Veronica Gonzalez grew up in Gardena, California and was raised by Mexican immigrant parents. She attended El Camino College before transferring to and graduated from the University of California Los Angeles in 2016, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. She went on to complete a Post Baccalaureate Program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Being a first-generation student as well as being part of an underserved community greatly shaped her academic and career pursuits. She is interested in health advocacy for minority and immigrant communities. She is also interested in the mentorship of minority students who want to pursue careers in the medical field. Veronica has displayed a commitment to service these communities through her work as an ER medical scribe and as a camp counselor for pre-health high school students. She has also worked with underserved communities through her 3+ years of community service as a COPE Health Scholar at St. Francis Medical Center, located in Lynwood, CA. In her spare time, Veronica enjoys dancing to J Balvin, board game nights, and spending time with her family, including her lively dog, Biscuit

Undergrad Institution: UC Los Angeles

Hometown: Gardena, CA