Gabriela Resto was recently elected to the East Windsor Board of Education after serving for the past year as an appointed member for the East Windsor Diversity Council. During her time at UConn Resto was a part of the School of Pharmacy Diversity Committee, Alpha Zeta Omega (AZO), Phi Lamba Sigma, the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP)-Student Society of Health System Pharmacists (SSHP), the Urban Service Track program, and Connecticut Society of Health System Pharmacists (CSHP) where she has continued her involvement post-graduation.
Resto attributes her involvement in the School of Pharmacy Diversity committee along with her experiences on the AZO Advocacy committee as inspiration for pursuing an appointment with the East Windsor’s Diversity Council. “My experience as a student empowered me, and I hope will empower other students to get involved in the community. Leadership and involvement does not have to end at graduation.”
In her position on the Board of Education, she aims to advocate for fair allocation of resources that align with the diverse needs of the community. She strongly believes that incorporating academic and extra-curricular enrichment is essential for enhancing the overall student experience. “As a lifelong learner and graduate of the East Windsor public school system, I understand and empathize with the needs of students today and I support a modern approach to education,” says Resto.
Resto embodies the term lifelong learner not only in her willingness to grow in her community-based activities but also academically as she is currently pursuing a master’s in public health at UConn. And recently, Resto has accepted a fellowship position with the Health Profession Education Evaluation and Research (HPEER) at the West Haven, Connecticut Veterans Affairs where she will expand her training in curriculum development and addiction education.
Resto wants to encourage recent graduates to not be afraid to find ways to serve their community. “There is a misconception with young people that you need to have a political background or experience to get involved. Start at the most basic level and don’t be afraid to jump right in.”
“I am incredibly proud, but not at all surprised by Gabi’s latest accomplishment,” says Chinenye Anyanwu, Assistant Clinical Professor, Faculty Director of Black Sisters Optimizing Unity and Leadership (BSOUL), and a School of Pharmacy Diversity Committee faculty advisor. “I’ve always known her to be someone who is very passionate about advocacy, public health, and community involvement. I’m excited for her as she embarks on this journey and know she will have a great impact on East Windsor students’ educational experiences”.
