MSI AHEC is dedicated to improving healthcare access and equity for underserved, underrepresented, and vulnerable populations. We take a holistic approach, combining education, workforce development, and strong community partnerships to address healthcare disparities. Our programs are designed to support and nurture future healthcare professionals through hands-on learning, mentorship, and guidance. By empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in healthcare, we aim to enhance the well-being of vulnerable communities and contribute to a more equitable healthcare system.
MSI AHEC STAFF:
Felicia Stevens, Center Director: [email protected]
Nancy Padsala, MPH, Program Manager: [email protected]
Mary Breen, Volunteer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Vivian Torres-Suarez, MBA, BSN, RN
Chairperson
Torre
Healthcare Consulting LLC
President and Owner
Justin T. Brown, PhD, MPH
Vice Chair
Interim University Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for Academic Programming & Policy
The City University of NY
Robert T. Maruca, Jr., MPA
Treasurer
Vice Dean of Administration
Rutgers University
School of Arts and Sciences
Marina A. Samuelson
Secretary
Chief of Staff
Adult Continuing Education
LaGuardia Community College
Victor Mosquera, MPA
Lead Director
Strategic Business Development
Aetna
Better Health of New York
Maxine Golub, MPH
Immediate Past Senior Vice President
Planning and Development
Institute For Family Health
Dana J. Lennon, Esq.
Catholic Charities
Community Services
Student testimonials:
The MSI AHEC experience
The most valuable part of the SHIP for me is the opportunity I have been given to visit numerous college sites that align with health career fields that students can go into. Apart from visiting these schools, one crucial component of the didactic sessions was the guest speakers. For instance, such as Dr. Michael Joseph who showed me the value and importance of education, knowledge, and success. Each didactic session had guest speakers, of whom are health professionals of different types. This helped expose me to other careers apart from nursing, a career I have a strong desire of pursuing. I am appreciative and thankful for each didactic session because I left each session with a better understanding of the spoken health career of that day, especially that of pharmacology from last week’s didactic.
SHIP Cohort of 2025
The most valuable part of SHIP for me was being able to speak with already established healthcare professionals and using their words to help guide myself in the direction I want to go in regarding the healthcare community.
SHIP Cohort of 2025
When I started MSI AHEC, I was not sure what I wanted to major in, but throughout the summer with all of the didactics, along with my experience at the NYC Health Department, and my peers sharing their experiences, I was able to realize my passion for being an advocate and a voice for minorities and disadvantaged people in the healthcare system.
Nabintou Toure
Ithaca College, NY