My name is Alyssa Pelak and I am one of AMWA’s Co-Presidents! I am a senior human biology and society major concentrating in medicine and public health. I joined AMWA my first quarter at UCLA because I wanted to find a group of supportive women that would help me on my journey to medical school. AMWA has given me amazing resources and opportunities, but, most importantly, it has surrounded me with inspirational, passionate, and empowered women. Outside of AMWA, I am a part of the UCLA Sports Medicine Internship Program where I work as a student athletic trainer for the UCLA gymnastics team. I also serve as the mentorship chair for the Sports Medicine Leadership Council. In my free, I enjoy exploring LA, trying new food places, and relaxing on the beach with my friends. I love to do yoga, travel, and cook!

My name is Ashley and I’m a fourth-year Biology major and one of the Co-Presidents of AMWA. I joined AMWA when I was a first year because I was drawn to the welcoming and supportive environment that this club offers. Over the years this organization has helped me so much on my path to medical school, through guest speaker events, informational presentations, and mentorship programs. But more than the academic benefits that AMWA offers, I have also gained an amazing network of intelligent women that I am proud to call my friends. ​Along with AMWA, I have been exploring my passion for biotechnology through a Neurotech team at UCLA, where we are developing a Brain Computer Interface that uses EEG signals to perform a specific output. In my free time, I enjoy listening to live music and going to new restaurants with friends. I’m also currently applying to medical school!

My name is Fudda Ababseh and I am a fourth year biochemistry major. I am passionate about helping those in need and love learning about science and medicine which is why I joined AMWA my sophomore year. My hobbies include  traveling, painting, photography, and cooking. I love being outdoors and spending time with my family and friends. AMWA has introduced me to a lot of incredible people including other motivated undergrads with similar passions as me and incredible professionals willing to help students figure out their career paths. AMWA has really opened my eyes to various career paths in the field of medicine which has helped me figure out what I want my own future career to be. Besides AMWA I am a care extender volunteer at Ronald Reagan hospital, a member of Bruins Fight Pediatric Cancer, and an undergraduate research assistant.

Hi, my name is Emma Nguyen and I am a third-year Human Biology and Society Major and Global Health Minor at UCLA. Currently, I serve as the Co-Director for our outreach program with Sonriendo con el Corazon, a non-profit organization based in Tijuana, Mexico. I joined AMWA my freshman year of college, because I wanted to advocate for women in STEM and advance equitable access to education for the underprivileged children our outreach program works closely with in Mexico. AMWA has allowed me to continue to pursue efforts towards reducing inequities in healthcare as well as improving diversity and equity at my University and in society. Outside of this organization, I enjoy practicing yoga, reading + drinking iced mochas at Philz, and exploring Southern California. 

Hi, my name is Gabriela Soto and I am a third-year Biology Major and Public Health Minor. For the past year and continuing, I am Co-Director for Sonriendo con el Corazon, a non-profit orgnization that works with orphanages and impoverished communities in Tijuana, Mexico. I joined AMWA to become part of a cohort of women who empower one another in all aspects of life and to have the opportunity to help provide the resources children at these orphanages need to realize their full potential whether it be in the form of health care, education, or even as simple as being another person who believes in them. AMWA has given me the platform to realize my own potential and ability to be part of the solution in providing sustainable and equitable healthcare and education globally, even if that means starting off small. It has also allowed me to meet amazing women that have helped create a community at UCLA with the same interest-to help shape the trajectory of a child’s life. During me freetime I enjoy eating hot chips (hot funyuns, hot fries, flamas), trying new foods, and watching sunsets at the beach.

My name is Rebekah Alfred and I’m the Publicity Director for AMWA! I’m a second year Biology major from Los Angeles. In my free time, I love drawing, trying out new recipes, spending time with my friends and family, and traveling to new places. At the beginning of my first year at UCLA, AMWA was the first club I joined because of the warm and welcoming environment the board members created. This club was unique to me in how it provided members with multiple helpful resources and how it’s impact reached beyond UCLA with events such as Sonriendo con el Corazón. During my term as Publicity Director, I’m excited to work with our wonderful board, help spread the word about our club, and get to know all of our members more!

