Education Sub-Committee Chairs
Keven Cabrera (PGY3)
Michael Luke (PGY3)
Mentorship Sub-Committee Chairs
Alisha Akinsete (Fellow)
Recruitment Sub-Committee Chairs
Keven Cabrera (PGY3)
Shenel Heisler (PGY3)
Michael Luke (PGY3)
Retention Sub-Committee Chairs
Monique Sterling (PGY 1)
LEADER Testimonials
“LEADER was a wonderful way for Pediatrics to more fully embody our long-standing values of commitment to social justice, to embrace & honor diversity among both families and health professionals & to prepare trainees to effectively serve all who present for their care.” - Deborah Campbell, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Chief, Division of Neonatology, Founding member of LEADER
“I participate in the LEADER initiative because as an openly gay person, I know how important it is to have a safe training environment in which one is not afraid to be yourself.” – Neal Hoffman, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine
“I joined LEADER because it recognizes that diversity, inclusion and equity in recruitment, retention, education and house staff development are a strength that should be consistently supported.” - Rhonda G. Acholonu, MD, Vice Chair for Education, Co-Director, LEAD Program, Faculty Co-Chair, LEADER
“I joined LEADER because I believe in social justice, and breaking down the structural, systemic barriers that often prevent members of underrepresented groups from entering the field of medicine. LEADER recognizes that we cannot truly provide comprehensive, holistic care to our patients without embracing diversity and inclusion for all, and providing trainees with a curriculum that emphasizes cultural humility.” - Danielle Johnson, Chief Resident, Social Pediatrics
“Through LEADER I have been able to form unique relationships with residents, fellows, and attendings who not only look like me but are able to relate with my life experiences for the first time in my medical career. I love being able to work closely with them on projects that bring out our shared passions for diversity, equity, and inclusion in both patient care and academic settings.” - Keven Cabrera, Resident
“I joined LEADER because, as a pediatrician, understanding diversity and how to be an advocate and activist is my responsibility to the families I care for as well as the medical community.” - Marissa Cardillo, Resident
“LEADER encompasses ideals and values that are important to me. Being a part of this group with so many other individuals who aim to promote education and diversity in many different aspects only helps to make us better healthcare providers.” - Shenel Heisler, Resident
"I joined LEADER to be part of an initiative that highlights the importance of diversity and focuses on the recruitment of prospective applicants from underrepresented groups. Furthermore, I value LEADERs commitment to educate residents on integrating the patient's cultural and social needs to provide more comprehensive medical care." - Gabrielle Jasmin, Resident
“LEADER has given me a space to find commonalities in shared experiences and personal insecurities, and a chance to find role models that may not fit the mold of traditional medicine.” - Michael Luke, Resident
“I joined LEADER to actively participate in and support an organization dedicated to promoting diversity and social justice and to preparing pediatricians for providing quality healthcare to children of all backgrounds.” - Jennifer Mena, Resident
Contact Information
Please email montepedleader@gmail.com if you have any questions about the LEADER Committee and its initiatives.