born and raised in Venezuela, where she completed two years of medical studies at the University of Andes. As a medical student, she discovered her passion for health-related research by participating in research activities that allowed her to publish papers and ignited her desire to be part of the research community that works hard to improve the health care system. However, in 2020 she moved to New York City, along with her family, looking for a better future and opportunities. She started her journey at Hostos Community College in 2021 to complete her Associate Degree in Nursing, and since then, has received many opportunities. In addition to being selected as a NextGen Public Health Scholar, Andrea was recently selected to be part of the American Heart Association 2022 Hispanic Serving Institution Scholars Program and will work as an intern at the Bronx Community Health Network, Inc.

Hawa Antonet Abraham is originally from Freetown, Sierra Leone, a small country located in the lush green coast of West Africa. She lived as a refugee due to 10 years of violence and brutal conflict in her home country, a most difficult experience which she believes shaped her young mind to aim for a profession that can support people in dire need. While pursuing a nursing degree at Cuttington University in Liberia, Hawa moved to the U.S. Following the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa, and the global coronavirus pandemic, her focus shifted to public health as she witnessed how immigrant communities were missing out on critical information to prevent virus transmission and how misinformation was preventing them from accessing health care. She realized that timely information about basic hygiene, healthy choices, good nutrition, and balanced diets can go a long way to prevent ailments and deaths, which led her to enroll at Hostos Community College to pursue her Associate Degree in Community Health.

Hawa Antonet Abraham is originally from Freetown, Sierra Leone, a small country located in the lush green coast of West Africa. She lived as a refugee due to 10 years of violence and brutal conflict in her home country, a most difficult experience which she believes shaped her young mind to aim for a profession that can support people in dire need. While pursuing a nursing degree at Cuttington University in Liberia, Hawa moved to the U.S. Following the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa, and the global coronavirus pandemic, her focus shifted to public health as she witnessed how immigrant communities were missing out on critical information to prevent virus transmission and how misinformation was preventing them from accessing health care. She realized that timely information about basic hygiene, healthy choices, good nutrition, and balanced diets can go a long way to prevent ailments and deaths, which led her to enroll at Hostos Community College to pursue her Associate Degree in Community Health.