Student Elections
Please click below to see the candidates nominations.
Association of Future Healthcare Administrators (AFHA)
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Association of Future Healthcare Administrators (AFHA) serves as an official organization of the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) programs. Any current student of the UIC MHA program is eligible for AFHA membership. The organization focuses on three main areas- professional development, academic affairs, and social networking.
Candidate - Bella Aguayo
As a first-year Master of Healthcare Administration student at UIC with a background in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and Health Diversity, I am eager to contribute to the Association of Future Healthcare Administrators by fostering meaningful connections and opportunities for my peers. My leadership experience includes serving as President of the American Red Cross Club, where I coordinated blood drives, emergency preparedness workshops, and CPR certification events, as well as leading projects at Carle Foundation Hospital that improved efficiency and reduced costs. Currently, I serve as a first-year AFHA representative and an MSAPH Pen Pal member, further demonstrating my commitment to student engagement and community service. Additionally, I participated in the MHA Case Study Competition in October and am currently representing UIC as the captain of the team competing in the upcoming MHA Case Competition in Alabama. My work with an FQHC look-alike has strengthened my passion for healthcare accessibility, affordability, and equity—values that align with AFHA’s mission to connect students with opportunities within the MHA program, UIC campus, and external affiliations. Having felt welcomed and supported by AFHA from the start, I am committed to continuing that culture of inclusivity by organizing networking events, mentorship opportunities, and professional development workshops that empower students. By leveraging my diverse background and leadership skills, I hope to enhance AFHA’s reach and impact, ensuring every member maximizes their potential in the field of healthcare administration.
Candidate - Alexandria (Alex) DeVinney
As a Master of Healthcare Administration candidate at the University of Illinois – Chicago, I am passionate about fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where students can grow, excel, and build lasting professional networks. My background in Community Health, coupled with leadership roles such as being an AFHA First-Year Representative and participation in the ODI Public Health Leadership Program, has deepened my commitment to creating opportunities for my peers to thrive both academically and professionally. Through my experiences at Northwestern Medicine and Promise Health, I have developed skills in healthcare quality, patient engagement, and leadership. Beyond my professional experiences, I have been actively involved in organizations such as Illinithon, Future Healthcare Executives, the UIUC Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee, and the Tridelta for St. Jude Partnership, all of which have reinforced my passion for community-building and advocacy. If elected, my goal is to strengthen AFHA’s role in uniting the cohorts by fostering mentorship, collaboration, and networking opportunities that extend well beyond our time in the MHA program. I want to ensure that every student feels supported, connected, and empowered to succeed in their careers. By enhancing engagement, creating meaningful professional connections, and promoting a strong sense of community, I hope to contribute to an organization that leaves a lasting impact on current and future healthcare leaders within this program. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and help shape the future of our program together!
Candidate - Maleyah Johnson
As a passionate healthcare professional with a strong leadership, operations, and community service background, I am eager to contribute to AFHA’s mission. Currently pursuing an MHA, my diverse experiences have prepared me to drive meaningful impact within this organization. As a Program Assistant for the UIC College of Medicine CME program, I support the planning, coordination, and execution of accredited educational programs for healthcare professionals. I collaborate with faculty to develop materials that meet regulatory standards and ensure ACCME compliance. This experience has strengthened my ability to manage large-scale initiatives and enhance professional development opportunities. My dedication to healthcare extends to my work at Walgreens as a Pharmacy Technician, where I administered over 1,000 COVID-19 vaccinations while ensuring patient safety and adherence to CDC guidelines. Previously, as an Operations Manager at Amazon, I managed 80+ associates to optimize performance and led Amazon’s Women’s Affinity Group, organizing mentorship programs, networking events, and career development initiatives while maintaining participant records. Beyond my professional roles, I participated in the NAHSE Case Competition, developing innovative healthcare solutions. I also serve as a pen pal through MSAPH, fostering connections and guidance for students. My passion for service is reflected in my volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity and St. Leo’s Veteran Facility, supporting veterans through community service. I plan to contribute to AFHA by coordinating all social events and strengthening communication between first- and second-year students. I am committed to mentorship, expanding outreach, and driving innovation. Electing me to serve and contribute to AFHA would be an honor.
