About us

Maximizing Access Committee

The Maximizing Access Committee strives to increase the presence, visibility, access and support of historically excluded and marginalized groups through nondiscriminatory means. It advocates for policies and develops resources, available to eligible participants regardless of race, to promote practices that advance belonging and opportunity for all.

Institutional affiliations listed for identification purposes only. Members serve in their personal capacities and do not represent their affiliated institutions or employers.

Lea Vacca Michel

Lea Vacca Michel

  • Chair (2023–2026)
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
Shane Austin

Shane Austin

  • (Incoming chair) (2025–2028)
  • The University of the West Indies
Allison C. Augustus–Wallace

Allison C. Augustus–Wallace

  • (2024–2027)
  • Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans
Anton Bennett

Anton Bennett

  • (2024–2027)
  • Yale University School of Medicine
Oluwarotimi Folorunso

Oluwarotimi Folorunso

  • (2025–2028)
  • Harvard Medical School
Benjamin Garcia

Benjamin Garcia

  • (2025–2028)
  • Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Ivelitza Garcia

Ivelitza Garcia

  • (2025–2028)
  • Allegheny College
Yass Kobayashi

Yass Kobayashi

  • (2025–2028)
  • Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership
Dominique Monroe

Dominique Monroe

  • (2025–2028)
  • Van Andel Research Institute
Teresita Padilla–Benavides

Teresita Padilla–Benavides

  • (2023–2026)
  • Wesleyan University
Alberto Rascón

Alberto Rascón

  • (2024–2027)
  • Arizona State University
Timothy Rhoads

Timothy Rhoads

  • (2024–2027)
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison
José Arcadio Rodríguez–Martínez

José Arcadio Rodríguez–Martínez

  • (2025–2028)
  • University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras
Yufeng Wei

Yufeng Wei

  • (2024–2027)
  • New Jersey City University
Kiesha Wilson

Kiesha Wilson

  • (2024–2027)
  • University of South Carolina School of Medicine