Investing in the Next Generation of Latinx Health Leaders
The Latino Center for Health (LCH) is investing $40,000 annually to develop a new generation of leaders who will respond to current and emerging health issues faced by the diverse Latinx/e communities in our state. Since its inception in 2019, the fellowship has supported and mentored approximately 85 graduate student scholars and invested over $465,500 cumulatively with the match contribution of our educational partners (the University of Washington, Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, and Heritage University). This graduate student fellowship supports student scholars and also promotes a path towards collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts aimed at promoting the health and well-being of the Latinx/e community.
"The shortage of bilingual and bicultural health professionals in our state is pronounced. The Latino Center for Health is staunchly committed to helping expand the state's health professions pipeline by supporting the next generation of leaders and scholars who are doing excellent work to promote the health and wellbeing of our state's Latinx communities. It's also a great opportunity for recipients of this fellowship, many of whom are first-generation students, to connect with students from other disciplines and schools as well as with faculty and staff of the Center."
Dr. Gino Aisenberg, Associate Professor, UW School of Social Work; Co-Director, Latino Center for Health
How the Fellowship Works
This opportunity is offered annually to cohorts of up to 16 graduate or professional students who demonstrate a commitment to improving the health of Latinx communities with a $2,500 fellowship, matched by the schools, for a total fellowship of $5,000. Funds are disbursed throughout both the winter and spring quarters. Fellowships are awarded to nominees identified through the Deans/Presidents/Chancellors of the respective programs of study to students from UW Seattle Schools of Health Science, UW Bothell, UW Tacoma, Heritage University (a designated Hispanic Serving Institution), Washington State University, and Eastern Washington University.
Please note: The respective schools select their awardee, not LCH. If you are interested in being named as a recipient of this Fellowship, you need to contact your school.
Our Mission
Last September, the fellowship was renamed in honor of Phyllis Gutiérrez-Kenney, a foundational advocate for health equity and educational opportunity in Washington State.
The fellowship seeks to:
- Support the next generation of health science leaders who will promote the health and well-being of Latinx communities in Washington state.
- Address the healthcare workforce shortage in Washington state, particularly among Latinx providers and practitioners.
- Convene an interdisciplinary cohort of graduate students across the state to promote personal and professional development through planned activities.
The fellowship also intentionally supports students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, including bilingual and bicultural students, first-generation college students, immigrant students, students from rural communities, and students regardless of documentation status.
"The recipients of the Latino Center for Health Graduate Student Scholars Fellowship Program are the future leaders of Latinx communities in our state and region. They are the most important aspect of the Latino Center for Health's aspirations and vision."
Dr. Leo Morales, Professor and Assistant Dean, UW School of Medicine; Co-Director, Latino Center for Health
A Note from Giselle Cárcamo Romero
"This fellowship is about more than financial support. It is about opening doors for students who are often the first in their families to walk this path. It is about mentorship, about building a statewide network of peers, and about ensuring that our healthcare workforce truly reflects the communities it serves."
"Supporting our fellows is one of the most meaningful parts of my work. As someone who understands the importance of mentorship, community, and having people who believe in your potential, I am deeply committed to creating spaces where students can thrive both academically and personally. Many of our fellows are the first in their families to pursue advanced degrees, and I am passionate about helping them navigate that journey with confidence, purpose, and a strong sense of belonging. Through mentorship, relationship-building, and community-centered leadership development, I strive to ensure that every fellow feels seen, supported, and empowered to use their talents in service of their communities. Watching our fellows grow into healthcare providers, researchers, and leaders who are committed to advancing health equity is both a privilege and a constant source of inspiration for me."
Giselle Cárcamo Romero, Community Engagement Specialist & Fellowship Coordinator, Latino Center for Health
Participating Institutions
- University of Washington Seattle
- University of Washington Tacoma
- University of Washington Bothell
- Eastern Washington University
- Heritage University
- Washington State University
2025 - 2026 Cohort Highlights
Areas of Study Represented
Cohort Directory by Year
2025–2026 · 7th Annual Cohort
2024–2025 · 6th Annual Cohort
"This fellowship program provides crucial funding to students." — Dr. Gino Aisenberg
2023–2024 · 5th Annual Cohort
2022–2023 · 4th Annual Cohort
2021–2022 · 3rd Annual Cohort
2020–2021 · 2nd Annual Cohort
2019–2020 · 1st Annual Cohort
How the Fellowship Year Unfolds
The fellowship cycle ran from January through June 2026.