Candidate - Carla Quinlan
Hi! My name is Cara Quinlan and I am excited to apply for Vice President of Social Programming with AFHA to strengthen connections among MHA students, faculty, and alumni. As a former executive council member of my sorority, I have firsthand experience in planning events that foster engagement, networking, and community building as well as social events that allow members to bond with one another. If elected, I will introduce structured mentorship meetups, pairing first-year students with second-years and alumni to provide career guidance. I will organize themed networking events like dinners with guest speakers. I will plan social events, including trivia nights, bowling, alumni panels, and other suggestions AFHA members would want to see to encourage engagement. I will also maintain communication by maintaining AFHA’s email and Facebook groups, ensuring members stay informed about upcoming opportunities and events. There can also be an opportunity to transition Facebook
groups into another platform that is efficient and useful by our peers. Lastly, I will incorporate feedback from other students, I will ensure our events align with the interests and professional goals of MHA students.
Candidate - Laura Stebbins
I am a dedicated healthcare professional pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration, with an expected graduation in May 2026. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, with a minor in Public Policy, from the UIC in 2022, providing me with a strong foundation in healthcare systems, policy analysis, and program coordination. In my current role as a Community Health Coordinator at Blue Cross Blue Shield, I support Medicare Advantage and dual-eligible members by managing care authorizations, assisting with disenrollment, and resolving insurance claim discrepancies. I also communicate effectively with other managed care organizations to streamline complex processes, ensuring smooth coordination and timely service delivery. This work enables me to advocate for vulnerable populations while enhancing the efficiency and coordination of healthcare services. I am excited to apply for the Social Programmer position at AFHA because of my passion for mentorship, networking, and community engagement. My experience in customer service and operations equips me to effectively coordinate UIC’s MHA mentorship program, organize networking events, and manage engagement across AFHA platforms. I excel at facilitating communication between interdisciplinary groups, organizing email lists, and keeping event records. Outside of my professional and academic endeavors, I engage in mentorship programs, networking events, and professional development opportunities to expand my knowledge and connections in healthcare administration. As a Social Programmer, I am committed to ensuring effective mentorship pairings, fostering meaningful student-alumni connections, and organizing inclusive events that enhance engagement within the MHA community. I look forward to supporting AFHA’s mission to advance healthcare leadership.
Graduate Student Council (GSC)
Graduate Student Council (GSC) is the governing Graduate Student Body consisting of representatives from all degree-granting programs in the Graduate College.Addressing the specific needs of graduate students, GSC organizes academic seminars and workshops, supports students with travel and project awards, unites them with meaningful social and cultural events, and represents the UIC graduate student body in the many different organizations and events.
Candidate - Rosa Arvizu
As a dedicated student in the School of Public Health, I am passionate about advocating for the needs and interests of my peers. My background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and 10 years of experience working with community health initiatives. I then decided to go back to grad school in 2021 and I am currently in my last year completing my MPH. I am seeking to join the Graduate Student Council to ensure that the voices of Public Health students who come from different professional and authentic backgrounds are heard and represented.
Candidate - Veronica Howell
I am a second-year PhD student in Community Health Sciences. I hope to serve as a representative for SPH on the Graduate Student Council to act as a bridge between the Graduate College and SPH. I aim to inform students about available opportunities, funding, and general resources. As an SPH representative, I’ll strive to amplify SPH student needs and strengthen connections within UIC’s broader academic and graduate community.
Candidate - Abbey Wester
Hi Everyone! I’m interested in the role of GSC Representative because I want to get more involved in UIC’s SPH. As the representative, I would have the opportunity to support the department, while also interacting with students of different departments. Thanks!
Global Health Student Interest Group (GHSIG)
The Global Health Student Interest Group (GHSIG) is an association of UIC students who share an interest in global health. The Global Health Student Interest Group is dedicated to learning, educating, and promoting awareness about global health affairs. We are composed of students from all divisions within the School of Public Health, and we welcome and encourage dialogue with students, faculty, and staff across the campus. We view our community as both local and global.
Candidate - Kira Banks
I am interested in being vice president of the Global Health Student Interest group because I would like to contribute to a group that helps students learn about the world around them and hone their global public health skills. In my current role as a full-time Community Outreach Coordinator at the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor network I have many roles. I train and educate volunteers on organ and tissue donation. I have created a program for engaging high school/college students through on-site workshops and collaborative volunteer opportunities. I am also working to make volunteering more inclusive by researching and advocating for inclusive volunteer events based on geography. I can apply these skills to the GHSIG, and expand them. I am passionate about Public Health and even more passionate about ensuring accessible health around the world and in a culturally cognizant way. Being Vice president will allow me to learn more from my classmates, and contribute to a group that facilitates growth, learning, and cultural competency.
