Graduation date: 2019
Major: Health and Human Services – Community Mental Health; Sociology
Current Position: Health Policy Analyst, U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services
How would you describe your career path after leaving UB?
After I graduated from UB, I was accepted into Marymount University’s 2-year Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAMHE) program. Throughout these years, I was involved in various professional development opportunities. With my passion for service and advocacy to make effective change, I immersed myself in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) organization. I actively participated in various healthcare executive meetings where graduate students and healthcare leaders were able to partake in an open dialogue to gain insight on leadership values and effective ways to improve patient care within healthcare organizations. My motivation and creativity led me to becoming a cofounder of the National Capital of Healthcare Executives Student Leadership Committee. I was able to work alongside my colleagues in gathering students from CAHME accredited universities to a community that aims to foster personal, academic, and professional growth through insightful healthcare industry resources and interactive events. Furthermore, I had the amazing opportunity of becoming a consultant for a healthcare organization. I was able to strategically conduct internal/external analyses and recommend the best practices for patient-centered clinic design. Subsequently, I graduated with my Master of Science in Health Care Management. Afterwards, I applied to federal jobs related to my passion of healthcare. Once the process was finalized, this led me into the position as a Management Analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Why did you choose to major in Health & Human Services?
I chose to major in Health and Human Services because this field of study’s goal was to inform as well as provide me with the knowledge that I needed which would be beneficial to not only my day-to-day experiences, but to my professional experiences as well. I have gained a holistic perspective from each of these courses which gave me a better understanding of the world around me. Moreover, that is why I chose to double major in Health and Human Services and Sociology of Health and Society, because it is multifaceted. Unlike most majors, I could decide from numerous courses which one I wanted to take. This then gave me the opportunity of learning new things in different field areas. I believe that the unique qualities that I have gained from these courses helped me to become a well-versed person. So, thank you!
What advice would you give to current students in Health & Human Services?
The advice that I would give to current students in Health and Human Services is to never give up on the goals you have planned for your life. Instead, turn your goals into a reality and take time to appreciate every moment of how you came to where you are now.
What is one random / fun fact about you?
A fun fact about myself is that I have been competing in pageants since I was 5 years old and later captured the title “Miss New York.”