Two Virginia Commonwealth University College of Health Professions students in the Masters in Health Administration (MHA) program, have been actively involved with a mentorship program designed for students and early careerists through the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives (NALHE).

It is known as the La Mesa Emerging Leaders Program - a yearlong cohort-structured leadership development program that provides a safe space for thought leadership, sharing of experiences, exchange of knowledge, connections, networking and open discussions with diverse featured speakers from across the country.

Augusto Gonzalez and Victor Melo from VCU’s MHA program first became aware of the opportunity through Stephan Davis, D.N.P., associate dean for inclusive excellence and belonging, and executive director of inclusive leadership education in VCU’s Department of Health Administration.

Melo, who is first generation Hispanic and whose family is from Mexico, took part in the La Mesa program as a participant in 2022, and now is part of a committee involved in planning upcoming events and activities for current and future participants. He says he has always talked about the difficulties of finding someone who has a similar background, or someone who is able to relate to many of his experiences, but the La Mesa program has been instrumental in helping him and others from various disciplines connect on a number of topics, including financial literacy, financial aid, resume writing, and other helpful resources.

“We have talked about our upbringings, challenges, barriers we’ve faced and our different experiences,” said Melo. “It provides a safe space for our development and a way for us to interact and connect. It certainly feels like we empower each other. We want to make change and bring that change through our diverse experiences.”

Gonzalez, who is of Argentinian descent and a first-generation student, recently completed a year as a participant in the La Mesa program. He says he was particularly drawn to other cohort members being in different aspects of their careers, as well as the values each of the members have in common.

“What really opened my eyes is that with people from all places in life and all walks of life, that the core of there still being Latinos in this community – the healthcare community specifically, which is so small and niche - having those similar experiences to myself, having those immigrant families and really understanding those barriers present for Latino populations, and knowing it still is important to people,” said Gonzalez. “The fact that people are trying to better the outreach and access to health care for the Latino population is really inspiring, because it makes me feel like building that support and base for the Latino population, and continuing to grow it.”

Gonzalez says they treat one another like family in the La Mesa program.

“We call each other family, and it speaks beyond just going and meeting with each other weekly. It's checking in on each other, really opening up to our experiences and the difficulties we've had with health care and within our own personal lives, said Gonzalez. “It goes beyond just being a part of the cohort.”

Melo is expected to graduate from the MHA program in 2024, and currently is completing his administrative residency at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital and HCA Florida Westside Hospital in the Fort Lauderdale Greater region. Gonzalez will graduate from the MHA program in 2025. He recently served as an administrative intern in VCU Health’s Department of Neurosurgery.

“We always try to be there for each other, so when you're looking ahead, just look at your values. For me, family is at the core. For Latinos, Hispanics, immigrants, hardworking is something that I would say not to forget,” said Melo. “My parents made a lot of sacrifices and I'm sure a lot of immigrant parents and many other individuals made a lot of sacrifices for someone to be where they are, so just keep that in mind. Make the difference, work hard, don't give up. Everybody has different struggles, but it's about how you deal with it and it's about how you persevere.”

For more information about the La Mesa program, visit the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives La Mesa webpage.