Our Story

Sapientia Salus was created from a simple belief: the path to medicine should be more accessible to every student, regardless of where they begin.

We created Sapientia Salus to connect aspiring students with the mentorship, knowledge, and opportunities that can help them navigate their journey toward medicine.

  • Making knowledge and opportunities easier to find.

  • Learning from people who can share their experiences.

  • Building relationships that can open doors to new possibilities.

  • Using what we learn to give back.

What We Believe

Meet the Team

I’m a Biology student at UC Riverside with a passion for medicine and a strong belief in the power of having someone to guide you along the way. As a Latina and first generation college student from a low income and underserved community, I know how confusing it can be to figure out college and the path to medical school while trying to find the right resources and opportunities.

One of the things that made medicine feel possible for me was seeing people from backgrounds similar to mine pursue it. It showed me that where I come from does not have to determine where I end up. Having people who could answer my questions, share their experiences, and help me understand things I had never been exposed to made a difference in how I saw my own future.

That is what I want to build through Sapientia. I want students to have access to the resources, connections, and guidance that can make a path that once felt unfamiliar feel possible. I want students to know that they do not have to come from a lot or have everything figured out to pursue medicine. Sometimes, all it takes is seeing someone like you do it and having someone remind you that you can too.

“Sometimes seeing someone from a background like your own is all it takes to believe that you can make it there too.”

Aolanis Perez

Co-President & Co-Founder

I’m a first-generation Latina pre-med student studying Biology at UC Riverside. One of my biggest goals is to inspire and empower others to reach their full potential, especially students who may not have had the guidance or resources they needed growing up.

Growing up in a low-income Mexican household, I learned early on that pursuing education often came with difficult choices. Balancing school and work while continuing to navigate my own career in medicine has not always been easy, especially without much guidance along the way. These experiences showed me how important mentorship, guidance, and community can be, and they inspired me to become that source of support for others.

My experience in clinical settings, research, and education, along with the connections I have made throughout my journey, has shown me how important mentorship and community can be. The people who have guided me and helped me discover new opportunities have played a meaningful role in my growth, and I hope to help other students build those same connections.

With Sapientia Salus, I want to create an environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to pursue their goals. I want all students to know that they belong and that their background does not limit their potential. Reminding them that they do not have to navigate their journey alone.

“Always reminding students that where you come from may shape your story, but you have the power to shape where it leads.’’

Co-President & Co-Founder

Brianna L. Garcia

Supporting our vision through guidance, experience, and mentorship.

Our Advisors

Dr. Jaime Garcia
Lead Advisor

Elizabeth Janati
Advisor