Magdalena Delacruz is a 27-year-old Haitian American passionate about medicine and women’s empowerment. She left Haiti at a young age to escape gang violence, arriving in the United States with her family, who faced financial struggles. This experience taught her the value of hope and the importance of pursuing dreams regardless of circumstances.

Despite her challenges as a low-income immigrant, Magdalena earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Florida A&M University, one of the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation. She continued her education, obtaining a master’s degree in biology from Mississippi College and a Master of Health Science from Meharry Medical College.

With her extensive educational background, Magdalena has worked as a researcher at one of the leading medical schools in Texas. She has also contributed to health education initiatives in Haiti and interned in India. Her ultimate goal is to become a medical doctor serving underserved communities in the United States while emerging as a global health leader, advocating for improved healthcare systems in Haiti.

Magdalena channels her experiences into initiatives such as “Dream in You,” where she has inspired over 100 students through organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and her alma mater. She also founded a nonprofit dedicated to empowering first-generation students aspiring to enter medical school.

In addition to her advocacy for education and health, Magdalena seeks to showcase the beauty of Haiti—its food, beaches, and vibrant culture—while advocating for safety and necessary changes in Port-au-Prince, the city she once called home. Having witnessed the impact of gang violence at a young age, she aims to use her platform to raise awareness about the ongoing violence in PAP and promote positive change.