"We Need Health Prosperity" Award in honor of Helen Rodriguez Trias, Pediatrician and Public Health Ethicist at the margins advocating for women's reproductive rights and dignity in public health practices for minoritized communities.
Cultural Keeper Award in honor of Eugenio Maria de Hostos, a cultural keeper, educator, sociologist, philosopher, and a social justice activist.
La Lucha" Service Award in honor of Mujerista Theologian and Social Ethicist, Ada Maria Isasi Dias who through her liberative praxis promoted the values of social responsibility, solidarity, and social utility.
Bioethicists help examine moral issues involved with our understanding of life and death and resolve ethical dilemmas at the intersections of science, technology, and society. Bioethicists have a range of responsibilities depending on their primary discipline such as conducting research, teaching, writing policies, or serving on ethics committees to name a few. The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of having ethicist perspectives at the table, from interviews with famous ethicists such as Art Caplan to highlighting the ethical implications around vaccine development, public health communications, and racism as a public health crisis. As we continue to mobilize for racial health equity we must ponder what ethicists can do for racial health equity. This panel will feature a conversation among bioethicists who will explain how ethics allows them to advance racial health equity in their practice. Leveraging the personal and professional experiences that brought them to this specialized field, panelists will expand on what bioethicists do, who they are, and why bioethics is important for advancing racial health equity.
Arts and culture are essential for a more just and equitable society because they promote empathy, understanding, and social cohesion. Arts can help us to see the world from different perspectives and to understand the experiences of those who are different from us. They can also help us to build bridges across cultural divides and to create a more inclusive society. However, while there is a growing emphasis on arts and culture in health equity conversations, it is often left out of mainstream racial health equity discussions. This panel expands on the role arts and cultural institutions play in advancing racial health equity from a variety of perspectives. It is especially relevant for public health professionals, arts and cultural leaders, policymakers, and community members.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects nearly 5 million women of reproductive age in the United States. Although PCOS is common, it is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Additionally, research studies have shown that Black and Hispanic women are disproportionately impacted by this reproductive health condition. In light of September being PCOS Awareness Month, this panel will feature an educational conversation with medical professionals who will break down the “what, who, and how” of PCOS through a discussion of symptoms, diagnosis tactics, its effects on adolescents and Black women, and resources for those looking to speak with their healthcare providers about the condition.
Vanessa Beltran is a graduate of the MPH program in Health and Social Behavior at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a current MDiv candidate Harvard Divinity School studying Religion, Ethics, and Politics. Previously, Vanessa has practiced as a registered dietitian at a community health center and worked in mental health p
Vanessa Beltran is a graduate of the MPH program in Health and Social Behavior at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a current MDiv candidate Harvard Divinity School studying Religion, Ethics, and Politics. Previously, Vanessa has practiced as a registered dietitian at a community health center and worked in mental health policy at Girls Empowerment Network.
Her research and practice interests lead her to ask questions about the role of religious literacy in health equity initiatives and the potential for partnerships with faith-based organizations in health promotion activities for underserved communities, which has led Vanessa to her work as the Community Outreach Coordinator with the Undiagnosed Diseases Network.
Jean Dolin has demonstrated exceptional leadership in creating a space that celebrates and preserves the rich heritage of the LGBTQ+ community with two masterminded Portraits of Pride Exhibits, a powerful platform
that showcases the vibrant stories and influential leaders within the LGBTQ+ community.
In his pursuit of creating positive cha
Jean Dolin has demonstrated exceptional leadership in creating a space that celebrates and preserves the rich heritage of the LGBTQ+ community with two masterminded Portraits of Pride Exhibits, a powerful platform
that showcases the vibrant stories and influential leaders within the LGBTQ+ community.
In his pursuit of creating positive change through his work, he has proven time and again that he is not just a visionary, but a compassionate
and dedicated leader with the capacity to transform communities, uplift voices, and leave a lasting legacy of social impact, he serves on various boards, including the Harvard University Area Institutional Review Board and
the Community Coalition for Equity In Research, always carrying an
unwavering commitment to shaping policies that promote equity, public health, immigrant rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. His extensive skill set encompasses communication, art curation, community out-
reach policy development and advocacy.
