PROJECT: A campaign to support caregivers for people with autism that would offer workshops in English and Spanish and provide an online platform to raise awareness.

Zeena Mestari is a third-year medical student at UCLA with a background in behavioral sciences from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Before starting medical school, Mestari worked as a Montessori substitute teacher and direct behavioral therapist, where she gained a deeper understanding of the importance of addressing caregiver burnout and supporting their needs, particularly in vulnerable communities. During this time, she also volunteered as an English tutor for refugees and served as a program manager for a mental health nonprofit in southeast Michigan. In this role, Mestari collaborated with her state representative to plan programs aimed at increasing internships for teens with disabilities.

Mestari’s early experiences sparked an interest in leveraging technology as a tool for advocacy, especially after working in medical device product development. This experience broadened her understanding of how innovation can address health disparities and strengthened her commitment to advancing health equity for underserved communities.

In medical school, Mestari has continued to channel these passions by organizing sensory-friendly community events for neurodivergent individuals in Los Angeles, fostering inclusive and supportive spaces. Under the guidance of her mentors and in collaboration with colleagues, she also helped develop a mentorship program for local community college students interested in exploring medicine. Additionally, as vice chair of policy for the UCLA American Medical Association, she contributed to policy development by proposing changes aimed at advancing health equity for ethnic minorities.

Mestari’s identity as a Latina and North African woman remains central to her drive to improve health care access and advocate for marginalized communities. These personal and professional experiences have shaped her dedication to advancing health equity. Mestari continues to be inspired by the power of mentorship, collaboration, and technology to drive meaningful and sustainable change.