NYMC Welcomes Zuleika Cuevas, M.A., M.B.A., as Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion

A passionate educator, mentor and coach, Zuleika Cuevas, M.A., M.B.A., has joined the Office of Diversity and Inclusion as assistant to the vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion to support New York Medical College (NYMC) in the development and implementation of strategic diversity, equity and inclusion efforts that advance, the College’s mission and vision. Ms. Cuevas reports to Mill Etienne, M.D. '02, M.P.H. FAAN, FAES, vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion, associate dean of student affairs and associate professor of neurology and of medicine in the School of Medicine (SOM), and will support all students on the Valhalla campus in the SOM, School of Health Sciences and Practice, Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences, Touro College of Dental Medicine at NYMC and Touro School of Health Sciences Nursing Program at NYMC. 

Ms. Cuevas brings more than 15 years of experience to her new role of collaboration with key College constituencies to deploy initiatives that contribute to the achievement of equity and diversity and inclusion-related goals. She was a human resources manager of training and development at Berkeley College in Paramus, New Jersey, and vice president and program director of the National Hispanic Corporate Council in New York City.

As a facilitator of large-scale and effective change initiatives, Ms. Cuevas has delivered more than 200 transformational programs, workshops, seminars, panel discussions and events, both online and in-person, to diverse audiences, produced more than 500 digital and in-person collaborative, transformational and inspiring conference/panel platforms focusing on professional development, career growth, leadership development, succession planning, coaching/mentorship and community building, as well as empowered more than 8,000 diverse students in underserved communities to build transformational skills.

“The definition of luminary is one who inspires or influences others and is a role model and leader. I am luminary—this defines who I am as an ambitious change agent and passionate advocate for people,” said Ms. Cuevas. “I am committed to helping all diverse audiences maximize their greatest potential and I do that as a speaker, facilitator, consultant and educator.” 

“We are thrilled to have Ms. Cuevas join our team in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at NYMC. Her years of dedication and success along with her innovative mindset will allow NYMC to remain at the tip of the spear when it comes to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. She has a deep understanding of the role of trusting relationships in promoting an inclusive environment, where everyone feels that they belong. It truly is a new day here at NYMC," said Dr. Etienne.