We’re so excited to introduce the 2025 AMSA Scholar, in partnership with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society: Cristy Sarmiento!
A proud first-gen student from Barranquilla, Colombia, Cristy came to the U.S. at age 20, determined to make a difference. Now a Biology major at Passaic County Community College, she’s balancing a 3.79 GPA, leadership roles, community service, and mentorship like a total powerhouse.
Her passion for medicine began after seeing her grandfather and uncle battle cancer, but it was her stepmother’s struggle with mental health, and the lack of bilingual psychiatrists, that led Cristy to psychiatry. Her dream is to become a psychiatrist who brings compassionate, culturally competent care to underserved communities.
A natural leader and innovator, Cristy’s got receipts: she’s PTK’s Executive PR Officer, President of the Bridges to Baccalaureate Club, a SySTEMic Challenge champ, and helped launch the Empowerment and Resource Network (EaRN) to support career readiness for students.
Outside the classroom, you’ll find her giving back through community mental health efforts, advocating for equity in education, and, of course, caring for her family.
Up next on Cristy’s journey: transferring to Columbia University, earning her degree in Biological Sciences, and heading to medical school to specialize in psychiatry. Her goal? To become a Doctor of Medicine who brings bilingual, culturally competent care to communities who’ve waited far too long for it.
Congratulations Cristy and welcome to the fAMSA!
