Speaker Series

Event Recap

Commitment to Care: Exploring Health Care Career Pathways

On April 2, students, faculty and staff gathered at the Metro Campus for Commitment to Care: Exploring Health Care Career Pathways, the inaugural Speaker Series event hosted by the Al Lopez Academic Alliance. Held in the Alex B. Johnson Campus Center, the session gave attendees an overview of the diverse opportunities within the health care field.

The highlight of the event was keynote speaker Margarita "Margie" Diaz, director of Workplace Culture Engagement at The MetroHealth System. Diaz described her career journey, beginning as a medical assistant and advancing to earn her master's degree in nursing. As a first-generation and non-traditional college student, she spoke about the challenges she faced and the determination it took to persist. She encouraged the attendees to stay the course and build a network of mentors to guide them.

Clare Rahm, Ed.D., hosted an informative panel discussion featuring Vada D. Mack, DNP, associate dean of Nursing; Marquita Rockamore, executive director of the Health Industry Solutions Training Academy; and David L. Smith Jr., assistant professor of Health Technology. The panelists shared their expertise and career insights, emphasizing the importance of understanding the many roles in the health care field. They encouraged students to reflect on their motivations and consider whether their true passion lies in supporting people during vulnerable moments while exploring opportunities in health care.

The event created a welcoming space for exploration, connection and inspiration — empowering students to take the next steps toward a future in health care.

Upcoming Speaker Series – Fall 2026

Building a Path To Operating Your Own Business
Featuring a keynote speaker and panel discussion 

Tentative – October 2026