Rachel Chao is originally from Austin, Texas. She began playing piano at age five, and steadily fell in love with learning and exploring music. Rachel became a music therapist by pursuing her B.M. in Music Therapy at Berklee College of Music ('16), and has experience working in outpatient and inpatient hospital settings, with children and
Rachel Chao is originally from Austin, Texas. She began playing piano at age five, and steadily fell in love with learning and exploring music. Rachel became a music therapist by pursuing her B.M. in Music Therapy at Berklee College of Music ('16), and has experience working in outpatient and inpatient hospital settings, with children and teenagers with disabilities, active-duty military, and in mental health.
Rachel expanded her macro- and mezzo-level knowledge of community interventions when pursuing her MSSW and MPH (University of Texas, '22), and focused on person-centered engagement and advocacy. Her community outreach experience includes working in educational settings, community-based support, vocational training, equity and advocacy, and sports philanthropy.
Christian Garcia Hernandez is a graduate student in the Masters of Science in Bioethics Program at Harvard Medical School. He is also a 4th year medical student at UCSF School of Medicine and is currently on leave of absence to complete this program. He is planning to incorporate his Bioethics education into his career as a physician.
As a
Christian Garcia Hernandez is a graduate student in the Masters of Science in Bioethics Program at Harvard Medical School. He is also a 4th year medical student at UCSF School of Medicine and is currently on leave of absence to complete this program. He is planning to incorporate his Bioethics education into his career as a physician.
As a medical student he has been involved in community work and advocacy with immigrant communities, asylum seekers, underserved youth, and minoritized communities and is committed to the advancement of health equity. He is hoping to use his training in medicine and in bioethics to help identify and address inequities in a way that centers community values and voices. He is planning to pursue a career in Pediatric Neurology and training in Pediatric Palliative Care and these interests have also led him to pursue an education in bioethics. This program will help him better approach ethically complex cases and serve his patients to the best of his ability.
Lilly Marcelin is a community activist and organizer who has dedicated herself to a lifelong journey around racial and social justice equity. Ms. Marcelin has worked on a broad range of issues, from gender-based violence, human trafficking, and health and socioeconomic disparities to women’s reproductive health and rights.
She is the Foun
Lilly Marcelin is a community activist and organizer who has dedicated herself to a lifelong journey around racial and social justice equity. Ms. Marcelin has worked on a broad range of issues, from gender-based violence, human trafficking, and health and socioeconomic disparities to women’s reproductive health and rights.
She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Resilient Sisterhood Project (RSP)—a nonprofit organization with a mission to inform and empower women and young adults of African descent about common diseases of the reproductive system that disproportionately affect them.
Lauren Melendez has spent the majority of her career at NBC affiliate stations serving the Midwest, starting as a weekend anchor and investigative reporter in Peoria, Illinois, followed by anchoring at WOWT NBC Omaha.
A Philadelphia native and Syracuse University graduate, she is an Associated Press Award-winning journalist who has modera
Lauren Melendez has spent the majority of her career at NBC affiliate stations serving the Midwest, starting as a weekend anchor and investigative reporter in Peoria, Illinois, followed by anchoring at WOWT NBC Omaha.
A Philadelphia native and Syracuse University graduate, she is an Associated Press Award-winning journalist who has moderated political panels, hosted primetime specials on race relations, emceed fundraisers and volunteers regularly in the community.
Aleyana Momplaisir is a graduate of Northeastern University, where she studied Political Science. Because of her personal experiences and work at the Resilient Sisterhood Project, Aleyana is passionate about how Black women are treated in the American healthcare system and continues to understand the impact government policies have on acc
Aleyana Momplaisir is a graduate of Northeastern University, where she studied Political Science. Because of her personal experiences and work at the Resilient Sisterhood Project, Aleyana is passionate about how Black women are treated in the American healthcare system and continues to understand the impact government policies have on access to supportive, conducive care. Aside from the U.S. government and reproductive health, Aleyana has several interests, including language learning, visual arts, housing and education, and development in Caribbean nations. As she learns more about government and public health, Aleyana hopes to incorporate visual arts to share crucial information and messages through different media forms.
