Approximately 60 high school and college students attended an annual College and Career Access Day, which for the first time featured local health professionals sharing their expertise in promoting salud y comunidad, or health and community.
“Young people are more motivated than ever to make our world a better place as leaders, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and scientists,” said Carlos Alemán, Ph.D, a professor in residence and a SLI program director. “Connecting first-generation high school students with the resources to pursue these ambitions and careers through higher education is an invigorating experience.”
Additional support for the event came from Sentara Health through a grant that earlier this year also helped fund SLI scholarships for 18 SLI scholars currently pursuing college degrees in health-related fields. For College and Career Access Day, Sentara provided access to employees who shared with students about healthcare professions and opportunities. They included:
- Silvia Garcia-Romero, Director, Diversity & Inclusion
- Onesimo Baltazar Corona, Director of Operations (Harrisonburg), Sentara Community Care
- Gladys Zito, Language Services Coordinator
- Mayra Gavia Molina, Registered Nurse
- Zulma Argueta, Community Health Worker
In addition, Sentara physician assistant Leodegario Alonso provided the keynote address, sharing about persistence on his career journey, and encouraging students to forge their own pathways. Alonso holds degrees from Eastern Mennonite University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Before becoming a physician assistant, he worked as a radiologic technologist, Futuro Latino Coalition specialist, medical interpreter, and United States Army Reserve drill sergeant.
“It is very powerful to have someone like Leo, who looks like the scholars, share a story that resonates with them and inspires them to continue on their career path,” said Garcia-Romero. “These experiences are so impactful and make a difference in Latino career advancement, and this is why we are proud to be a partner and support SLI’s work.”
Participating SLI scholars were also invited to explore how to use medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors, CPR masks, and digital thermometers. They then toured the university campus and were treated to lunch.
Academic exploration sessions connected students with professors who shared about their curricula and areas of expertise. Topics and presenters included:
- Graduate Studies Opportunities, Melissa Alemán, Ph.D.
- Foreign Languages and Cultures, Verónica Davila Ellis, Ph.D.
- Communication and Relations, Reslie Cortés, Ph.D.
- Space and Physics, Prayash Sharma Pyakurel, Ph.D.
- Immigration and Justice, Graciela Perez, Ph.D.
- Politics and Political Science, Kristin Wylie, Ph.D.
ABOUT SLI
Scholars Latino Initiative supports Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school, plus financial support for college success. Since 2012 SLI has served 180 scholars (67 current and 113 alumni) and awarded more than $542,000 in financial support for students.