Minority Students for the Advancement of Public Health
Introduction
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
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.
Pen Pal Program
Pen Pal Program is a youth intervention program that we are currently partnering with three CPS schools and their 5th grade students. Through the friendships and mentorships fostered between UIC and Gary Elementary students, we have been able to encourage educational attainment across youth in Little Village, a predominantly Mexican-immigrant neighborhood over the past seven years through this partnership. We had recently launched this program to Belmont Cragin School, which stands in a predominantly Mexican-immigrant neighborhood, last year and have now acquired partnering with Charles R Henderson Elementary that educates African-American and Latinx students. The overall goal of the Pen Pal Program is to bridge the gap between communities with low high school graduation rates by establishing this letter exchange program between elementary students and the current UIC community. The program consists of 4 monthly letter exchanges from January to April between all our UIC volunteers and their 5th grade students.
MSAPH Executive Board
President – Zarmina Asghar
- I am a second year MPH with a focus on Epidemiology. I have a wide range of interests, and I love learning about a variety of topics, especially infectious diseases. I am also working to deepen my knowledge of GIS and how it intersects with public health. Aside from my studies, I love arts and crafts, and I enjoy connecting and learning from people of all different walks of life. I am excited to continue growing both professionally and at a personal level!
Vice President – Pablo Paucar
- I am a second year MPH Candidate.
Treasurer – Lisa Beltran
- I am a second year MPH CHS/Global Health student with career interests in health literacy and mental health stigma in immigrant populations. I enjoy going to concerts and love trying new coffee shops. My favorite coffee shop is Bueno Days in Little Village.
Executive Secretary – Shiriah Acolatse
- I am a third-year MHA candidate with a strong passion for promoting diversity, equity, and advocating for the health of marginalized communities.
Social Media Chair – Varshne Ketheswaran
- I am a second-year MPH Candidate with a career interest in nutrition, environmental health, and menstrual health among Asian Americans. Fun Fact: I love trying new coffee shops and cafes
Pen Pal Chair – Carolina Correa
- I am a second year MPH Candidate in Health Policy and Administration. I am interested in healthcare administration in major hospital settings, with a particular passion for improving quality care delivery for the undocumented Latinx community. I want my work to reflect a commitment to health equity and community empowerment, particularly within underserved populations. When I am not studying, I read manga, watch anime, try different cafes around Chicago, and write Substack articles that I am too shy publish (yet).
Organization Advisor – Angela Hunt (ahunt13@uic.edu)
- Program Coordinator
Goals
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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.