Al Asante-Facey, PA-C, MBA

Pronouns: they/he

In 300 words or less, please write a candidate statement that details why you are interested in serving the LBGT PA Caucus and its members in this role.

In 200 words or less, please list your past board and/or leadership experience.

Ann Grant Advocacy Leadership Aware – Share Cancer Support 2024

Board of Directors – New York Transgender Advocacy Group 2024-present

Lead Clinician, LGBTQI+ Cancer Program - Memorial Sloan Kettering 2025-present

LGBT+ Clinical Advisory Council member – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 2024-present

Diversity Committee member – Healthcare Leaders of NY 2023-2025

Diversity Committee Member – NYSSPA 2025-2026

Diversity Committee Member, Lead Transgender Patient Initiatives – Society of Gynecologic Oncology 2020-2024

 Megan Hennesy, PA-C

Pronouns: she/her

In 300 words or less, please write a candidate statement that details why you are interested in serving the LBGT PA Caucus and its members in this role.

I first learned about the LBGT PA Caucus in 2025 through its events at AAPA conference. After attending several of these events, meeting Caucus members in person, and learning about Caucus initiatives, it was clear to me that this is an organization that is dedicated to advocating for the queer community in incredibly important ways. I immediately knew I wanted to get more involved, so

I submitted an application and was elected as director at large for the 2025-2026 year.

As director at large over the past year, I served as co-chair of the Student Board committee. We put together the framework for a student board, which will be up and running this year for the very first time! I am thrilled to see the student board come to fruition, and I am passionate about continuing to increase student involvement and engagement within the Caucus. I am running for a director at large position again this year in order to continue supporting the valuable work of the Caucus, especially as it relates to working with PA students and advocating for the new student board members in their roles. I would be honored to continue to work with the board for the 2026-2027 year. Thank you for your consideration.

In 200 words or less, please list your past board and/or leadership experience.

I was elected to a director at large role within the LBGT PA Caucus for the 2025-2026 year. I served as co-chair of the Student Board Committee, where we worked on initiatives to increase student engagement within the Caucus and established the framework for the Caucus’s inaugural student board. I also have leadership experience within my current professional role, where I serve as the chair of recruitment and hiring. I oversee our team’s recruitment efforts as well as onboarding and training of new hires within the department. These experiences have helped me develop leadership capacity, experience working within a collaborative team, and strong communication skills.

 Luna M. Noel, DMSc, MHA, PA-C

Pronouns: she/her

In 300 words or less, please write a candidate statement that details why you are interested in serving the LBGT PA Caucus and its members in this role.

I have very much enjoyed being on the LBGT PA Caucus Board this year. I have served as co-chair of both the Finance Committee and the Student Fellowship Committee. I would like to continue my service to the organization, especially now that I am more aware of the Board’s interests and objectives. We have some Finance Committee projects that I would like to see to completion. Thank you.

LBGT PA Caucus Board 2025-2026

Mentors Project of Bibb County 1998-2002, President 2001-2002

Georgia Business Forum on Health Inc. 1998-2000

Career Women’s Network 1996-1999

Central Georgia Council of Boy Scouts of America Executive Board 1998-1999.

 Eugene Rodolfa, PA-C

Pronouns: he/him

In 300 words or less, please write a candidate statement that details why you are interested in serving the LBGT PA Caucus and its members in this role.

In my second year with the caucus, I would like to continue in my role as DEI Co-Chair to better serve the caucus. My first term as DEI Co-Chair allowed a small peek into leadership within the organization and a second term would help me solidify in the role. A second term would allow me to expand and better navigate this role, strengthening our dedication to this tenet within the caucus and the larger AAPA organization.

In 200 words or less, please list your past board and/or leadership experience.

DEI Co-chair for LBGT PA Caucus 2025-2026

Michael Sulewski, MMSc, PA-C

Pronouns: he/him

In 300 words or less, please write a candidate statement that details why you are interested in serving the LBGT PA Caucus and its members in this role.

