Minority Students for the Advancement of Public Health
Minority Students for the Advancement of Public Health (MSAPH) is a student organization with the UIC School of Public Health. The purpose of MSAPH is to strengthen the underrepresented student graduate experience by providing opportunities to build supportive networks and social bonding within the UIC community. MSAPH builds these networks through its meetings, events, and activities that focus on academic support, professional growth, peer networking, and community service.
Contact: uicmsaph@gmail.com
Visit us at 134 SPHPI.
Follow MSAPH's Instagram page @msaphatuic
Vision Heading link
Minority Students for the Advancement of Public Health has adopted the motto “Lifting As We Climb.” The motto represents out dedication to building a supportive system for students as we embark on our careers in public health. Graduate school can be an extremely demanding endeavor. There will be challenges to overcome on your path to success.
MSAPH exists so that you do not have to make your journey alone. We are committed to providing you with the tools that are critical to helping you achieve academic and professional success. If you need support for personal, academic, or professional reasons, we encourage you to contact any member of the executive board, or the MSAPH adviser. Most importantly, remember that you can succeed in graduate school. None of us would have been accepted if we did not possess the skills needed for success in graduate school and beyond.
MSAPH Executive Board Heading link

President – Jorge Garcia, MHA
- 2nd year MHA student with an interest in project management and population health.
Vice President – Noman Syed, MHA
Treasurer – Jay Mehta, MHA
- 2nd year MHA student with an interest in project management, consulting, data analytics, finance, and strategy & operations.
Executive Secretary – Julia Nakashima, MHA
- 2nd year MHA student with an interest in project management, process improvement, quality & safety, and human resources.
Pen Pal Chair – Adi Velarde, MHA
- 2nd year MHA student with an interest in process improvement and quality & safety.
Events and Marketing Chair – Gianna Velazquez, MHA
- 2nd year MHA student with an interest in human resources, marketing & communication, and project management.
Pen Pal Committee Member – Emily Umeda, MHA
Goals Heading link
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To provide an atmosphere
that will assist underrepresented graduate students in achieving academic and professional success.
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To act as a strong voice
for the underrepresented graduate community by actively dealing with issues that affect the growth and success of MSAPH members.
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To represent MSAPH
in a manner that will command respect admiration from fellow graduate students, administrators, and professors.
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To work with the School of Public Health administration
in recognizing and addressing the needs of MSAPH members.
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To provide positive role models
for students involving area professionals.
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To provide leadership opportunities
for students that will help them develop the skills and work habits needed to enhance their future professional growth.
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To emphasize the importance of contributing to the community
by encouraging students to volunteer their time with various organizations, and become more politically active in issues pertaining to out communities.
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To assist students in identifying employment and financial assistance
through postings, job fairs and networking events.