Advancing the DREAM

Advancing the DREAM - What it means to me

Dr. King’s words highlight a truth that still resonates today: access to quality healthcare is not equal for everyone. As a recent immigrant and international student, I’ve experienced how language barriers, lack of familiarity with the system, and cultural gaps can affect access to care. Advancing the DREAM means working toward equity and inclusion in healthcare—not just for one group, but for all underserved communities. I believe technology, education, and community engagement can play powerful roles in reducing these disparities and bringing Dr. King’s vision closer to reality.

My Action Pledge to Advance the DREAM?

In 2025, I pledge to focus on promoting digital health literacy within diverse communities. By using my background in business analytics and cyber security, I aim to help bridge the digital divide that prevents people from accessing reliable health information. Whether through volunteer work, workshops, or data-driven outreach, I will advocate for inclusive digital tools that empower individuals to take control of their health and make informed decisions.

General Information

Background

Organization	Cambrain College
Professional Title	Cambrian Intern Student
Bio and Background	I am a Cambrian College student currently completing my Postgraduate Certificate in Business Analytics as part of my capstone internship. I recently moved to Canada from Nepal and bring over four years of experience in IT and education support roles. With a background in Computer Engineering and Cyber Security, I am passionate about leveraging data and technology to solve real-world problems and support community well-being.
Why I am a Force for Health Member	I joined the Force for Health® Network to contribute to initiatives that empower communities through health education and digital tools. As an international student and tech enthusiast, I aim to bridge gaps between technology and health awareness.
How I use the Force for Health Network Tools	I use the tools to stay informed about community health topics, participate in virtual wellness challenges, and connect with others who are passionate about improving public health and digital literacy.
My inspiration	My parents inspire me the most. Their resilience, dedication, and strong moral values have always encouraged me to work hard and stay grounded. They’ve supported my education and career journey, including my recent transition to Canada, and continue to motivate me to grow both personally and professionally.
Location	Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
What would you like people to know about your community?	Sudbury is a welcoming and diverse community that values education, healthcare, and innovation. As a student city, it provides great opportunities for learning, personal growth, and community engagement. I’ve found it to be a supportive environment for newcomers, including international students like myself.

My Citizenship Health Factors

Some of the factors that have been challenging for me have been...	As a newcomer to Canada, navigating healthcare systems and finding culturally appropriate mental and physical health resources was initially challenging. Adjusting to a new climate and lifestyle while maintaining my well-being was also an adjustment.
It's important for me to be part of my community's health because...	Being engaged in my community’s health allows me to give back, support others, and create positive change. It helps me feel connected and make a meaningful impact, especially as someone with a background in technology and data who can contribute to smarter, healthier solutions.
Some of the strength of my community health factors are:	My community in Sudbury is supportive, diverse, and values education and well-being. There are numerous local programs focused on mental health, public health awareness, and fitness. The strong collaboration between institutions, including colleges, health centers, and local government, makes me proud to be part of this community.
Some of the challenges in my community regarding certain health factors are:	Access to timely healthcare services can sometimes be limited due to the growing population and provider shortages. Additionally, mental health support, especially for students and newcomers, could be more widely available and accessible. Public health education in different languages could also better serve the diverse population.
I believe I can help improve my community's health by...	I believe I can help by using my skills in business analytics and technology to support health education campaigns, analyze community data for better decision-making, and advocate for inclusive digital health solutions. As an intern, I’m committed to learning and contributing wherever possible.

Name	Aashish
Last Name	Sharma
Nickname	amaasis77

amaasis77