Her path became clear when she joined Cathedral’s Medical Gateways Program, an initiative funded by the Foundation to nurture future healthcare professionals. The program not only solidified her career aspirations, but also sparked her leadership—she founded two student organizations at Cathedral to strengthen young women in healthcare: The Medical Club and Health Occupation Students of America.

Beyond academics, Melany’s faith has deepened during her years at Cathedral, shaping her perspective on care and dignity in medicine. A pivotal moment came during her junior year internship at a lower Manhattan clinic serving Latino seniors. Shadowing nurses, she saw the profound impact of representation—when patients felt understood by those caring for them, their trust in the system grew.

Now, Melany is setting her sights on becoming a nurse practitioner with a minor in community health, driven by a mission to bridge gaps in care and take her expertise to underserved communities.

“I want to ensure everyone—regardless of age or language—gets the care they need,” she says with determination.

Melany’s journey is only beginning, but she’s already making a mark, proving that passion, faith, and perseverance can shape the future of healthcare.