- Invitation letters sent to participating academic institutions
- Institutional partnerships confirmed
- Schools nominated students for fellowship participation
- Fellows formally welcomed into the program
- Individual onboarding meetings held with fellowship coordinator Giselle Cárcamo Romero
- First cohort gathering convened in January and second in March
- Fellows participated in one additional cohort meeting focused on professional development, mentorship, networking, and community building
- Fellowship concluded in June 2026
Fellowship Gatherings
Three fellowship gatherings were held during the 2025–2026 academic year:
These meetings created opportunities for fellows to:
- Build interdisciplinary relationships
- Discuss community health priorities
- Learn from healthcare professionals and guest speakers
- Reflect on professional identity and leadership development
- Share personal experiences and aspirations
- Explore opportunities for collaboration and mentorship
Themes Emerging Across the Cohort
Several major themes consistently emerged across fellowship meetings:
Representation Matters
Many fellows discussed the importance of increasing representation within healthcare professions and creating pathways for future generations of bilingual and bicultural providers. Several fellows described experiences navigating educational systems where they rarely encountered providers, faculty, or mentors who shared their cultural background or lived experiences.
The fellowship created a space where fellows could see themselves reflected in one another's stories, leadership journeys, and aspirations.
Community & Belonging
One of the strongest themes that emerged throughout the fellowship year was the importance of community and belonging. Fellows repeatedly described the fellowship as:
- A supportive community
- A meaningful professional network
- A source of emotional support
- A space of affirmation and encouragement
- An opportunity to connect with peers who share similar values and lived experiences
Many fellows noted that graduate and professional education can often feel isolating, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds. The fellowship helped create a sense of solidarity, visibility, and collective purpose.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The fellowship's interdisciplinary structure was repeatedly highlighted as one of its greatest strengths. Participants frequently discussed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex health disparities affecting Latinx communities.
Leadership & Empowerment
Many fellows described the program as empowering and motivating. Participants reflected on:
- Increased confidence
- Reduced feelings of imposter syndrome
- Inspiration from hearing others' stories
- Motivation to continue pursuing leadership roles
- Renewed commitment to community-centered healthcare work
Evaluation Findings
At the conclusion of the fellowship year, fellows completed a program evaluation reflecting on their experiences, learning, and recommendations. Overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Most fellows rated the fellowship experience as highly valuable and meaningful.
Fellows valued community and connection
Participants consistently described the fellowship as a meaningful source of community, mentorship, and belonging.
Fellows appreciated interdisciplinary learning
Many participants emphasized the importance of learning from students and professionals across different healthcare disciplines.
Fellows felt inspired and affirmed
Participants frequently described feeling inspired, motivated, and encouraged by hearing the stories and experiences of their peers.
Fellows expressed interest in continued collaboration
Many fellows expressed interest in maintaining connections beyond the fellowship year through:
- Additional gatherings
- Shared projects
- Networking opportunities
- LinkedIn or alumni groups
- Community engagement activities
This feedback highlighted the strong relationships and collaborative spirit cultivated throughout the fellowship.
In Their Own Words
Institutional Partnerships
The success of the fellowship program is made possible through strong collaboration with academic institutions across Washington state. Participating schools partnered with the Latino Center for Health by:
- Nominating fellows
- Providing matching funding support
- Supporting student leadership development
- Investing in workforce diversity and health equity
The fellowship's collaborative funding model reflects a shared statewide commitment to supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders dedicated to serving underserved communities.
Looking Ahead
As the Latino Center for Health continues to expand the Phyllis Gutiérrez-Kenney Graduate Student Scholars Fellowship Program, the 2025–2026 fellowship year demonstrates the transformative impact of investing in community-centered, interdisciplinary, and equity-driven leadership development.
The experiences and reflections shared by fellows throughout the year highlight the importance of creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, connected, and empowered to lead. The fellowship remains committed to:
- Expanding pathways into the health professions
- Supporting bilingual and bicultural health leaders
- Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration
- Addressing workforce shortages in underserved communities
- Advancing health equity throughout Washington state
The Latino Center for Health looks forward to continuing this work alongside fellows, academic partners, faculty, community leaders, and future cohorts.