MEET THE MENTORS
The Founders
Kwasi A.
My name is Kwasi Aboagye. I’m from Ghana but grew up in Seat Pleasant, MD. I attended Prince George’s Community College for two years then transferred to the University of Miami where I majored in Medical Anthropology. I then received my masters in Biomedical Science from Barry University. I currently attend the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in the class of 2023. I felt C.O.D.E Med was necessary because of the many horror stories I personally went through and have heard when it comes to pre-med advising. That, coupled with my desire to see more representation in the field of medicine is what drove me to be a part of C.O.D.E Med. Help us in increasing representation, one white coat at a time!
“When All Else Fails...Don’t!!”
Antonio J.
My name is Antonio Jackson. I am from Stockbridge, GA. I completed my undergraduate education at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and received my masters in Biomedical Science from Barry University in Miami, FL. I am currently a medical student at The University of Toledo COMLS in Toledo, OH and part of the class of 2022. I felt CODE Med was the perfect platform and avenue for me to continue assisting and advocating for underrepresented minority pre-med students with the application process. I’m always looking for ways to “pay it forward.”
“The true test of a man or a woman’s character is how he or she deals with adversity."
Nadira L.
My name is Nadira Lilman, I am from Guyana/St. Croix and grew up in Miami, FL. I went to the University of Florida as an undergraduate double majoring in Biology and Sociology with a minor in Health Disparities, and received my Master’s in Biomedical Science at Barry University. I am currently a first year medical student at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. I am very passionate about increasing minority representation in the medical field and decreasing health disparities and felt that CODE Med was a direct and impactful way to do so. The medical school application process can be daunting and I feel that CODE Med will not only provide guidance but also hope, encouragement, and support. Together we can make medicine as diverse as the world we live in!
“Nothing is impossible, in fact the word itself says I’m Possible.”
The Team
Michelot M.
My name is Michelot Michel and I was born and raised in Miami, FL. I am the son of Haitian immigrants, a first-generation college graduate, and a current medical student at the University of Florida College of Medicine. In 2017 I graduated from Florida International University with a degree in Biology. Before starting medical school, I spent two years working in an immunology laboratory at the Miami VA Medical Center helping conduct clinical trials and basic science experiments. As I journey deeper and deeper into medicine, I become more and more aware of the glaring lack of diversity that exists within the healthcare field. Representation matters and mentorship matters. My goal in working with CODE Med is to send the ladder back down so that the future of our health care is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
Katherine A.
My name is Katherine Almengo. I am from the Dominican Republic and grew up in Miami, FL. I attended the University of Florida for undergrad, majored in Psychology, and went on to earn a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences from Barry University. Currently, I attend the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences Class of 2024. As a first-generation college student and the first to attend medical school in my family, my journey to medicine was not straightforward. My experiences led me to develop a strong interest in increasing diversity in the medical field and working to reduce health disparities. C.O.D.E Med has positively impacted the experience of many underrepresented students applying to medical school, myself included. For me, it is important to continue to pay it forward. I know this is possible by contributing to the mission of C.O.D.E Med and providing support, guidance, and hope to upcoming student-doctors. One of my favorite quotes to live by is, “Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit!” Keep going, we are all rooting for you! God didn’t bring you this far, to just bring you this far.
Glenn A.
My name is Glenn Adesoji. I’m Nigerian, but I’m from Memphis, TN. I attended Stetson University where I majored in Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology along with playing Division I football. I went on to receive a Masters in Medical Sciences-Anatomy Concentrated at the University of South Florida. I currently attended the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University Class of 2024. There were not a lot of people that looked like me while applying to medical school and that was intimidating until I reached out to C.O.D.E Med. To me, C.O.D.E Med was the best place to get advising because they go out of their way to create opportunities for underrepresented minority students. I want to be a part of the change that increases the number of URMs in medicine, not only for myself, but for the next generation that aspires to be in the medical field.
