Genesis Rosario

UConn School of Social Work

I was raised in both Hartford and Middletown, CT: two communities that shaped my understanding of the deep inequities embedded in our healthcare system. In the spring of 2024, I earned a bachelor of science degree in allied health sciences, with a concentration in health sciences, followed by the completion of my master of public health degree in 2025—both from the University of Connecticut. Go Huskies!

My academic journey has been deeply enriched by work with advocacy-based and health-focused organizations. At the UConn Health Disparities Institute, I contributed to initiatives that tackled racial and structural health inequities through research and policy efforts.  Through Hartford Deportation Defense, I worked directly with immigrant communities, where I witnessed the complex relationship between immigration status, fear, and access to care. My involvement with the Husky Nutrition & Sport program further expanded my commitment to preventive health and youth education in underserved communities.

The initiative of the Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars Program aligns with my belief that  healthcare must be people centered, community grounded, and justice oriented. The UST/AS community offers a unique opportunity to grow alongside future providers from across disciplines, all united by a shared commitment to serving vulnerable populations. To truly care for a person, we must first understand that individual’s world. Community-centered care isn’t just about improving health outcomes—it’s about restoring trust, dignity, and voice to those who are most often unheard.