2023 PHA Health Equity Symposium

Keynote Speaker: DR SERELA RAMKLASS

Addressing Health Inequities:

A South African Perspective

Dr. Serela Ramklass, Senior Lecturer, University of KwaZulu-Nata, College of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, Durban, South Africa. Dr. Ramklass has extensive experience in teaching, curriculum development, and interprofessional community-based health care practice. She believes health sciences students who are trained in anti-racism, social justice, and health equity, have the power to transform medicine and healthcare across the globe.

STUDENT PRESENTERS

Junell Trim completed her associate degree in Community Health Education at BMCC and is currently majoring in Public Health at the University of Albany. She's passionate about improving adolescent health and preventing childhood obesity. She's interested in researching health disparities and plans to develop public health programs to decrease the incidence and prevalence of childhood obesity.

Milan Powell is currently a student at Hunter College working on his BS in Public Health. He is working toward a goal in clinical therapy with a desire to focus on serving the queer BIPOC community. He works with the idea that he can contribute to the elimination of disparities impacting people of color in the United States. Health Coaching is of interest to him because he hopes to couple those skills with his future work in the mental health field, but also because of his personal experiences. He has found difficulty navigating the medical field often and has regularly wished that he had support from individuals in the medical institution(s) to help him achieve the results that he is looking for in solving health concerns.

Sebastian Jerg is a German-born full-time student and employee. He graduated summa cum laude from BMCC with an associate degree in Community Health Education. Sebastian is currently majoring in Public Health at Hunter College with an expected graduation date of May 2024, and a current GPA of 4.0. His prioritized fields of interest in Public Health are Food Injustices, Food Policy, as well as Health Communication.

Lyn Thomas is a 2022 graduate from the Borough of Manhattan Community College with an associate degree in Public Health and is enrolled in the BMCC Public Health Academy. She now attends Hunter College where she is seeking a bachelor's degree in Public Health with an expected graduation date of May 2024. Her fields of interest are Health Promotion Communication, Maternal and Child Health, and Public Health Sanitarian.

Jasmin Lecadre is a Science for Health major in BMCC with an expected graduation in June 2024. She hopes to continue her education beyond this and gain a master's degree in Nursing and Community Health, eventually becoming a midwife.

Idiatou Diallo graduated from Borough of Manhattan Community College with an associate degree in Science for Health. At a very young age, she realized that being in the health profession would allow her to assist those in need. She intends to enroll in the Public Health program at Hunter College.

Kerry-Ann Derrick is currently a student at BMCC majoring in Community Health. She is also a part of the prestigious Public Health Academy program, which has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to become a successful community advocate. As a Community Health major student, she is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Upon gradating in the Spring of 2023, she plans to enroll at the CUNY School of Professional Studies to pursue a bachelor's degree in Health Services Administration.

Racquel Dunn is a passionate public health student and is determined to improve the health and well-being of diverse communities. Currently pursuing an associate degree in Science, with a focus in Public Health, Racquel has dedicated her academic and professional pursuits to understanding the complexities of healthcare systems, disease prevention, and health promotion. She is expected to graduate in Fall of 2024. Racquel is always seeking ways to apply her knowledge to real-world challenges. Whether it's conducting research on the prevalence of chronic diseases or volunteering at a local clinic, Racquel is committed to making a positive impact on public health outcomes.

Carmen Santiago is currently pursuing her associate degree in Community Health at BMCC, with an expected graduation date of December 2023. She plans to apply to Hunter College and major in Community Health with a concentration in Health Communication. Carmen hopes to eventually obtain her master’s degree in Clinical Social Work.

Kristen Brown is a natural caretaker. Her desire to, “be the change she wants to see in the world” motivated her to enter healthcare. She began pursuing her degree at BMCC in Community Health shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic began. She graduated in December 2022 and currently works as a Program Assistant at the Center for Family Support. She plans to continue her education in Health Administration and Occupational Health/Industrial Hygiene.

Shawn Mathew is a Public Health major at Queens Community College. Shawn likes to play volleyball and working out at the gym. He would like to work as an administrator at a hospital. After graduating with his associate degree, he plans to attend a 4-year college to get his bachelor’s degree in Public Health.

Amandaly Diaz is a first generation American, born and raised in Queens, NY. Due to personal hardships, she withdrew from university in 2019, but made it her goal to one day return and earn her college degree. She recently graduated with an associate degree in Health Sciences from Queens Community College. Going back to school at 25 was an enriching experience for her. She has always been interested in anatomy, physiology, biology, pathology, pharmacology, and epidemiology. She plans two transfer to a four-year school to earn her bachelor’s degree in Nursing.

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