I am honored to seek re-election for the position of Director-at-Large. Over the past year, serving in this role has allowed me to deeply engage with our community, understand our unique challenges, and advocate for the visibility and advancement of LBGTQ+ physician assistants and students.

During my first term, I focused on building strong connections with my fellow board members. I also worked as a team to update our bylaws and expand outreach to our members. However, the work of ensuring equity, creating inclusive professional spaces, and enhancing representation is an ongoing journey. I am running for re-election because I want to maintain this vital momentum. In my next term, my primary focus will be on expanding our educational outreach. I aim to develop resources that empower both our members and the broader healthcare community to deliver culturally competent care.

By strengthening our educational initiatives, we can dismantle systemic health disparities and foster a more supportive environment for LBGTQ+ PAs and patients alike. I bring one year of direct experience, an understanding of our board's operations, and an unwavering dedication to our mission.

I look forward to continuing to work for you, elevating your voices, and driving progress for the LGBT PA Caucus. Thank you for your continued trust, support, and vote.

In 200 words or less, please list your past board and/or leadership experience.

Director-at-Large LBGT PA Caucus: Working with the membership and bylaws committee.

NCCPA Ambassador

Co-Chair of the NCAPA Mentorship Taskforce

PA representative for the Mecklenburg County Medical Society

PFLAG Charlotte At-Large Board Member

Casey Messer, DHSc, PA-C, AAHIVS 

Pronouns: he/him

In 300 words or less, please write a candidate statement that details why you are interested in serving the LBGT PA Caucus and its members in this role.

I am honored to submit my candidacy for Chief Delegate of the LBGT PA Caucus because I am deeply committed to amplifying the voices and concerns of our vibrant, diverse community. It was 15 years ago that the Caucus selected me as a Student Leader Fellow from rural Kentucky, and it has been my privilege to remain actively engaged since then. Over the years I have served in various capacities with the Caucus, including Diversity Chair, Student Leader Fellowship Chair, Chief Delegate and President. It has been a pleasure to work alongside dedicated colleagues to advance our mission of LGBTQ+ healthcare equality for the PA profession and our patients.

I am continuously inspired by the LBGT PA Caucus's work to foster inclusion and visibility, and I am determined to create a more affirming environment for both providers and patients. I understand firsthand the barriers faced by LGBTQ+ PAs and patients, and I am committed to driving policies that promote cultural competency, equitable practice, and human rights for all.

As Chief Delegate, I will listen, learn, and advocate tirelessly for our membership. I will prioritize collaboration with an expansive coalition of allies and supporters to ensure that our collective voice is heard at every level of decision-making within the AAPA House of Delegates. My goal will always be to ensure that the policies and practices of our profession reflect and respect the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ PAs and the communities we care for.

With the political climate experiencing a dramatic shift recently, it is critically important to stand firm in our values, unite our voices, and uphold the virtues of representation in aspects of policy, education, development, and service. For these reasons, I feel called to serve.

Thank you for considering my candidacy for Chief Delegate of the LBGT PA Caucus.

In 200 words or less, please list your past board and/or leadership experience.

I have served as Chief Delegate in the AAPA House of Delegates (HOD) for the past four years, working to advance key resolutions, shape inclusive policies, and collaborate with other constituent organizations. In 2023, the Caucus codified policy supporting transgender and non-binary youth in sports. In 2024, we directed a bylaws change to establish a permanent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and secured support for incorporating gender-affirming care in PA curricula and continuing education. In 2025, the Caucus authored and championed a resolution supporting human dignity for people with a transgender gender modality.

The Caucus has successfully sponsored and co-sponsored multiple resolutions that addressed LGBTQ+ health disparities and advanced the interests of marginalized communities within the broader PA landscape. Just a few weeks ago, we successfully defeated an attempt to retire a policy paper that explicitly disavows attempts to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity, commonly known as “conversion therapy”.

