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The CUNY SPH Foundation is pleased to welcome three new scholars to the 2025 cohort of the Molina Health Equity Scholarship Fund. Established by Dr. Marilyn Aguirre-Molina and Dr. Carlos W. Molina and directed by Distinguished Professor Luisa N. Borrell, the Fund provides scholars with senior-level mentorship and collaboration, preparing them to advance health equity in U.S. Hispanic and Latino communities.
Each of the new scholars brings significant experience working within Spanish-speaking communities and has demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing health inequities. You can read more about Paola Angel, Stacy Guzman, and Yessica Estrella Vanterpool here.
To launch the academic year, Dr. Aguirre-Molina and Dr. Molina hosted a welcome dinner that brought together current and new scholars. The gathering offered an opportunity to share experiences, discuss academic and professional goals, and build community. Justin T. Brown, PhD, MPH (‘18), University Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for Academic Programming and Policy at CUNY, attended to congratulate the scholars and extend his advice and support.
Since its launch in 2022, the Molina Health Equity Scholarship Fund has cultivated a strong community of scholars who are already making an impact in public health. Mariana Barajas, the program’s inaugural scholar, graduated in January 2025 with an MPH in Health Policy and Management and continues to serve as an Adult Health Home Care Manager at Open Door Family Medical Center. Soon after, Yanir Cedeno completed her MPH in Public Health Nutrition in June 2025. This year, Cedeno was recognized by the Hunter College New York City Food Policy Center as one of New York City’s “40 under 40” food policy leaders. She will begin Columbia University’s MS program in nonprofit management as a Columbia SPS CUNY Fellow in spring 2026.
Current scholar Maria Thomas was recently accepted into the Caucus CUNY Scholar Program, where she will support the district offices of legislators in the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus through constituent case management, legislative research, and policy engagement.
“The Molina Health Equity Scholarship is not only strengthening pathways for our students, it is also ensuring that the next generation of public health leaders is prepared to confront inequities with cultural humility and a commitment to justice,” said Dr. Borrell.
Together, the Molina Scholars represent the vision of Dr. Aguirre-Molina and Dr. Molina: to invest in future leaders from underrepresented communities whose work will expand access, equity, and impact for diverse communities across the nation.
