As a master’s candidate in the Counseling and Family Therapy Program at the College of Nursing and Health Professions, Shel Myers (they/he) is leading with courage, empathy and humility. They have selected a one-year internship at the Einstein Medical Center of Philadelphia's outpatient psychiatry in collaboration with Einstein's Pride Program, which offers the Philadelphia LGBTQ+ community a professional, safe and caring home for healthcare needs.

Through focus on healthcare for transgender, non-binary and gender-questioning patients, Myers says, “by doing the work that I wish had been done for me, I have become a changemaker.” With an emphasis on relational work, Myers notes the necessity of change, especially around “disrupting oppressive systems and issues that seep into all aspects of life. … the work is about being intentional and mindful, centering transformative justice in your life, and lifting people who have been pushed down for centuries. This means acknowledging the impact of white supremacy, capitalism and the patriarchy and working towards accountability and healing.” With an “action-centered [approach] in love and honesty.”

They are inspired by “people who make good trouble, those who shake things up and are okay with being uncomfortable, people who prioritize caring for communities and relationships, and those who get fed up with inequities in the world and manifest the change in their day-to-day lives.” Myers values advice from mentors including Dr. Veronica Carey, Dr. Phyllis Swint, Dr. Forogh Rahim and Dr. Christian Jordal that encourages curiosity, openness and the bravery to lean into the uncomfortable.