Additionally, I have mentored many delegates within the Caucus and other organizations, guiding them through the resolution process and parliamentary procedures. My leadership focus has always been on fostering collaboration and creating opportunities for emerging student and PA leaders to drive meaningful, lasting change in our profession.

Hunter Drake 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

I’m so excited to apply for the President position of the LBGT PA Caucus Student Board because advocacy, representation, and building community in medicine is so deeply personal to me. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the importance of feeling seen, supported, and represented. That perspective is what drives me to help create spaces where students can feel confident and safe. It’s something I genuinely care about and plan to carry with me throughout my career as a PA.

My leadership experiences have all revolved around service and collaboration. I currently serve as President of the Monmouth University Physician Assistant Student Society, where I help lead projects focused on student wellness, professional development, and community engagement. On a broader level, I’m a Student Trustee for the Physician Associate Foundation and serve on the AAPA Student Academy Board of Directors as Service Committee Chair. Through these roles, I’ve had the opportunity to lead projects like Project Access, which connects PA students with underserved high school communities to increase awareness of the profession. Overall, these experiences have helped me grow as a leader, work with diverse groups, and turn ideas into meaningful initiatives that make an impact both locally and nationally.

My commitment to advocacy started before PA school. At Columbia University, I served as President of the Queer Health Alliance, where I focused on promoting education around LGBTQ+ health disparities and creating a more inclusive space for students pursuing healthcare careers. Navigating that role at the start of COVID was definitely challenging, but it helped me become more comfortable with virtual platforms and finding creative ways to keep people engaged. That experience really shaped my understanding of the structural barriers many LGBTQ+ individuals face in healthcare and reinforced my commitment to advancing equitable, affirming care.

As President, I would prioritize strengthening student engagement and expanding the visibility of LGBTQ+ health education within PA programs. This could include creating shared networking opportunities, promoting collaboration between institutions, or even just the continued push to elevate LGBTQ+ voices through advocacy efforts with national PA organizations.

What makes me a strong candidate for this role is my combination of lived experience and proven leadership at both the program and national level. I am confident in my ability to build meaningful connections and advocate effectively for students. I lead with intention and inclusivity, and I would bring that same approach to the LBGT PA Caucus Student Board. I would be truly honored to serve as President and help continue building a supportive and representative future for all students.

Sydney Barnum 

Pronouns: They/Them

Raimi Liebel

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Throughout my PA and public health/policy education, student and grassroots activism, and lived experience as a lesbian woman, I’ve seen and faced inequities in the healthcare system, lack of access to essential care, and used my knowledge to combat these issues. As a PA student, I have collaborated with Queer health sciences students to create visible LGBTQIA+ resources, education on transgender identities and healthcare statistics, and safe online spaces at our school which tackling a challenging didactic curriculum.

I have a strong background in LGBTQIA+ advocacy in Birmingham, AL while completing my BS and MPH in public health policy. From fighting harmful state policies, volunteering at a LGBTQIA+ youth center, leading three on-campus Queer student groups, and developing grassroots resistance to harmful university events and policies, I have been deeply involved in Queer resistance and advocacy for Queer well-being throughout my education.

Also, my personal motivation as a lesbian PA is continuing the legacy of lesbian healthcare providers that stepped up to care for our communities during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Their fortitude in the face of rampant stigma and discrimination is a value I take into my healthcare training and future healthcare practice. These values will equally be represented in my leadership in the LGBT Caucus.

I will serve as an excellent LGBT caucus leader due to my passion for Queer Health Equity, expanding resources and education, and being a proactive community and student leader.

