Full Name
Berhan Goitom Goitom Hagezom
Job Title
Student
Institution
Saint Mary's College
Speaker Bio
Healthcare and wellness is often not seen on the same level with civic advocacy, however, they are both interconnected when systemic health inequities impact the physical, mental, and social welfare of individuals within marginalized communities. Entering Saint Mary’s College, I was determined to use my experiences to promote underrepresented voices and work with different groups within and outside of the student body campus. Through my position as a Beyond the Belle Site Leader at Dismas House of Indiana, a transition home for returning citizens, I led a group of volunteers to help facilitate meaningful change, whether through cooking dinners or participating in educational events. As a previous Food Pantry Manager at the Mother Pauline Food Pantry, I witnessed the impact of food and toiletry accessibility for students to feel comfortable in taking advantage of, regardless of socioeconomic background. Through being an Inclusivity Committee Chair on the college’s Student Diversity Board, I highlighted different perspectives and backgrounds through leading an international student panel and a lecture on recognizing indigeneity within South Bend. As an aspiring physician-scientist, I hope to create community-led initiatives on making medical devices more accessible to reduce health disparities within underserved communities.
Speaking At