2026-2027 SLF Projects

Ash Krastev

Westfield State University

LBGT PA Caucus SLF

Ash Krastev is currently a first-year Physician Assistant student at Westfield State University in Massachusetts. She’s a non-traditional student who completed a double-major in Theatre and English at Florida State University nearly a decade ago. Her own experience with chronic pain, and exposure to an incredibly affirming provider, led her to pursue a career in healthcare. She previously worked in corporate marketing in a number of different industries, before landing a role as Lead Medical Assistant at Anchor Health - Connecticut’s leading health center for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2024, she was selected as the co-chair for a local pride organization, where she served on the board for a year and a half.

Ash has always been a fierce advocate for marginalized communities. Growing up with a disabled sibling taught her to always consider different perspectives. She strives to create a safe space for everyone she meets. She is incredibly excited and honored to be selected for the Student Leader Fellowship. Her SLF project is to create an online resource hub for PA students and educators – focusing on gender-affirming and inclusive resources, guides, case studies, and more for OBGYN and reproductive healthcare. Being able to create something to help educate current and future PAs on the importance of inclusion, especially in pelvic health, is a true passion project that she hopes will continue across generations. Ash currently resides in Connecticut with her husband and their three pets – a dog named Misha, and two cats named Dustin and Stevie.

Jasmine Chanel

Campbell University, Dual MPH/MPAP Program

LBGT PA Caucus/African Heritage PA Caucus Joint SLF

Jasmine Chanel is a dual Master of Physician Assistant Practice and Master of Public Health student at Campbell University. Prior to beginning PA school, she had nearly 16 years of healthcare experience, including approximately 10 years as a certified surgical technologist with a focus in orthopedic and neurosurgery.

Jasmine is passionate about the intersection of clinical medicine, public health, advocacy, and health equity. She currently serves as the Wellness and Belonging Chair for her PA class and has previously served as the DEI Chair for the Women’s Health Interest Group, and a student representative on the CPHS DEI Committee. Her leadership and service work have focused on student wellness, inclusive healthcare education, harm reduction, community engagement, and increasing access to care for underserved populations. This year, she was recognized as the CPHS Commitment to Diversity Excellence Award recipient. 

Through the AHPAC/LBGT PA Caucus Student Leader Fellowship, Jasmine hopes to continue developing as a PA leader while advancing initiatives that support LGBTQ+ health, belonging, and equitable care within the PA profession and beyond.

Pace University

LBGT PA Caucus/PAs for Latino Health Joint SLF

Brianny Marin Quezada is a PA-S2 at Pace University-PLV committed to advancing health equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare. As a Latina and LGBTQ+ student, her experiences have shaped her dedication to creating more affirming and inclusive spaces for patients and future healthcare providers. She serves as the Didactic Affairs Officer for the PAs for Latino Health (PALH) Student Alliance and previously served as a Student Diversity Committee Representative at Pace, supporting initiatives focused on inclusion, mentorship, and community engagement. Through the PALH/LGBT PA Caucus Student Leader Fellowship, she hopes to continue advocating for inclusive PA education and patient-centered care.

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2025-2026 SLF Projects

Ethan Houser LBGT PA Caucus/PAs for Latino Health Joint SLF

Sayad Wahaj LBGT PA Caucus SLF