My name is Trina Nguyen and I am AMWA’s 2020-2021 Social Director. I joined AMWA to be a part of an inclusive environment with members who are ambitious, caring, and passionate about healthcare and the advancement of women in medicine. From AMWA, I’ve been able to meet such incredible women as well as give back to my community. As the Social Director, I hope to foster an environment in which members can form and solidify friendships with peers to have a supportive community at UCLA. Outside of AMWA I am a Department Coordinator for Care Extenders and the publicity chair for Habitat for Humanity. I am also involved in Type I diabetes research and Student Health Associates on campus. Additionally, I intern for Montpelier Surgery Center, which is based in my hometown – the Bay Area. In my free time, I like to do Pilates, bake, crochet, sing, and play piano.

My name is Monica Muñoz and I am the Professional Development Co-Director. I am a currently a fourth year at UCLA. I joined AMWA during my junior year because I wanted to join a  collaborative group of like-minded women. Through AMWA, I have found a sense of community within UCLA and have gotten resources and information that have helped me guide my journey to becoming a physician and I have also gained mentors and friends. Through AMWA I have also had the opportunity to volunteer and step outside of my comfort zone. Aside from AMWA, I am involved in research and volunteering. I enjoy doing yoga, hiking, brunching and traveling.

My name is Eliannie Hernandez and I am one of the Professional Development Co-Chairs for the 2020-2021 school year. I am currently a second-year majoring in Psychobiology. My passions include serving my community through volunteering and promoting underrepresented groups to pursue careers in medicine. AMWA was the first club I joined due to the supportive community, medical-related presentations, and the tight-knit atmosphere of the club. Being a part of AMWA has provided me with multiple opportunities to grow as an individual, volunteer, and network with various health care professionals. As the Professional Development Co-Chair, I hope to assist in providing this experience to future and current members. Outside of AMWA, I am a tutor for Project Spell and shadow at an OB/GYN clinic.

My name is Keerthana Sivathasan and I am the Community Service Director for AMWA! I am currently a junior at UCLA and am doing my best to make the most out of remote learning. Outside of academics, I love spending time with my family and friends. Even though I have lived in SoCal my entire life, I have definitely discovered several new fun places throughout my time in Los Angeles. I joined AMWA to learn more about women’s health because that is an area in medicine which needs more research and funding, as it has a tendency to be overlooked. Through AMWA, I have gained life-long friendships, stronger connections with my community, and a better perspective for my future career. Joining AMWA is the best decision I have made in my undergraduate experience, and as your Community Service Director this year,  I hope to make all of you love and cherish it as much as I do.

My name is Amy Pham and I am a 2nd year Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology major. I am thrilled to serve as AMWA’s 2020-2021 Mentorship Director! AMWA is special to me because it is a place where ambitious and passionate women with similar medical interests can come together to support each other in a noncompetitive, welcoming environment. Through this club, I have been able to not only volunteer at women’s health events, listen to experienced doctors share their expertise, and network with DGSOM medical students, but also form great relationships with my fellow AMWA members.

Outside of AMWA, I am also an Artistic Director for VSU Modern, a member of Vietnamese Community Health, and a volunteer at the Ronald Reagan hospital. In my free time I love to dance, watch movies, bake, go on adventures with friends, or rewatch The Office for the [redacted] time.

My name is Brittany Tran, and I’m AMWA’s Finance Director. I joined AMWA to be a part of an encouraging community of women who are as passionate and ambitious about healthcare as I am. AMWA has helped me to explore my interests in healthcare, further my passion for the advancement of women in medicine, and provided opportunities for me to give back to my community. Outside of AMWA, I am involved in Asian Pacific Health Corps and Care Extenders at Ronald Reagan Medical Center. I do cancer research as a part of UCLA’s Yang Engineering Immunity Lab and Dr. Le’s Molecular and Medical Pharmacology Lab. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing piano, and playing tennis with my friends.

My name is Donna Wong and I am the AMWA secretary for 2020-2021. I am a fourth year biochemistry major and a film minor. I am interested in pursing a career in pediatrics pot-grad. I initially joined AMWA as a way of receiving guidance as a woman pursing the medical field. AMWA has gave me multiple opportunities to give back to the community and extend my knowledge to other aspiring women.