Candidate - Fatema Tuz Zohora
GHSIG is a shared platform for learning, promoting awareness, educating on the global health affairs. I want use this platform both to boost my knowledge and also to share with others my part of story.
Minority Students for the Advancement of Public Health (MSAPH)
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.
Candidate - Julie Hernandez
My name is Julie Hernandez, and I nominate myself for the position of Vice President of MSAPH. I have certainty I can uphold this role for several reasons. First, through my personal life responsibilities I have shown my attributes of being a role model with strong leadership skills. I am the eldest sibling in my family household, and it has impacted my character to develop qualities of being adaptable, organized, reliable, and skillful with decision making. Secondly, I am also a part time community health worker (CHW) which has provided me with experience working with several health departments within the clinic and other hospitals in Chicago. My roles as a CHW entails responsibilities such as abstracting administrative claims data from dimensions of healthcare effective data and information sets (HEDIS) measures as well as being an advocate and resource for the maternal and child health patient population. I have contributed by improving quality measures of health issues and have taken initiatives in creating service projects available for mothers, children, and families. Lastly, my previous involvement with MSAPH as a pen pal committee member has allowed me to enable effective communication, collaboration, and independency by being responsible of the letters in the letter exchange program. My plans in contributing to the MSAPH mission as Vice president will be show through my attributes of initiative leadership as I seek election to challenge myself, gain additional experience, and become a beneficial asset to the organization from a future community health sciences public health professional.
Candidate - Pablo Paucar
My name is Pablo Paucar and I am a first year pursuing an MPH on the Epidemiology track. I graduated from the University of Chicago and over the years I have taken many leadership roles in many communities. I was a lead TA for many years helping various students prepare and excel in coursework and exams. I have trained cohorts of students as an EMR instructor through drills and real life scenarios. And I have been an instructor/translator for multiple spanish-speaking migrants in Bret Harte Elementary as I helped them adjust to school life in the United States. My experiences in these communities have taught me how to work with people of many different backgrounds. I seek election to MSAPH because I hope to help many underrepresented students build their social and professional connections especially when they have not been given the chance to in the past. As a first generation low-income student I know of the difficulty of getting your foot in the door and building up from nothing. I hope that my work in this organization can help other underrepresented students get a jumpstart when I didn’t.
Candidate - Kelsey West
Hello! My name is Kelsey West and I am running to be the next Minority Students for the Advancement of Public Health Vice President. I am a first-year Master of Healthcare Administration student from Chicago, IL with a passion for serving my community. During my time in undergrad, I served as the programming chair and vice president of my sorority. This was an amazing opportunity as it pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to make connections with a variety of people and an impact within my campus and local community. I currently serve as a Pen Pal Committee member for MSAPH where I help gather letters written by hundreds of UIC affiliated individuals to exchange with local elementary students in the Chicagoland Area with the goal to expose them to the endless possibilities education can create! Representation matters and I am grateful for MSAPH and their mission toward representing underrepresented graduate students. I’d be honored to have your vote as the next Minority Students for the Advancement of Public Health Vice President!
Candidate - Shiriah Acolatse
I recently served as Executive Secretary for MSAPH for the 2024-2025 school year and I would love to continue on carrying out the mission of MSAPH in this position.
Candidate - Varshne Ketheswaran
As a Master of Public Health student with a background in neuroscience, I am a passionate about advancing health equity and creating inclusive spaces for underrepresented populations in public health. My experience as secretary for Loyola’s Neuroscience Society has equipped me with strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills. In that role, I wrote weekly emails, managed correspondence, and facilitated forms and documents for meetings and events. I seek election as Executive Secretary of MSAPH because I believe community-driven advocacy and professional development can help amplify minority voices. As a Sri Lankan Tamil, I understand the history when voices are silenced. If elected, I would ensure transparent communication, dissemination of information, and organized documentation to keep MSAPH’s mission at the forefront. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and help MSAPH in its work.
Public Health Alliance (PHA)
The Public Health Alliance (UIC) is an undergraduate student organization dedicated to disseminating public health knowledge among UIC’s undergraduate student population. We focus on developing and implementing public health initiatives that engage students in improving public health on campus.
