My Platform: Enrich, Empower, Establish
First Pillar
Enriching The SNMA Member Experience:
As we continue to grow as an organization through expanding membership perks, the implementation of new initiatives, and the sustenance of existing programs, it’s imperative that these opportunities are readily accessible to our members. I am committed to enhancing the benefits of SNMA membership by creating a centralized hub through our website for easier access to these resources. This initiative will ensure that every member has easy access to our programs while being able to fully leverage our organization’s and institutional partners’ current opportunities.
The creation of a centralized hub will improve our marketability to both prospective members and corporate/institutional partners by streamlining access to the myriad benefits and opportunities these partnerships offer. By consolidating resources such as internships, gap year programs, research opportunities, and corporate benefits in one accessible location, we not only enhance the value proposition of our membership but also present our organization as a strategic ally for corporations and institutions. Moreover, expanding our partner base through this centralized hub addresses a crucial organizational need by generating increased longitudinal revenue, thereby filling a vital gap in our financial strategy and ensuring sustained growth and impact.
To tackle this challenge, I intend to work closely with our Head Quarter staff, External Affairs, Membership, and Academic Affairs committees.
Second Pillar
Empowering Members, Chapters, and Regions:
My focus will be empowering our members, chapters, and regions with the resources and support needed to execute impactful programming that advances our mission. This includes bolstering avenues by which members can educate themselves and effectively address health disparities at the local, state, and national levels. Collaborating with our Health Policy and Legislative Affairs (HPLA) committee is key to this effort. We plan to deepen our educational efforts, guiding chapters on navigating the legislative landscape effectively. This includes understanding how to identify pertinent legislation, developing lobbying techniques, and identifying key individuals at the local and state levels who can enact change.
Beyond health advocacy, this pillar focuses on bolstering our professional development programs. Initiatives such as our Future Leadership Project (FLP), our regional leadership program, and various specialty interest groups are designed to enhance our members’ leadership skills and professional growth. As the medical landscape changes, continued innovation with these programs will provide our members with the tools and opportunities they need to advance in their careers while contributing to our collective mission.
Third pillar
Establishing Our Presence:
The final pillar of my platform is the reclamation and sustainability of SNMA chapters facing adversity due to a lack of institutional support. This initiative aims to ensure that the support network of the SNMA is accessible to every underrepresented minority premedical and medical student across the nation. My experience as an NFLP fellow has illustrated our success in member recruitment and organizational growth. However, there is room for improvement in advocating for our members and chapters at respective campuses. In light of the recent attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the country, I am convinced that confronting these issues should not be done in silos, but through partnerships with organizations to inspire change on multiple fronts. As president, I am committed to collaborating with organizations that share our mission to fortify our defenses and protect the house of SNMA.