More than 200 students, employers and community members took part in the 7th annual Navigate Your Health Career Summit on Feb. 21, 2025. Photo: Alyson McClaran
Navigating the Future of Health Care
A snowstorm briefly delayed the start of the 7th Annual Navigate Your Health Career Summit, but spirits couldn’t have been warmer inside the Tivoli Turnhalle on Feb. 21.
More than 200 attendees braved the elements to join their fellow high schoolers, college students, and industry professionals for the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute at MSU Denver’s signature event, sponsored by Colorado Access, Pinnacol, and Kaiser Permanente.
“Today is all about connection,” said Emily Matuszewicz, director of the Day Health Institute, welcoming attendees. “That’s not just in your careers, but in how we build community, support each other, and find opportunities that can shape our future with folks who are also drawn to do the same.”
This year’s theme, “Healthier Together: The Connection Prescription,” underscored the importance of collaboration in health care. Engaging panels covered topics such as health technology, education, and well-being, with the latter featuring former First Lady of Colorado, Jeannie Ritter.
Dream, Create, Inspire’s uplifting music helped shake off the morning’s winter chill during the welcome, as well as an afternoon resource fair and raffle that provided opportunities for students and community members to connect directly with potential employers.
Dream, Create, Inspire provided an uplifting and engaging soundtrack for the event. Photo: Alyson McClaran
As the day concluded back in the Turnhalle, the energy in the room remained high. Students and professionals alike left with new connections, fresh inspiration, and a reinforced commitment to building an education-workforce pipeline benefitting both individual and community.
This sentiment was reflected by Hope Szypulski, DNP, Dean of MSU Denver’s College of Health and Human Sciences, in her remarks to attendees.
“You are the future of this field – and let me tell you, from up on this stage, it couldn’t look brighter,” Szypulski said.
Hope, Legacy, and Advocacy
Bobby King, a nationally recognized corporate strategist and advocate, and vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion with Colorado Access, joined Szypulski in a fireside conversation that set the tone for the day.
King reflected on the power of community, perseverance, and self-belief, urging attendees to embrace their unique gifts.
Hope Szypulski (left) interviewing Bobby King on stage in the Tivoli Turnhalle. Photo: Alyson McClaran
“There’s no me without you,” King said. “I am the hopes and dreams of my ancestors… Every problem has a solution—you just have to think through it.”
King shared stories of his upbringing, mentors who shaped his journey, and the importance of finding one’s purpose. He also encouraged students to engage in politics and advocacy, emphasizing that systems evolve only when individuals step up to challenge outdated norms.
“History is a reference point, not a rulebook,” King said. “It’s on you to build a better tomorrow.”
NBC Senior Medical Correspondent and Day Health Institute advisory board member Dr. John Torres shared the story of his personal journey with attendees. Photo: Alyson McClaran
“Telling Stories That Matter” – A Conversation with Dr. John Torres
In the first panel session NBC News Senior Medical Correspondent Dr. John Torres captivated attendees with insights from his zig-zaggy path into becoming both a physician and internationality recognized journalist. Torres spoke about his experiences growing up in Northern New Mexico, the racial barriers he encountered in education, and the mentors who helped pave his road into medicine.
Torres recalled a pivotal moment when a high school teacher told him he should consider becoming a doctor. “That was the first time anyone had said that to me,” he reflected. “And that belief carried me through.”
His journey into emergency medicine then led to serving as a flight surgeon in the Air Force, and later to a national platform as a trusted voice in medical journalism with NBC. He emphasized the power of persistence, sharing, “Don’t take no for an answer. It might not happen the first or second try, but you never know when success is right around the corner.”
Fielding a question on misinformation in health care, Torres stressed the responsibility of medical professionals to communicate clearly and honestly. “Science is messy,” he admitted. “But our job is to earn trust by sticking to the facts, even when the answers aren’t easy.”
Attendees took part in a resource fair, where they were able to connect with employers and community members. Photo: Alyson McClaran
Expanding Access: Licensure for Immigrant Health Professionals
One popular session of the summit was the panel on professional licensure for immigrant and undocumented students in health care. Moderated by Gregor Mieder of MSU Denver’s Immigrant Services, the discussion featured Amanda Weiers from the state’s Department of Regulatory Affairs; Karen Nunez-Sifuentes with Convivir; and Josh Stallings with Juntos Community, panelist explored the barriers faced by many aspiring professionals and the legislative efforts to address them.
“Resources exist, but access remains a challenge,” said Stallings. He highlighted recent legislation that has removed some licensing restrictions but acknowledged that employment pathways still require advocacy.
Nunez-Sifuentes, an MSU Denver graduate, shared her personal journey of overcoming barriers in professional licensure. “At first, it felt like there was no way forward,” she said. “But mentorship and creative problem-solving opened doors I didn’t know existed.”
The panel encouraged students to seek out support networks, legal resources, and entrepreneurial pathways, reminding them that persistence and community can make all the difference. “If you feel alone in this process, know that you’re not,” said Weiers. “We’re here to help you navigate these hurdles.”
Nurse Rowdy welcomes future health care Changemakers at the resource fair and raffle to wrap up the 2025 Navigate Your Health Career Summit. Photo: Alyson McClaran