300 students, educators, and healthcare professionals will gather to explore careers in the health sciences through workshops, discussions, and mentorship opportunities
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Esperanza College, part of Eastern University, has announced its 10th annual Symposium on Minorities in the Health Sciences, which will take place on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Esperanza College campus in Philadelphia.
The event promotes diversity and representation within the healthcare sector while inspiring the next generation of professionals in the field.
Approximately 300 high school students, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders will come together to explore career paths in the health sciences and discuss ways to increase the representation of individuals from neighborhoods in North Philadelphia and beyond.
The event will feature a keynote address, panel discussions with experts, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities between students and professionals, showcasing the many possibilities offered by the healthcare field.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Jorge Aguilar, Director of Sports Psychiatry at Montefiore Einstein.
Dr. Aguilar, a double-board-certified psychiatrist and specialist in sports psychiatry, serves as an advisor to Major League Baseball (MLB) and Major League Soccer (MLS) on matters of mental health and mental performance.
The symposium will offer a variety of educational experiences –supported by lead sponsors Health Promotion Council (an affiliate of PHMC) and Cities for Better Health– including:
Panel discussions: Healthcare professionals and experts will address topics such as mentorship, cultural competence, and career exploration.
Interactive workshops: Through hands-on activities, participants will be able to explore various healthcare practices and emerging technologies, such as splint application, dental laboratory techniques, DNA extraction, virtual dissection tables, virtual patient simulations, and 3D printing.
Networking opportunities: Students will have the chance to connect with educators, healthcare professionals, and peers, building relationships that can serve as a support system throughout their academic and professional journeys.
“Health-related professions and the health sciences are evolving rapidly to meet the needs of individuals and communities. The adoption and integration of new technologies require a diverse workforce, equipped with creativity and confidence. Year after year, the symposium has established itself as a premier event for introducing bright young minds to this field and strengthening the pipeline for the next generation of scientists, researchers, healthcare professionals, and leaders,” noted Susan Cosgrove, Executive Director of the Health Promotion Council, an affiliate of PHMC.
As it celebrates a decade of impact, the symposium reflects Esperanza College’s ongoing commitment to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening pathways into healthcare careers for students from historically underrepresented communities.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Minorities in Health Sciences Symposium –a milestone that reflects the dedication of our collaborators, speakers, and participants, all of whom have contributed to making this event a resounding success. We take pride in the community that has been built through mentorship, inspiration, and shared learning; we look forward to continuing to empower the next generation of leaders in the healthcare sector,” stated Dr. Nilsa Graciani, Academic Dean of Esperanza College and Director of STEM at Esperanza. Through initiatives like the Symposium on Minorities in Health Sciences, Esperanza College –part of Eastern University– continues to advance its mission of fostering a healthcare workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the diversity of the communities it serves. By connecting students with industry professionals, educational resources, and hands-on learning experiences, the symposium encourages young people to envision themselves as the next generation of leaders in the healthcare field.
Event Details
Event: 10th Annual Symposium on Minorities in Health Sciences
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Esperanza College of Eastern University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
