Receiving the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

Jessily Ramirez-Mendoza’s journey of service and leadership began during her time at Stetson University, where she was honored with the prestigious Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in the 2000s. The Sullivan Awards are the only national collegiate service awards and are presented annually to graduating college seniors who embody the ideals of noble character and selfless service. Reflecting on the moment she received the award, Jessily recalled, “It was an incredible honor, a moment that validated all the hard work and dedication to service during my college years.” She added, “Receiving the Sullivan Award was a private motivator for me. It reinforced the importance of service and community engagement in my life, something that has guided me throughout my career.”

Early Life and Influences

Jessily’s path to becoming a leader in healthcare and community service was shaped by her upbringing and early experiences. Her father was particularly significant in nurturing her aspirations. She vividly recalls a moment from her childhood when she visited Stetson University with her family. Walking by Elizabeth Hall, she looked up to her father and confidently declared, “I’m going to go here one day.” This early determination was met with her parents’ encouragement, even though attending such a prestigious school seemed ambitious at the time. Their belief in her potential and his support of her educational ambitions set the stage for her academic and professional achievements. They fostered an environment where the values of service and community were essential. This foundational belief in helping others and contributing positively to society was deeply ingrained in Jessily from a young age.

Jessily’s educational journey ultimately began at Stetson University, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management with minors in Political Science, French, and Business Law. Her time at Stetson was marked by active involvement in community service and leadership roles in Student Government and Alpha Kappa Psi.

As a sophomore, Jessily was selected as one of the eight founding members of the Bonner Scholars Program at Stetson. This program was designed to link classroom learning with community service, offering students the opportunity to engage in meaningful community work. This experience, she noted, “helped me understand the interconnectedness of communities and the importance of service.”

Role and Impact with the Bonner Scholars Program

Throughout her three years in the Bonner Scholars Program, Jessily dedicated significant time to community service. She was actively involved in designing and implementing service projects that addressed local needs. As a founding member, she played a pivotal role in shaping the program’s design and expanding its reach. The program grew from eight to fifty members by her senior year.

Her involvement in the Bonner Scholars Program was not limited to participation; she took on leadership roles, including serving as a senior intern. In this capacity, she mentored younger students, helped coordinate projects, and represented Stetson University at national and international conferences. This experience provided her with practical skills in project management, leadership, and community engagement, which have been instrumental in her professional career.

Professional Journey and Achievements

After graduating from Stetson, Jessily’s career in healthcare and public health took off. She started as a Program Officer at the Florida Hospital Foundation (today AdventHealth) in Orlando, where she worked on various initiatives aimed at extending the mission of the hospital and improving patient care through humanitarian partnerships in the Americas and Caribbean. This role laid the foundation for her future endeavors in healthcare innovation and management.

She furthered her education by earning a Master in Public Health and Health Management from La Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP) in Spain and an International Master of Public Health in Advanced Biostatistics and Epidemiology from EHESP – École des Hautes études en santé publique in France. These advanced degrees equipped her with the knowledge and skills to excel in the field of public health.

Jessily’s professional journey continued with significant roles at various esteemed institutions. At the Fédération hospitalière de France (FHF), she worked as a Health Systems Innovation Researcher, contributing to initiatives aimed at improving healthcare services in France. She then moved to the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) as a Project Manager, where she managed projects focused on defining and implementing standard sets of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

AI-Driven Solutions

In June 2020, Jessily joined Boston Children’s Hospital as the Implementation Science and Innovation Lead. In this pivotal role, she spearheaded initiatives to design and implement AI-driven solutions within clinical settings. Her work involved facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration among clinicians, data scientists, and technologists to create human-centered AI applications aimed at enhancing healthcare outcomes. “Working at Boston Children’s allowed me to blend my experiences in research, innovation, and healthcare, bringing cutting-edge evidence into practice,” she explained. During her tenure, she focused on integrating predictive analytics to anticipate and mitigate adverse events before they occurred, improving patient safety and care quality. She also played a crucial role in developing AI tools for personalized treatment plans, streamlining clinical workflows, and optimizing operational efficiency. Her efforts contributed to significant advancements in healthcare delivery and set new standards for implementing AI in medical practice.

Most recently, Jessily founded CureAI Insights, an advisory firm dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence in healthcare. As Principal and Founder, she aims to provide actionable insights and innovative solutions to integrate AI seamlessly into clinical workflows. CureAI Insights focuses on harnessing the power of AI to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and improve overall healthcare delivery. The firm offers strategic guidance on AI design and adoption, training for healthcare professionals, and the development of custom AI tools tailored to specific clinical needs. Her vision for CureAI Insights is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical healthcare applications, ensuring that AI’s potential is fully realized in improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

Continued Commitment to Service and Innovation

Throughout her career, Jessily has remained deeply committed to service and community engagement. She founded and leads KIDS NYC, a chapter of the International Children’s Advisory Network (iCAN). This initiative empowers New Yorkers aged 13-18 to actively participate in pediatric research, health tech innovation, and efforts to improve the pediatric patient experience. As Chapter Lead, she is dedicated to fostering youth agency in health tech innovation, providing young people with the tools and opportunities to influence healthcare advancements meaningfully.

KIDS NYC, launching to serve all five boroughs this fall, seeks to mentor young participants, guiding them in understanding the importance of their voices in shaping healthcare solutions. The program encourages youth to engage in the co-creation of health technologies, ensuring that these innovations meet the needs and preferences of younger patients. Through workshops, hands-on projects, and collaborations with healthcare professionals and tech developers, KIDS NYC participants will gain valuable experience and insights into the intersection of healthcare and technology. Jessily’s leadership in this initiative exemplifies her belief that empowering the next generation is crucial for sustainable progress in healthcare.

Jessily’s work has had a profound impact on both healthcare and community. She firmly believes that “service to humanity is the best work of life,” a philosophy that has guided her throughout her career. Her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and fostering community engagement continues to inspire those around her. Jessily’s efforts at Boston Children’s Hospital, CureAI Insights, and KIDS NYC highlight her unwavering commitment to leveraging innovation for the greater good, setting an example for others in the field to follow.

Back to all News items.