A dedicated advocate for diversity in education, Maria Molina, an LLI graduate, is building bridges for students to pursue careers in healthcare. In her role, she leads pathway programs designed to support students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine as they navigate their journey toward healthcare professions.
An Early Passion for Education
Maria’s passion for supporting students from underserved communities ignited during her years as an elementary school teacher in a Title 1 School District in Jersey City, New Jersey where she grew up. As a first-generation Ecuadorian immigrant raised in a multicultural community, she personally understood the challenges faced by her students. Returning to her hometown as an educator was a pivotal moment, solidifying her commitment to help students like her achieve their educational goals. Building on this foundation, Maria went on to becoming the Program Manager of the Lang Youth Medical Program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, a pathway program serving students in grades 6-12, as well as the program’s college-aged alumni.
Increasing Pathways into the Healthcare Workforce
Today, Maria is on a mission to continue advancing education equity and health equity by helping to diversify the healthcare workforce through her work as a Program Director for the Office for Education Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (OEDEI) at Mayo Clinic.
“I’ve always considered myself a bridge builder and connector. And that’s what I love to do in my work,” she says.
Image: Maria L. Molina/ Mayo Clinic
With only approximately 6% of U.S. physicians identifying as Latino/a, there is much work to do. Research consistently demonstrates the positive impact of a diverse healthcare team on the outcomes of patient care.
“Having a diverse perspective of cultures, traditions, and lifestyles is absolutely essential for a successful medical team,” Maria emphasizes.
OEDEI’s pathway programs aim to guide students along pathways into physician careers, research careers, and many others, both clinical and non-clinical, exposing students to a wide range of opportunities within a hospital setting.
Joining the Latino Leadership Institute
When Maria discovered the Latino Leadership Institute and their Ignite program through LinkedIn, she knew it was the right fit for her. The opportunity to connect with other Latino professionals who shared a similar cultural background was a game-changer.
“[It was] really interesting and special to share my perspectives and experiences with the added cultural nuance,” Maria explains. These shared stories, from upbringing to current challenges, fostered a deep sense of connection and understanding.
What’s Next
Maria’s dedication to leadership in her field extends beyond her current role. Maria envisions herself as a leader in creating effective and culturally relevant learning environments. By combining her background in psychology and neuroscience with her passion for education, she seeks to develop instructional strategies that optimize student engagement and open more pathways for students to reach their unique potential.
Maria on #WhyLLI
“Connecting with other Latino professionals was the highlight of the Ignite. I’d never been part of a leadership development program specifically for Latinos, making it a truly unique experience. The breakout sessions were incredibly valuable. Sharing my perspectives and experiences with other Latinos, especially the cultural nuances of growing up and building a professional life, created a deep connection. It was an opportunity to share my story in a way I never had before.“
About the Latino Leadership Institute
Born from a vision of influential Latino leadership, LLI celebrates a decade of advancing nearly 800 leaders across industries, generations, and geographies. The past decade of impact fuels our unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive and representative U.S. leadership landscape. Our 10-year anniversary marks a springboard for the next decade, fueled by your investment. Together, we’ll build an even bigger vision for representative and inclusive leadership – join us.
Opinions expressed are solely Maria’s and do not express the views or opinions of her employer.
