Why WDA?

Junior

Classification:

MAR '26

Jakelin

Gutierrez

Major/minor:

"I chose WDA because I am in awe with how they push for women obtaining higher degrees in Healthcare, such as dentistry. I love the supportive and positive community WDA has created. As a member, I feel a sense of belonging because the environment has been built to be extremely safe and comfortable. I love being a part of such a beautiful community that supports and uplifts others."

Why WDA?

Classification:

Biology/Health

Major/minor:

Sophomore

ROMERO

"I want to be part of the dental hygiene community because I want to be able to help patients feel confident with their teeth and feel like they are seen by making sure they have good oral care."

Why Dental Hygiene?

Freshmen

Classification:

NOV-JAN '25

Health

Major:

GISEL

Hinojosa

"My rooted interest in dentistry comes from my experience of growing in a community that has overlooked dentistry as an option to their health, rather something essential to their overall health. Generated by a lack of awareness, advocacy, or resources. Growing up and observing my community experience dental care as a limiting factor to their health and only visiting a dentist during a moment of need and not for prevention, has not only exposed me to what this can do to someone's overall oral health, but it has inspired me to be someone who can bring awareness and advocacy to the significance of choosing oral health for overall health and be able to provide my community with the proper care they deserve."

Why dentistry?

Freshmen

Classification:

SEP '25

biology/Medicine & Society

Major/Minor:

Dianney

CHANG

Why WDA?

Sophomore

Classification:

FEB '26

Nutrition/ Biology

Major/minor:

Olivia

"I am drawn to the Women’s Dental Association because of the incredible people who make up the organization. Being surrounded by individuals who are not only accomplished but also kind, supportive, and inspiring (beautiful both inside and out) motivates me to become a better version of myself. The close-knit community within WDA creates an environment where members uplift and encourage one another, which is something I deeply value. Ultimately, it’s the people who make WDA such an amazing organization and such a meaningful opportunity to grow both personally and professionally."

TRAN

"I chose WDA because I wanted to gain more knowledge about dentistry and gain a second family who knew what this field was like. I've gained valuable friends through this organization and plan to make even more friends. I hope I can help other girls with their dental journeys and be someone they can rely on just like my officer team."

Why WDA?

Sophomore

Classification:

OCT '25

Biology/World cultures & Literature

Major/minor:

TIFFANy

TRAN

"I chose WDA because I wanted to gain more knowledge about dentistry and gain a second family who knew what this field was like. I've gained valuable friends through this organization and plan to make even more friends. I hope I can help other girls with their dental journeys and be someone they can rely on just like my officer team."

Why WDA?

Sophomore

Classification:

Biology/World cultures & Literature

Major/minor:

TIFFANy

Freshmen

2024-2025

ROMERO

GISEL

MEMBER OF THE YEAR

TRAN

"I chose WDA because I wanted to gain more knowledge about dentistry and gain a second family who knew what this field was like. I've gained valuable friends through this organization and plan to make even more friends. I hope I can help other girls with their dental journeys and be someone they can rely on just like my officer team."

Why WDA?

Sophomore

Classification:

APRIL (2) '25

Biology/World cultures & Literature

Major/minor:

TIFFANy

TRAN

"I chose WDA because I wanted to gain more knowledge about dentistry and gain a second family who knew what this field was like. I've gained valuable friends through this organization and plan to make even more friends. I hope I can help other girls with their dental journeys and be someone they can rely on just like my officer team."

Why WDA?

Sophomore

Classification:

APRIL (2)

Biology/World cultures & Literature

Major/minor:

TIFFANy

Eltiti

"Growing up, I had access to good dental care, which was something my parents and those back home were unable to receive. Seeing the differences in oral health care given between developed and underdeveloped or developing countries was enough to drive me into dentistry, where I have the opportunity to change the lack of care in countries such as my own. Everyone deserves to feel confident about their smile, and I would love to help make that possible."

Why dentistry?

Classification:

APRIL (1) '25

biology/Medicine & Society

Major/Minor:

TALIA

ORTIZ

"I’ve seen firsthand how dental care can feel like a privilege instead of a right. After experiencing the consequences of limited access to proper treatment, I knew I wanted to be part of the solution. Dentistry would allow me to bridge that gap, ensuring that quality care is accessible to the communities that need it most."

Why dentistry?

Sophomore

Classification:

MARCH '25

Biology

Major:

PAOLA

RODRIGUEZ

"I joined WDA because I wanted to experience this pre-dental journey with other girls with the same passion and love for dentistry! I love this group and the officers who always cheer you on and guide you every step of the way, making the journey even more meaningful and enjoyable!"

Why WDA?

Freshmen

Classification:

FEB. '25

Health/Biology

Major/Minor:

KATALINA

ISHAQ

"As cliche as it is, I've always loved to make people smile or laugh. I think dentistry will elevate how I can help people smile & laugh more often while being beautifully confident about it!"

Why dentistry?

Junior

Classification:

OCTOBER '24

Nutrition

Major:

SUMAIRA

"I chose dentistry because my father was a huge inspiration to me. He is a doctor, and he has shown me what the medical field is like since I was a kid."

Why dentistry?

Junior

Classification:

SEPTEMBER '24

Health Communication/Chemistry

Major/Minor:

ANH