Candidate - Michi Ku
My name is Michi Ku, and I am honored to apply for this leadership position within the Public Health Association. As a first-generation college student and a transfer student majoring in Public Health at UIC, my journey has been shaped by resilience, advocacy, and a deep commitment to addressing health disparities and helping those in need through anything.
My background as a former refugee from Myanmar has given me firsthand experience with the challenges faced by underserved communities, fueling my passion for public health and global initiatives whether that would be education, health, communities, homes etc. I am particularly drawn to this position because it aligns with my long-term goal of advocating for equitable healthcare access and creating sustainable solutions for marginalized populations. Through my leadership roles—including serving as Vice President of Leadership for Phi Theta Kappa, Secretary for the Chin Youth Organization of Illinois, and my work in the Multicultural Entrepreneurial Center. I have developed the ability to lead diverse teams, implement strategic initiatives, and create meaningful change. Additionally, my experience in education and community engagement has strengthened my ability to communicate effectively and advocate for those in need. If elected, I will do my best to contribute to the PHA mission by fostering collaboration, promoting health equity initiatives, and ensuring that student voices are represented in public health discussions. I plan to spearhead projects that address pressing public health concerns, connect students with professional development opportunities, and create platforms for advocacy that amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. With a strong foundation in leadership and a vision for transformative change, I am committed to making a lasting impact through PHA. I would be honored to serve and bring my passion, experience, and dedication to this role. Thank you for your consideration.
Candidate - Masuma Moosvi
Hello! My name is Masuma, and I am a freshman majoring in public health. I am on the pre-med track. Public Health has always been one of my interests, which is why I chose it as my major. I wanted to focus more on the holistic approach to patient care, learning ways to help patients both in and out of the hospital to truly help impact the community. I am currently on the outreach committee for the Ahlulbayt Association (ABA), where we hold monthly meetings to plan events. In high school, I was the secretary of HOSA, ensuring members learned the curriculum and helped host meetings when the president was absent. As an executive mentor for Ignite, I focused on welcoming and guiding freshman students by instructing my mentors about monthly activities to discuss with their freshmen. I also volunteered at Ascension Hospital in Hoffman Estates, IL, where I assisted hospital staff and helped patients. I am interested in this role as vice president as I have effective communication and leadership skills to execute our plans thoroughly and flawlessly. I also have previous experience organizing and running meetings, reaching out to other organizations, and finding ways to enhance engagement within clubs. As vice president of the Public Health Alliance, I will support the president, create a structured meeting agenda, and improve member outreach and participation, hoping to foster a collaborative and professional environment for networking and support.
Public Health Student Association (PHSA)
The Public Health Student Association (PHSA) is the student led organization and student governing body at the UIC School of Public Health. PHSA’s roles are to act as a liaison between students and faculty, promote career development through networking events, promote student involvement in the school community, and represent the needs of students of the School of Public Health.
Candidate - Nwrah Amer
I am a first-year MPH student concentrating in Health Policy and Administration, with a background in psychology and criminology, law, and justice. I am running for the position of APHA Chair because I believe in the power of student engagement to elevate both our school and the broader public health sphere. Having the opportunity to be a driving force in UIC student participation in the public health conference would be a fulfilling challenge. UIC students have so much to offer the public health sphere. Our participation at the conference is not the only important thing. Rather, our school is only as relevant and important as our students. Stepping into our importance is vital for the school’s core; students attending the conference will be a positive product of that realized significance. My vision for the School of Public Health community is to be involved in the school’s community and motivate the student body to be more involved. It is pertinent in today’s political climate that all our ideas for change be utilized. UIC being a part of this conference will make the UIC School of Public Health a strong presence, and hopefully, we can make an impact. As an APHA chair and PHSA member, I hope to support the association and give students a well-informed, holistic view of what APHA is and what it can offer. I would be grateful for the opportunity to serve as APHA Chair and be a part of PHSA, and I am excited to take on this role.