Jessica Davis

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

I am interested in joining the LBGT PA Caucus as I believe there is a need for future healthcare professionals to step up in promoting equality and compassion for those within the LGBTQ+ community. I have been a part of my partner's journey in his transition, which has highlighted the struggles and disparities there are when it comes to gender affirming care. Not only is there a lack of providers who are willing to see patients to manage their HRT or are willing to perform gender affirming surgeries, but there is an overall lack of knowledge within the field. Additionally, there are challenges with insurance companies covering this care and legal challenges related to name changes, all of which underscore a highly broken system. For example, my partner had to travel to a different state in order to get top surgery, he was forced to find a new provider for HRT due to aging out of a program, and it took him speaking with four different people to have his name changed on his chart despite it being legally changed for three years. The challenges he has faced have made me passionate about them and helped me recognize the growth needed. While my personal experiences are mostly aligned with the transgender community, I recognize that everyone in the community faces difficulties. Many avoid seeking care due to a lack of provider knowledge, consideration, and care, or they have difficulty assessing healthcare due to the increased rates of unemployment or homelessness.

It has become evident to me that there is a need for healthcare providers to step up for those within the community, and having a role within the LBGT PA Caucus will allow me to do so. As a student board member, I will have the opportunity to advocate to national organizations for educational improvements, such as increased teaching on health disparities, ways to overcome barriers, and gender affirming care. One way to do this could be by petitioning the ARC-PA to update their policies to specify an hour requirement to be spent discussing LGBTQ+ topics. Another option would be to require a clinical rotation that has exposure to minority groups, which will allow students firsthand experience in treating these patients. This position will also give me the opportunity to educate future and current PAs and inspire them to advocate for the community.

I would be a good fit for the secretary position, as I have successfully led other organizations in similar roles, and I would be honored to fulfill this role for the LBGT PA Caucus. I have experience in the tasks required by this position, and it is a role I am passionate about. However, I would also be interested in other roles as seen fit for the betterment of this organization. I believe that my passion and drive to improve healthcare outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community will allow me to be a successful member of the LBGT PA Caucus Student Board.

Sarah Valenti

Pronouns: She/They

I want to serve on the LGBTQ PA Caucus Student Board as Diversity Chair because I know how much it matters to feel seen, respected, and advocated for in healthcare spaces. Some of the most meaningful moments I have experienced in medicine have come from simply watching patients feel comfortable enough to be themselves with their providers. Those moments reminded me that inclusive healthcare is not just about medicine, it is about trust, safety, and making people feel valued. I want to help create more of those spaces for both patients and future healthcare professionals.

That perspective became even more important to me during PA school when I had the opportunity to shadow at an LGBTQIA+ and gender affirming clinic. Watching PAs build trust with patients and provide compassionate, equitable care showed me how impactful this profession can be within the community. I left that experience feeling incredibly grateful, but also more aware of how important advocacy and representation are within healthcare. That experience also made me more mindful of the barriers LGBTQIA+ patients can face within healthcare settings and the importance of making every patient feel acknowledged and supported. I am not afraid to speak up when needed or provide insight on diverse patient populations to help create a more respectful and inclusive environment for both patients and classmates.

My background in leadership started from a young age through my involvement with Girl Scouts, where I have been a member for 20 years. Being part of Girl Scouts has been an ongoing and ever-growing experience that continues to shape my leadership, mentorship, and advocacy skills while reinforcing the importance of community and supporting others.

My passion for advocacy continued throughout my undergraduate career when I became involved with Planned Parenthood Generation Action for three years. Working alongside leadership during COVID gave me the opportunity to help continue organizational efforts while also becoming more involved in legislative work throughout Florida. Through that experience, I participated in advocacy events in Tallahassee, collaborated with legislators and community organizations, and helped organize outreach events such as tabling at the St. Petersburg Pride Festival and the first all-inclusive prom at the University of South Florida. Those experiences showed me just how meaningful representation and community engagement can be for everyone involved.

I genuinely enjoy creating spaces where people feel comfortable being themselves, and I want to be the kind of future PA who not only provides compassionate care, but equitable care as well. I think what I would bring to this role is not only a strong passion for advocacy, but also the ability to genuinely connect with people, speak up when it matters, and contribute meaningful perspectives that help others feel supported and represented.

I would be honored to serve as Diversity Chair and contribute to advancing health equity within the LGBTQ PA Caucus community.