Esperanza College is proud to announce the ninth annual Minorities in Health Sciences Symposium, an event aimed at promoting diversity and representation in the healthcare industry. The symposium will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Esperanza College campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Minorities in Health Sciences Symposium will bring together approximately 400 high school students, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to engage in meaningful discussions and explore opportunities to increase the presence of leaders from our North Philadelphia neighborhoods and beyond in the health sciences field. The event will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions focused on various aspects of healthcare careers and the unique challenges minorities may face in this vital industry.
Keynote Speakers: Dr. Jaleesa Jackson, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University; Dr. Bernarda Viteri, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Dr. Monique Gary, St. Luke’s Grand View Hospital; Dr. Nilsa Graciani, Academic Dean, Esperanza College; and Rev. Danny Cortes, Executive Vice President of Esperanza. Speakers will share their experiences within the field and inspire the next generation of medical professionals.
With support from Lead Sponsors Health Promotion Council, a PHMC subsidiary, and Cities for Better Health, the event will feature:
- Panel Discussions: Expert panels will explore topics such as mentorship, cultural competency, and professional exploration.
- Workshops: Interactive sessions will provide practical tools and resources for attendees to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare field. Workshop topics include splint application, dental labs, and DNA extraction as well as exposure to technology such as the use of a virtual dissection table, virtual patient, and 3D printing among others.
- Networking Opportunities: Attendees will have the chance to connect with peers, educators, and healthcare professionals to build valuable relationships and support networks.
Susan Cosgrove, Executive Director, Health Promotion Council, a PHMC subsidiary, remarks, “As we look at the future of healthcare and the well-being of our communities, we need strong voices to serve, lead, and craft solutions. The symposium creates possibility by introducing students to careers in health sciences while also connecting them to leaders and professional networks. Every year, I am impressed by the rich resources and hands-on experiences offered to the next generation of health leaders”
Dr. Nilsa Graciani notes, “The Minorities in Health Sciences symposium has become a staple in our community. We are proud to work together with leaders across health sciences to empower the next generation of leaders, through mentorship, inspiration, and practical tools for success.”
Esperanza College is grateful for the generous support of Lead Sponsors Health Promotion Council, a PHMC subsidiary, and Cities for Better Health; Platinum Sponsor Aetna CVS Health; Gold Sponsor Independence Blue Cross; Silver Sponsors Jefferson, Penn Dental Medicine, St Christopher’s Hospital for Children; and Bronze Sponsors, Mainline Health, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Penn Medicine, and Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Esperanza College of Eastern University is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable healthcare workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. This symposium aligns with our mission to empower and prepare minority and other students for successful careers in healthcare and related fields.
About Esperanza:
Esperanza was founded in 1986 to serve “the least of these” (the underserved and marginalized) and to strengthen Hispanic communities and all who live within them. Over nearly four decades, Esperanza has grown into a $114 million organization with 750+ employees serving approximately 35,000 people annually through K-14 education, community and economic development, the arts, and social change programs. Esperanza is building an “opportunity community” in Hunting Park – a place marked by decent and affordable housing, increasing prosperity, growing businesses, great schools, safe streets, creative spaces, and robust community life, where anyone at any income level can thrive. For more information, visit www.esperanza.us.
Media Contacts:
Name: Albert Brown, Director of Admissions and Marketing, and Jael Conde, Vice President of Marketing
Email: marketing@esperanza.us
Website: esperanza.eastern.edu/