Student Social Justice Coalition
Gabrielle Ayoub
What is it about the SJC that resonated with you and made you join this group? I joined SJC because I believe it is vital to have uncomfortable conversations about systemic issues in our society. My peers in SJC inspire me to continue advocating for change. I hope to become a healthcare professional who provides health equity so that all the promises collectively made during the recent times of crisis, become not just an illusion, but a reality.
Geographically, where is home for you? Brooklyn!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, it could be a hobby, special interest, or something you might want to share. My first concert wasn't until PT school!
Joren Francisco
What is it about the SJC that resonated with you and made you join this group? I was drawn to healthcare to be able to create positive change and advocate for equitable healthcare for all individuals. SJC resonated with me because it allowed me to gain a deeper knowledge on practicing advocacy and allyship within a clinical and societal environment.
Geographically, where is home for you? Southern California.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, it could be a hobby, special interest, or something that you might want to share. I love Taylor Swift!
Dalfry Gutierrez
What is it about the SJC that resonated with you and made you join this group? Social Justice Collation is an essential component of our learning environment. It is a safe space that embodies the hopes and aspirations for a more equitable and representative society. I am a firm believer in the idea that change does not occur until everyone takes part in the conversation. As a Dominican immigrant raised in Washington Heights, I have observed and experienced, the impact of health disparities, leading me into a career in physical therapy. Seeing my friends and family struggle with these endeavors has allowed me to appreciate the presence of a student-run organization advocating for equitable care.
Geographically, where is home for you? Washington Heights!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, it could be a hobby, special interest, or something that you might want to share. When I’m not in the clinic/classroom I enjoy going to concerts and hanging around the city taking pictures or trying different foods. The kitchen and gym are my happy places!
Kassie Harrelson
What is it about the SJC that resonated with you and made you join this group? The biggest reason I joined SJC is because I believe that the issues we discuss are as important to my education as a future physical therapist as any other class we take. Understanding the other components of our patients lives and experiences is essential to providing comprehensive patient-centered care. I also believe that we need to be advocates for our patients, not only providers. SJC provides the space where we can talk about how to do that.
Layla Hasan
What is it about the SJC that resonated with you and made you join this group? Social Justice is a large reason I wanted to attend PT school in a diverse community because I felt it was the best opportunity to take action against systemic issues. I was drawn to the coalition in an effort to surround myself with students who share a passion for social justice advocacy and I believe the conversations we have play an essential role in our healthcare education.
Geographically, where is home for you? I am from Chicago, Illinois.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, it could be a hobby, special interest, or something that you might want to share. I am a huge musical theatre nerd!
Robyn Henderson
What is it about the SJC that resonated with you and made you join this group? Awareness of our climate and how to become a part of the solution to evoke positive change is essential in all aspects of life, especially in the healthcare profession. I have witnessed, with myself and my family, the impacts of health disparities, microaggressions, and implicit biases and how it influences one's treatment and care. Once I heard about SJC, I became excited to join an organization that encourages learning about social justice topics and finding ways to advocate for change in marginalized groups, health disparities, and more.
Geographically, where is home for you? I am from the sweet Peach State. More specifically, Milton, Georgia.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, it could be a hobby, special interest, or something that you might want to share. In my free time, I love to go for walks or find ways to spend time in the sun and around nature!
Alex Lam
What is it about the SJC that resonated with you and made you join this group? I joined SJC because of my passion for advocacy. I believe that one of the most important aspects of advocacy is education. And, I want to help educate my community, colleges, and patients on the impacts of health disparities and ways our profession and us as individuals can help to rememdy some of these barriers. Participating in conversations surrounding social injustices is just 1 small step to becoming a better advocate and ally not only for myself but also for those I will serve.
Geographically, where is home for you? I was born in Fort Lauderdale, FL and spent my childhood in different cities in South Florida.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, it could be a hobby, special interest, or something that you might want to share. I love traveling to new places to learn more about other cultures, perspectives, and especially food! I also love practicing martial arts, going to the gym, and EDM music!
Brittany Pappaconstantinou
What is it about the SJC that resonated with you and made you join this group? I wanted to join SJC to practice having uncomfortable conversations and to bring more awareness to my own subconscious biases.
Geographically, where is home for you? My hometown is Raleigh, North Carolina although I have been in NYC for about 5 years now.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, it could be a hobby, special interest, or something that you might want to share. A fun fact about me is that during undergrad, I was able to study abroad in Ghana and learn West African dance!
Angelica Pastrana
What is it about the SJC that resonated with you and made you join this group? SJC being student led inspired me to be with like minded SPTs who desired change in the healthcare system and world at large for our futures. Growing up, I witnessed community members being unable to miss shifts for illness/injury and having to work, often physically demanding jobs, through pain and the overall effects of decreased access. Being around others who are well aware that this is the reality for much of our country was very important to me as we prepare to be the new generation of DPTs.
Geographically, where is home for you? San Antonio, TX for which my love and respect for the Mexican-American experience is fueled upon.
Sam Rosenberg
What is it about the SJC that resonated with you and made you join this group? A lifelong dedication to promoting social, political and economic equality brought me to SJC in search of likeminded colleagues. Interested in labor politics, and interprofessional solidarity among healthcare workers.
Geographically, where is home for you? New York City lifer, born and raised in Brooklyn.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, it could be a hobby, special interest, or something that you might want to share. Prior to becoming a physical therapist, I worked in music for 10+ years as a producer, sound engineer and DJ. For fun, I enjoy learning about ancient history, and hosting dinner parties for my friends and family.
Alejandra Vasquez
What is it about the SJC that resonated with you and made you join this group? I was initially drawn to the healthcare field when I saw the devastating impact health care disparities had on family, friends, and neighbors. The social justice efforts and acknowledgment was one of the highlights when I chose to apply to Columbia. I knew that I wanted to join SJC to collaborate with my colleagues and help combat a variety of social justices that are having a daily impact on individuals on a micro and macro level.
Geographically, where is home for you? Southern California.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, it could be a hobby, special interest, or something that you might want to share. I enjoy spending time with family, going to the beach, and soaking in the sun.