Candidate - Alyah Barnes
My name is Alyah Barnes, and I am a first year master’s student within the community health sciences division. My academic background includes a bachelor of science degree in psychology where I gained foundational knowledge on health psychology and research methodology. Aside from academics, I acted as vice president of S.T.R.O.N.G., a women’s on-campus student organization, where I aided in coordinating community donation projects, proposed and facilitated educational workshops on Consent, STI/STD awareness, and Intersectionality, and contributed to creating women’s wellness events on campus. Currently, I am a health facilitator within UIC’s department of Dissemination and Implementation where I co-lead workshops on STI/HIV prevention and reproductive health within underserved communities, empower individuals through education and build trust with local organizations. I also work as a research assistant within the department of Disability and Human Development where I contribute to resource development, program communication, and evaluation initiatives for a community health inclusion implementation project. I am interested in the PHSA chair position because I am passionate about advocating for the diverse needs of SPH students. If elected, my vision for my PHSA includes improving community connection by advocating for more inclusive dates, times, and locations so that students of various lifestyles can access opportunities to attend peer, career related, and professional events. As APHA chair, I will commit to being a dedicated student advocate and a champion of inclusion amongst SPH.
Candidate - Jennifer Jones
My name is Jennifer Jones and I feel I would be the best choice for this position because have professional and personal life experience. I have almost twenty years experience working in a local government municipality, and been working with a The National Pancreas Foundation which is a nonprofit organization that focuses on awareness to diseases of the pancreas. I am the National Pancreas Foundation Chapter Chair for Chicago and was recently awarded an award for courage of hope.
Candidate - Manasa Kota
I am Manasa Kota, an MS student in the Epidemiology department. I am excited to run for the position of APHA Chair within the Public Health Student Association. As a dedicated and passionate public health student, I thrive on building connections and fostering engagement within our community. My enthusiasm for organizing events, coordinating initiatives, and encouraging collaboration makes me an excellent fit for this role. I am approachable, detail-oriented, and proactive—traits that will help me successfully manage scholarship applications, promote APHA membership, and coordinate logistics for student participation in the APHA annual meeting. I genuinely enjoy bringing people together for meaningful experiences, and I believe this will translate well into increasing student involvement in APHA. If elected, I envision enhancing communication and outreach efforts to ensure every student feels informed and empowered to participate in APHA activities. Beyond the logistics, I will strive to foster an inclusive and inspiring environment where students can engage in networking opportunities that fuel their professional growth. Your voice matters, and I am committed to being a responsive and dependable liaison. I humbly ask for your vote and look forward to working together to strengthen our SPH community and create meaningful public health experiences for us all. Thank you for your support!
Candidate - Brittney Azubuike
As a dedicated public health graduate student, I am eager to bring my strong organizational skills and attention to detail to the role of Treasurer for the Public Health Student Association (PHSA). My academic background has fostered a deep understanding of collaboration, resource management, and accountability—skills I plan to apply in managing the financial aspects of PHSA. I am running for Treasurer to ensure that PHSA has the financial structure necessary to support its goals and initiatives. By working closely with the Dean of Students Office and other UIC groups, I aim to streamline the budgeting process, ensure transparency, and make sure funds are used effectively to benefit our community. If elected, I will prioritize clear communication, efficient management of our budget, and collaboration with other organizations to enhance PHSA’s impact. I am committed to learning and applying best practices in financial management to ensure that our resources are used responsibly, and that every event and initiative is supported financially. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to PHSA’s success and would be honored to have your vote for Treasurer!
Candidate - Yash Chandnani
Hi, my name Yash Chandnani and I am a first-year Master of Public Health student with a concentration in Epidemiology. I am a recent graduate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s in Behavioral Neuroscience. My professional background consists of experience in healthcare where I have worked as a pharmacy technician at Jewel-Osco and as a phlebotomist at a plasma donation center. Additionally, during my time at UIUC, I was part of a student-led organization which provided free essential health screenings to uninsured and underserved populations in Urbana-Champaign. These experiences fostered my interest for public health and further strengthened my ability to problem solve, stay organized, and give back to my community. I am running for Treasurer because I believe that financial stability and management are imperative for an organization like PHSA to improve the overall experience of UIC students at the School of Public Health. Not only am I passionate about having the chance to improve the experience of my peers, but also about making a meaningful impact on PHSA as a whole. Furthermore, I strive to bring the community of public health students together by providing support in coordinating social, professional, and educational events. By ensuring financial efficiency and stability, I plan to assist PHSA with building a community for public health students to grow, network, and learn. I am excited to contribute to the School of Public Health, and I hope I have your support as Treasurer.