Award-winning research, advocacy, and community-driven solutions presented by the 2026 UAID Health Equity Leadership Conference winners

Featured Conference Winners UAID 2026

The 2026 UAID Health Equity Leadership Conference recognized two outstanding presenters whose work demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing health equity through research, innovation, and community-centered action. Selected through a competitive review process, this year’s winners addressed pressing healthcare challenges while proposing thoughtful, evidence-based solutions with the potential to create meaningful change.

View the videos and winner profiles below to learn more about their distinguished presentations, the community needs that informed their work, and the experiences that continue to shape their commitment to health equity.

Sasha Hussain

Community Health Needs Assessment Winner

“I once imagined becoming a lawyer so I could fight for justice, but I ultimately found my path in medicine. Now, I hope to advocate for patients not only in the clinic, but also through research, community organizations like UAID, and in the halls of Congress. This recognition reinforces my commitment to building a career that advances health equity by combining compassionate care with meaningful advocacy and systemic change.“

Community Health Needs Assessment Winning Presentation

Assessing GPT Safety and Efficacy on Triaging Wound Images

Sasha Hussain*

*Emma Mastro, Dr. Bilal Chaudry, Nikkita Murli, Amanda Cho, Dr. Francisco Batiz-Fabela, and Dr. Giorgia-Giatsidis

Amirtha Srinivasan

Community Health Improvement Project Winner

“Participating in the Health Equity Leadership Conference reaffirmed my commitment to building a career at the intersection of health and community advocacy. As an aspiring pediatric nurse practitioner, I hope to address the structural barriers that shape health outcomes for children and families in underserved communities, starting with the relationships built in primary care.”

Community Health Improvement Project Winning Presentation

Implementation and Outcomes of a Student-Led Mobile STI Screening Program in a University Community

Amirtha Srinivasan

Featured Conference Winners UAID 2025

Community Health Improvement Projects

Enhancing Confidence Through Community-Driven Yoga Interventions in Woodlawn

Rina Iwata

Engaging Youth in Nutrition Education: Interactive Strategies for Healthier Eating

Aria Heidsiek

International and Domestic Health Improvement Strategy

Hira Sarangapani

Community Health Needs Assessments

Examining Food Insecurity in Northeastern Connecticut: A Mixed-Methods Review

Eashwar Krishna

Community Health Needs Assessment: Cancer Education

Milla Dobrovolska-Ivanova

Examining Postpartum Depression in Pregnant People and New Parents

Nii Quartey-Papafio