick and have flare ups. This can mean having my thyroid hormone out of its normal range and therefore having me experience many difficult symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, and weight loss/gain. Sometimes it makes me feel like I do not belong here, however I do not let that limit the goals that I want to achieve. Karen Career: Medicine Navigating and dealing with my health complications is a stressor that I have encountered in college. While I have a medical condition and am receiving treatment, there are still instances where I get sick and have flare ups. This can mean having my thyroid hormone out of its normal range and therefore having me experience many difficult symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, and weight loss/gain. Sometimes it makes me feel like I do not belong here, however I do not let that limit the goals that I want to achieve. Brenda Career: Exploring all Health Fields I am passionate about helping others. I love being at hospitals even when I am personally not feeling well I always found the hospital environment to be a safe and comforting place. This is where I learned to be more curious about job opportunities with patient care. I have also had to be a caregiver to all of my grandparents growing up so I became familiar with all of the medical terms and aftercare. I inspire to one day be able to provide that to others because as I do not have my grandparents with me anymore my drive is to be a part of caring and showing compassion to those who need help during their time of vulnerability. Lastly, as a mother of three I want to hold the example to my children of pursuing and obtaining a career one day that involved going to college or university. Yegi Career: Exploring all Health Fields Hello my name is Yegi Shin. I am currently pursuing Nursing as a major and I like to read self-help books in my spare time. Inspiration-from seeing similar peers and predecessors who have been in my shoes who are now flourishing. Experience-becoming experienced in different college programs and opportunities. Opportunities-to have the chance to excel in what I can do in my status right now. Gabriela Career: Exploring all Health Fields My name is Gabriela, I was born in Lima, Peru and moved to Queens, New York at the age of 6. I graduated from The City college of New York - CUNY with a B.S in Psychology and Biology, and I am currently in my third gap year working as a Research Data Associate at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in the Healthy Brain and Aging department. My aspiration to become a physician stems from first hand exposure to the health disparities and inequities seen within my underserved/ immigrant community. As a future provider I want to provide quality and compassionate bilingual care, educate patients and be an advocate for better access to healthcare in underserved communities. In my free time I enjoy taking yoga classes, hiking, dancing (Peruvian folk and salsa!!), and spending time/traveling with my family. Norma Career: Nursing I have experienced unexpected spending during an automobile accident that totaled my vehicle and injured my body. I was fortunate to be able to finish courses online and have my family for support with transportation and or public transportation.

The Prizes. The total prize pool for the PEEP Innovation Challenge is currently offering differing awards for first, second, and third place for most innovative solutions to the PEEP Innovative Challenge. 1st Place $ 1500 2nd Place $ 1000 3rd Place $ 500