• Merelis Ortiz

We are living in a time where it is imperative to protect students and spaces that encourage critical thought at a time where both are under attack. As a Masters in Public Health candidate and practitioner, I am drawn to advocating for the health and wellbeing of populations, to promoting equity and inclusion. We are fortunate to have a graduate student body of different walks of life with many gifts that need to be nurtured, protected and cared for. My gifts are that I am a deep listener, thoughtful and I encourage collaboration. I want to do my part to ensure the school does more to protect its graduate students and correct its mistakes onto students that have advocated and organized for human rights. We are the change we want to see in the world and a critical time for us to speak up and show up for each other- I commit to doing just that.