Sarah Pitts is an attending in the Divisions of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine and Endocrinology at Boston Children’s Hospital, an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, the Program Director for the Adolescent Medicine Fellowship, and the Program Director for LEAH. She completed her BA in Anthropology at Dartmouth College and rec
Sarah Pitts is an attending in the Divisions of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine and Endocrinology at Boston Children’s Hospital, an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, the Program Director for the Adolescent Medicine Fellowship, and the Program Director for LEAH. She completed her BA in Anthropology at Dartmouth College and received her medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School. She then went on to complete her pediatric residency training in the Boston Combined Residency Program and Fellowship Training in the Adolescent Medicine Fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Pitts is the co-Director of the Reproductive Endocrine and PCOS Program as well as of the Adolescent Medicine LARC Program. Her research endeavors stem from the Adolescent Medicine LARC Collaborative which she established in 2017 with 3 other clinical sites across the country. Finally, as a member of the LEAH Curriculum Committee, the BCH Academy, the Graduate Medical Education Committee, and the ABP Education & Training Committee, Dr. Pitts has a passion for medical education.
Casey Rojas is an attorney-bioethicist working as the Manager of Federal Relations & Health Equity for the Massachusetts Medical Society. At the MMS, Casey is a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, co-chairing the Medical Society workstream. He also serves as Committee Liaison to the MMS' Committee on Diversity in Medic
Casey Rojas is an attorney-bioethicist working as the Manager of Federal Relations & Health Equity for the Massachusetts Medical Society. At the MMS, Casey is a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, co-chairing the Medical Society workstream. He also serves as Committee Liaison to the MMS' Committee on Diversity in Medicine and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Biomedical Science Careers Program, which aims to increase the representation of underrepresented and disadvantaged individuals in all facets of science and medicine. He studied Bioethics at Harvard Medical School, where he now teaches in the Master’s program. Previously, in his legal practice, Casey represented medical professionals and entities in a variety of matters. He graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law with a concentration in Health Law after he completed his undergraduate studies at Columbia University, majoring in Economics/Philosophy with a concentration in Psychology. Casey also volunteers as the Advocacy Team Chair for JDRF's Greater New England Massachusetts chapter.
Joanne Suarez is an artivist, public health bioethicist and the Founder and Executive Director of Prospera Institute. Joanne is a Boston native serving her community through community healthcare delivery, public advocacy, crisis management and strategy. In 2023, she left the workforce to transitoin careers dedicating efforts to growing P
Joanne Suarez is an artivist, public health bioethicist and the Founder and Executive Director of Prospera Institute. Joanne is a Boston native serving her community through community healthcare delivery, public advocacy, crisis management and strategy. In 2023, she left the workforce to transitoin careers dedicating efforts to growing Prospera's Institute's work and her consulting business. Prior to this she served as Chief of Staff for Mayor Wu's Community Engagement Cabinet. In this capacity, she led a $5M dollar organization and creating a CityWide Strategic Plan aiming to improve quality of life for Boston residents engaging with Citywide government services. Furthermore, during the COVID19 pademic Joanne co -lead the organizing and mobilizing of over 400 public health practioners seeking reform for Massachusetts Crisis Standard of Care Policy. Today, she stays connected to grassroots work by serving as an advisor for In Our Own Image grassroots organzation and Massachusetts Patient and Community Review Board. Joanne is the daughter to Dominican immigrants and first in her family to attend college. She received a Masters of Bioethics from Harvard Medical School and a Bachelors of Counseling Psychology concentration in mental health and addictions counseling from Johnson & Wales University. Starting January 2024, Joanne will be continuing her studies pursuing a Master in Divinity from Boston University School of Theology.
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement for Cultural Institutions
Prospera Institute, Boston, humbly acknowledges that the places where we eat, sleep, pray and work sits within the traditional, ancestral and stolen land of the Massachusetts Ponkapoag /ˈpɒŋkəpɔːɡ, tribe whose name was appropriated by this Commonwealth. We continue to survive honoring the elders through cultural practices; expressive arts ie.“areytos”/storytelling, prayer, reflection thus resisting systemic oppression and reclaiming liberation in public health and social practices.
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