The Center for Community Health Equity is excited to be working with Chicago Scholars to engage young adults in the planning and direction of the health equity work of the Center.

Read first-hand health equity experiences written by our Youth Advisory Board members.

Academic Year 2020-2021

Margaret Harris

School: Lindblom Math and Science Academy
Grade: Senior
Organization: Chicago Scholars

My name is Margaret Harris and I am a senior at Lindblom Math and Science Academy. Although I am an aspiring Global Surgeon, I have always been interested in learning more about the policy side of medicine — particularly regarding disparities against socioeconomic classes and gender. As someone who grew up and works as a Pharmacy Technician in Englewood, I have experienced first-hand how residents’ uncontrollable circumstances can be a life-determining factor in their health. I hope that by furthering my education, I will be in a position to aid disadvantaged communities and provide quality medical treatment for all despite status, race, or gender.

Evelyn Morales

School: Chicago Math and Science Academy
Grade: Senior
Organization: Chicago Scholars

My name is Evelyn Morales and I am a current senior attending Chicago Math and Science Academy. Growing up in Chicago has allowed me to not only appreciate the diversity within communities, but also witness the discrimination and unjust inequities, especially healthwise. Within the healthcare system, it is crucial to address underrepresented minority groups. Despite the diversity of backgrounds and communities, many of the challenges in addressing health equities is including community members in decisions regarding health. Therefore, I hope to take initiative and bring awareness to Chicago’s diversity, specifically Spanish-speaking communities, to educate them on the importance of health. Communities like mine inspire my passion to become an interpreter as a future Hispanic nurse.

Ethan Pineda

School: George Westinghouse College Prep
Grade: Senior
Organization: Chicago Scholars

Hello! My name is Ethan Pineda and I am currently a senior at George Westinghouse College Prep. I currently live in the Logan Square neighborhood where I have been able to see firsthand, the sharp socioeconomic and health care divisions within my neighborhood. Because of this, I have grown to become extremely passionate about learning how to create equal and fair access to healthcare regardless of an individual’s background. I am proud to be a part of the communities I’m a part of but I also acknowledge and recognize that change could be made for the better. During my undergraduate career, I hope to study economics and computer science to find the intersectionality between tech, finance, and the healthcare system as a whole in order to create an equitable healthcare system.

Nurudeen Salaudeen

School: Chicago Math and Science Academy
Grade: Senior
Organization: Chicago Scholars

My name is Nurudeen Salaudeen and I attend Chicago Math and Science Academy. I am a senior and going to college for a career in the Medical field.