Health Equity Advocacy Leaders
HEAL: Health Equity Advocacy Leaders
Health Equity Advocacy Leaders (HEAL) is a student-led organization of volunteers based at UConn Storrs, committed to advancing health equity through advocacy, education, and meaningful community engagement.
We empower students through peer education, advocacy, and meaningful collaboration with SHaW to foster a campus healthcare environment that is inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive. By amplifying student voices and advocating for systems that reflect and respect diverse lived experiences, we work to dismantle barriers to care and ensure every student feels supported and confident in making informed health decisions.
A campus where every student feels secure and valued in their health journey. Through inclusive learning and authentic connection, we strive to ensure equitable access to care and meaningful peer support for all.
Meet the HEAL Coordinators
Name: Jazlynn Claudio
Pronouns: she/her
Class of 2026
Why I Joined HEAL:
Name: Nadia Siddiqui
Pronouns: she/her
Class of 2026
Why I Joined HEAL: I joined HEAL because it allows me to be part of a community committed to promoting health, education, and advocacy on campus while representing students who may not always have the resources or platform to speak out for themselves. As someone who cares deeply about equitable access to care, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment contributing to initiatives that empower others while also growing personally as a leader and collaborator.
Name: Moon Ahmed-Syed
Pronouns: she/they
Class of 2026
Why I Joined HEAL:
Bella Markette
Pronouns: she/her
Class of 2027
Why I Joined HEAL: HEAL means a lot to me because I genuinely believe establishing health equity around the world is fundamental in establishing equity in every sense possible. I am so excited to be a student coordinator for the team and apply the skills I learn here to my future career in global health policy!
Trinity Baush
Pronouns: she/her
Class of 2027
Why I joined HEAL: I am currently a junior psychology major on the pre-med track. I hope to become a psychiatrist and dedicate my career to researching how medical treatments can better support individuals with mental illness.
Interested in partnering with HEAL for an event?
Email us at shaw-heal@uconn.edu!
Applications to join HEAL for the 2025-2026 academic year are now closed. The next application cycle will open in May 2026 – check back then for more updates and keep an eye out for announcements posted in the Daily Digest!
For any questions about becoming a HEAL member, please contact Melanie Penalosa, SHaW Health Equity Program Manager, at melanie.penalosa@uconn.edu.
Upcoming HEAL Events
Check out the events calendar to stay up to date with our upcoming programs!
