ElevateMeD Scholar: Mariela Vega

Meet Mariela Vega

ElevateMeD Scholar 2026-27

Mariela Vega’s early experience translating for her parents in the doctor’s office, formed her desire to pursue medicine facing language barriers and impact the community at a greater capacity.

Hometown: Immokalee, Florida
Medical Education: Florida State University College of Medicine
Undergraduate Education: Birmingham- Southern College in Biology
Current Career Plan: Become an OB-GYN
Specialty Interest: OB-GYN
I am most proud of becoming the first in my family to graduate college and now attend medical school
You might be surprised to know that I was a math middle school teacher for 3 years before attending medical school.
ElevateMeD is… an organization that guides students in their next step toward residency and become successful scholars as well as soon to be physicians.

Other ElevateMeD Scholars

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News Spotlights

Scholar Spotlights

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Florida State University College of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Mariela Vega

Florida State University College of Medicine

Mariela Vega’s early experience translating for her parents in the doctor’s office, formed her desire to pursue medicine facing language barriers and impact the community at a greater capacity.

Florida State University College of Medicine

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

ElevateMeD Scholar: Kambrea Soltero

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

Kambrea Soltero shares how she hopes to pair direct patient care with a broader commitment to improving the systems that shape health and access to care.

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

Creighton University School of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Yezan "iPod" Hassan

Creighton University School of Medicine

Yezan "iPod" Hassan shares how his background as a refugee and early experiences in Detroit shaped his mission to pursue medicine domestically and globally

Creighton University School of Medicine

University of Minnesota Medical School

ElevateMeD Scholar: Fatumastar Adan

University of Minnesota Medical School

Fatumastar Adan believes that health care should be rooted in dignity, equity, and accountability. That it should be afforded to all and not just reserved for the few.

University of Minnesota Medical School

A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Mariah Taylor

A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine

Mariah Taylor shares what inspires her pursuit of interventional cardiology and the impact she hopes to make through medicine.

A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine

The Ohio State University College of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Chioma Aneke

The Ohio State University College of Medicine

Chioma Aneke is a future doctor who understands the importance of compassion, empathy, cultural competency and advocacy. She shares just how early experiences shaped her commitment to advancing health care equity.

The Ohio State University College of Medicine

Meharry Medical College

ElevateMeD Scholar: GaResia Woods

Meharry Medical College

GaResia Woods is focused on being there when it matters. Working with students in communities who were navigating systems that essentially weren't built for them helped her realize the impact she could make as a physician working to minimize the gaps in health care.

Meharry Medical College

Duke University School of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Ashley Nmoh

Duke University School of Medicine

Ashley Nmoh is driven by a commitment to improving health outcomes for children and families. Her experiences have inspired a passion for community-centered care, public health leadership, and creating lasting change for communities that have historically faced barriers to healthcare access.

Duke University School of Medicine

University of Maryland School of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Desai Oula

University of Maryland School of Medicine

Desai Oula is passionate about expanding access to vision care while inspiring the next generation of students to enter the healthcare field.

University of Maryland School of Medicine

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD Celebrates 7th Anniversary & Announces 2026 Scholarship Award Winners

ElevateMeD

Launched on May 13, 2019, ElevateMeD s proud to announce the 2026-27 Scholars Program cohort. This year's cohort of exceptional medical students represents 37 Scholars across our expanding Scholars Program, reflecting continued growth and expanded access nationwide. This announcement also marks the seventh anniversary of ElevateMeD and its ongoing dedication to supporting future physician leaders.

ElevateMeD

Donor Spotlights

News

LocumTenens.com: Investing in the Next Generation of Physician Leaders

Our partnership with LocumTenens.com reflects a shared commitment to investing in the next generation of physician leaders. Since 2024, their support has helped ElevateMeD create meaningful opportunities for Scholars to learn, connect, and grow throughout their medical education journeys and beyond.

Zimmer Biomet Investing in the Future of Medicine

Through its support of the ElevateMeD Scholars Program, Zimmer Biomet is helping medical students access financial assistance, mentorship, leadership development opportunities, and the resources needed to thrive throughout their medical education journey.

Truist Partners with ElevateMeD to Increase Financial Literacy

We are proud to recognize Truist as a major sponsor of Ignite Atlanta 2026 and a valued partner in advancing our mission to support the next generation of physician leaders. From financial wellness trainings for our Scholars to partnering in community events, Truist continues to stand with us.

Strengthening the ElevateMeD Scholars Program Through Partnership

Dr. David and Betty Gullen are dedicated supporters of ElevateMeD whose partnership plays a critical role in strengthening the foundation of the ElevateMeD Scholars Program.

The Cagnolatti Daniels Family Foundation commits to ElevateMeD

Lisa Cagnolatti, on behalf of her husband Ed and The Cagnolatti Daniels Family Foundation, underscored the urgent need for culturally competent care and the critical importance of supporting ElevateMeD’s mission.

The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation Partners with ElevateMeD

What does The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation and #ElevateMeD have in common? A commitment to HEALTH EQUITY!

