Our Team

  • Kameswari Potharaju

    Pronouns: She/Her

    Program/Year: Joint Medical Program 2nd Year

    Hometown: Fremont, CA

    WC4BL Role: Pathways Committee Co-Lead, Finance Committee Co-Lead, Fellowship Committee Co-Lead

    Fun Fact: I can (almost) always tell which direction is north!

    What do you love about WC4BL?

    I love working with smart and motivated students who are going to be brilliant future physicians! It means a lot to help others on their journey in medicine and contribute to making our healthcare workforce more diverse.

  • Maricar Almeda

    Pronouns: any

    Program: Joint Medical Program 1st Year

    Hometown: De La Paz, Biñan, Laguna

    WC4BL Role: Finance Committee

    Fun Fact: I can sneeze on command!

    What do you love about WC4BL?

    That it's back! There was a period of time when the WC4BL Berkeley Chapter was inactive due to various reasons. Last year, a group of JMP students collaborated to bring it back to life and a lot of amazing work has been put in to reestablish and organize WC4BL. I am thrilled to be a part of this effort. From mentorship and scholarships to conferences and pathway advice--WC4BL is proudly contributing to the promotion of diversity in medicine.

  • Asmaa Mahoui

    Pronouns: she/her

    Program/Year: Joint Medical Program 2nd Year

    Hometown: Indianapolis/Algiers

    WC4BL Role: Mentorship Committee Co-Lead, Advocacy Committee Co-Lead

    Fun Fact: I'm *almost* a black belt in karate

    What do you love about WC4BL?

    WC4BL is an organization with such an intentional and impactful origin. It has been supporting URM and minority students interested in medicine for years now and has shepherded a legacy of advocacy and community organizing in the Bay Area that I'm so honored to be a part of. And of course, I'm so lucky to be part of a team of such passionate and giving medical students and fellows.

  • Lynn Leng

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Program/Year: Joint Medical Program 2nd Year

    Hometown: Torrance, CA

    WC4BL Role: Pathways Co-Lead

    Fun Fact: I love being out on the water—swimming, paddle boarding, surfing, etc. :)

    What do you love about WC4BL?

    Being with like-minded individuals who are invested in social justice and health equity. With Pathways specifically, I'm grateful to connect with the community and provide individualized mentorship!

  • Jonathan Gaughan

    Pronouns: they/them

    Program/Year: Joint Medical Program 2nd Year

    Hometown: Lagrangeville, NY

    WC4BL Role: Advocacy Committee

    Fun Fact: I like to collect postcards!

    What do you love about WC4BL?

    I really appreciate the advocacy and all the amazing work WC4BL has done over the years.

  • Neema Ali Rashidi

    Pronouns: he/him

    Program/Year: Joint Medical Program 2nd Year

    Hometown: Turlock, CA

    WC4BL Role: Mentorship Committee Lead

    Fun Fact: I ran my first triathlon last year!

    What do you love about WC4BL?

    Oftentimes, it feels like DEI efforts within healthcare fall short or do not address root causes. What I love about WC4BL is that it consists of empowerment of marginalized and historically-excluded communities within medicine through tangible, financial support and direct mentorship as a concrete way to increase representation within our field. n

  • Brian Orion Gomez

    Pronouns: he/him/his

    Program/Year: Joint Medical Program 2nd Year

    Hometown: San Jose, CA

    WC4BL Role: Finance Co-Lead, Fellowship Co-Lead

    Fun Fact: My best friend is my pomeranian-chihuahua Mocha (pictured)

    What do you love about WC4BL?

    The opportunity to unveil the hidden curriculum and get rid of barriers to applying to medical school.

  • Camila De Pierola

    Pronouns: she/hers

    Program/Year: Joint Medical Program 1st Year

    Hometown: San Jose, CA

    WC4BL Role: Advocacy Team Member

    Fun Fact: I was born in Peru so Peruvian food is my favorite! (unbiased opinion)

    What do you love about WC4BL?

    I love our collective mission and meeting amazing students through our mentorship

  • Jayne Skinner

    Pronouns: she/her

    Program/Year: Joint Medical Program 2nd Year

    Hometown: Walnut Creek, CA

    WC4BL Role: Advocacy Team Lead

    Fun Fact: I have 2 dogs and 2 cats at home :)

    What do you love about WC4BL?

    I love that WC4BL enables me to use my privilege as a future physician to confront racism in medicine, advocate for systemic change, and support future BIPOC physicians, while also giving me the opportunity to connect with my inspiring, passionate peers.