The Student National Medical Association has, at its heart, the mission to support the recruitment, retention, and successful graduation of minority medical students. This foundational purpose is pivotal to addressing the disparities in healthcare by ensuring a diverse and culturally competent medical workforce. Over the past few decades, the SNMA has expanded its scope to include significant strides in the realm of professional development. Through initiatives like the Future Leadership Project (FLP), our regional leadership program, and various specialty interest groups, the SNMA has bolstered its commitment to preparing medical students not just as practitioners, but as leaders in the medical field.

If elected as National President, my approach to sustaining the impact and legacy of the SNMA will be twofold: ensuring the continuity of our successful programs while fostering innovation to meet evolving needs. The President-Elect year offers a unique opportunity to closely collaborate with the current National President, learning from their experiences and insights. This period will be invaluable for me to develop a comprehensive executive agenda that not only aligns with our core mission but also anticipates the future challenges and opportunities facing our members. To maintain the ongoing impact and relevance of our current programs, I plan to utilize our impact surveys and leverage feedback loops with our members, as well as leaders at the local, regional, and national levels. This will allow us to identify potential gaps in our programming initiatives as well as implement innovative strategies to serve our members and community effectively.

Through my experiences in various roles within and outside the SNMA, I’ve acquired a diverse set of skills that prepare me for the National President position. My tenure as Regional IX Treasurer helped me understand what it takes to run a non-profit organization, not only from an operational standpoint but also pushing our mission forward by assisting in the execution of impactful programming for our members. In addition to serving as Regional Treasurer, my experience as the Grants Subcommittee Chair allowed me to further understand various ways in which our organization secures outside funding and its creative utilization to enhance our programmatic needs on a local, regional, and national level. My experience as a Future Leadership Project (FLP) Fellow allowed me to develop strategic planning and leadership skills through the program’s various components. Additionally, the program allowed me to gain immeasurable knowledge of the inner workings of the organization, and work with various committees and national leaders. Through NFLP, I have garnered an appreciation and understanding of SNMA as a 501c3 nonprofit organization as well as the duty and responsibilities that come with the role of National President-Elect. Concurrently, I played a pivotal role in reviving my local SNMA chapter by working with my school to appoint a new faculty advisor, elect a new executive board, and assist in planning impactful programs for the academic year.

Outside of the SNMA, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in various capacities in different organizations. These experiences have shaped, and continue to shape, the leader I am today. Most notably, my role as Assistant Surgeon General to the Eastern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. allowed me to engage in health advocacy and education through webinars, social media campaigns, and in-person workshops. During that same time, my initiative in founding the Black Student Council at The City College of New York underscored the importance of collaboration and unity among diverse groups. This experience also deepened my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within minority student communities. Leading this council taught me the importance of building inclusive platforms that empower students, fostering a sense of belonging and active participation in their educational journey. Additionally, my background as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Health & Safety Manager has sharpened my crisis management and effective communication skills which I believe to be valuable skills when working in a team setting

Collectively, these experiences have not only prepared me for the complexities of leading the SNMA but also underscored my commitment to its mission of supporting minority medical students and promoting health equity.

Balancing the rigors of medical school with the responsibilities of serving as the National President of the Student National Medical Association presents a unique set of challenges. My approach to maintaining transparency and accountability, even in the face of these challenges, is rooted in the principles of open communication and strong team dynamics.

Open communication with the board and HQ staff is essential for navigating the complexities of our roles and responsibilities. This means regular updates, sharing of challenges and successes alike, and seeking feedback. It’s not just about keeping each other informed but also about creating a supportive environment where accountability is a shared value. By fostering a culture of honesty and openness, we can collectively address any issues that arise and make informed decisions that benefit the SNMA and its members.

Experience has taught me that teams who know each other well on a personal level operate with a higher degree of efficiency and empathy. To this end, developing personal relationships within the SNMA leadership is not just beneficial but necessary. Participating in events like the National Leadership Institutes and the Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC) provides excellent opportunities to strengthen these bonds. These interactions go beyond professional networking, allowing us to understand each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and personal circumstances. This understanding fosters a supportive leadership environment where duties are not just tasks but commitments we hold to each other and the organization.