"The Many" of Mayo Clinic

Watch remarks from Mayo Clinic CEO in Arizona, Dr. Richard Gray shared remarks this year and was introduced by 2024-25 ElevateMeD Scholar and 4th year Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine medical student, Casey Martinez.

How Student Organizations Like @OhioAMSA Help Support ElevateMeD

Student organizations like Ohio University American Medical Student Association help us engage bright minds and expand our reach. These organizations are filled with future physicians who will become leaders, thinkers, and doers. We must not only look for ways to partner with these student organizations but also continue to encourage and support them along their physician journey.

Why Council & Associates Gives.

Each year since 2019, Council and Associates LLC has risen to the occasion to become an event sponsor for our Explosion of a Dream and Ignite Atlanta scholarship events. We asked owner, Lashonda Council-Rogers, Esq., to share the why behind her generous giving and to give a view of what she experiences attending ElevateMeD events as a sponsor.

Walton Isaacson Helps ElevateMeD Support The Future of Medicine

Founded in 2006, Walton Isaacson is one of the most respected advertising agencies in the world, having worked with clients such as Lexus, McDonalds, and Amazon to name a few.

RICARDO CORREA, MD, EDD, FACP, FACE, FACMQ

Health Care Disparities and the Latinx Population (Read Article)

MARISSA VASQUEZ, MD, MBA

Latinas in Motion Impacting the Sports Industry (Read Article)

News

ElevateMeD

Passion Proven Leadership at ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD

Jeff joined ElevateMeD in February 2025 from Columbia, South Carolina bringing infectious passion, proven leadership, and decades of successful nonprofit leadership.

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD Welcomes Three New Advisory Board Members

ElevateMeD

Please join us in welcoming our newest Advisory Board members…

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD Welcomes Four New Advisory Board Members

ElevateMeD

Please join us in welcoming our newest Advisory Board members…

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD Welcomes Our Newest Board Member Dr. Jeshenna Watkins

ElevateMeD

Please join us in welcoming our newest Board Member…

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD Welcomes Four New Advisory Board Members

ElevateMeD

Please join us in welcoming our newest Advisory Board members…

ElevateMeD

Keiona Eady

Congratulations to our Advisory Board Members on #Match2022!

Keiona Eady

Congratulations are in order for our Advisory Board Members Sophia Ederaine and Johanny Lopez Dominguez! We were honored to celebrate with them this #MatchDay2022, as they both learned about their residency upon graduation this Spring!

Keiona Eady

Alyx Porter Umphrey, MD, FAAN

Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey Receives the 2020 Dean's Diversity/Inclusion Award at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Alyx Porter Umphrey, MD, FAAN

Ricardo Correa MD, EsD, FACP, FACE, CMQ

It was not easy for me

Ricardo Correa MD, EsD, FACP, FACE, CMQ

I decided to join the Board of Directors for ElevateMeD because it aligns with my core value of inclusion. The literature showed that to provide the best healthcare to our patients, we need to understand their culture, speak their language, among other factors.

Ricardo Correa MD, EsD, FACP, FACE, CMQ

Gyasi Chisley, PMP, FACHE

The time to transform healthcare is now!

Gyasi Chisley, PMP, FACHE

Healthcare is my ministry. It is a calling and my inroad to impact social change. I firmly believe that any disparity within our industry serves as a microcosm for injustices that continue to plague society-at-large. I am on a mission to truly transform healthcare and looking to partner with anyone that shares the same mindset.

Gyasi Chisley, PMP, FACHE

Tiffany Hardaway MD, MS

You can't be what you can't see.

Tiffany Hardaway MD, MS

I chose to pursue a career in anesthesiology because I enjoy moment-to-moment decision making as well as the practical application of physiology and pharmacology. 3% of anesthesiologists are reported to identify as Black/African-American. Of those 3%, the majority are women.

Tiffany Hardaway MD, MS

Annual Reports

News

ElevateMeD 2025 Impact

Our 2025 Impact Report reflects a year defined by growth, momentum, and expanded pathways across the journey to becoming a physician. From program expansion to deeper engagement with Scholars and partners, this report highlights how ElevateMeD continues to evolve to meet the needs of future physician leaders.

ElevateMeD 2024 Impact

As you flip through the pages of our 2024 impact report, we hope that you are filled with the hope and encouragement we carry about the future of medicine. Together we can work towards medical workforce which can accurately reflect not only medical leaders, but communities they serve.

ElevateMeD 2023 Impact

As you turn the pages of our 2023 Impact report you will experience the power of the collective supporting, encouraging, and reshaping the future of medicine. We are grateful for all of you who joined the movement in 2023 and made transformation possible!

Recent News

ElevateMeD Scholar: Mariela Vega

Meet Mariela Vega

ElevateMeD Scholar 2026-27

News Spotlights

Scholar Spotlights

Donor Spotlights

Leadership Spotlights

RICARDO CORREA, MD, EDD, FACP, FACE, FACMQ

MARISSA VASQUEZ, MD, MBA

Annual Reports

Phoenix, AZ