Michele Roberts, PA-C

During PA school, I had the privilege of serving as the PAWE Student Director, where I witnessed firsthand the growth and collective achievements we can accomplish together. At the same time, I was navigating what often felt like insurmountable challenges on my path to becoming a PA. I faced these obstacles with little to no support system as a single mother and a survivor of domestic abuse. Our organization and its members have the power to foster greater equity and provide hope for those struggling to keep their own light aglow. Through mentorship, advocacy, and intentional community building, we can create spaces where women feel more seen, supported, and empowered to persist despite adversity.

If given the opportunity to serve as PAWE President, I would strive to build a stronger foundation for women facing barriers within the unique experience of being a PA; ensuring they not only have a seat at the table, but the support and confidence to thrive once they are there. Serving as President would allow me to channel my strengths and lived experiences into meaningful advocacy. Together, we can champion initiatives that expand the impact of our profession; allowing us to reach women who may not yet believe becoming a PA is possible due to overwhelming barriers, supporting those balancing the demands of this career without adequate support, and ultimately improving care for patients who benefit from providers with shared, lived understanding.

Statistically, my journey to becoming a PA-C was unlikely. It is precisely because of those challenges that I am able to connect with and uplift others today. Still, I remain committed to advancing equity and strengthening advocacy efforts so that what once felt impossible becomes attainable, for myself and for others who follow. I have always believed that PAs for Women Empowerment has the power to break down barriers and uplift women. I experienced this during my time as Student Director, and I would be honored to continue that work by serving as President. I am pursuing the role of PAWE President because I understand the profound impact our organization can have on the future of our profession and, most importantly, the powerful voice we offer to empower women.

Sabrina Denton, PA-C

I have been an active member of the PAs for Women Empowerment (PAWE) caucus for the past two years. During my first year, I served as Student Director, and I currently hold the role of Secretary. To me, women’s empowerment means intentionally supporting and uplifting other women not only through our words, but through meaningful action. It involves using our voices, privileges, and platforms to advocate for issues affecting women within our communities, as well as on a national and global scale.

My commitment to these values is longstanding. Prior to entering PA school, I spent three years volunteering with the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse as they rebuild their lives with safety, dignity, and support. My passion for service has also extended internationally, where I have contributed to building homes and community centers for single mothers in Mexico and volunteered in a medical clinic in Argentina.

During PA school, I have continued to prioritize service despite a demanding schedule, dedicating my time to organizations such as Root Causes, the North Carolina Diaper Bank, and Housing for New Hope, all of which work to support individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. On a more personal level, I strive to show up for those around me in meaningful ways, whether it be with home cooked meals during the postpartum period, apartment hunting help when facing a short notice eviction, rides when their car is on the fritz, or simply an ear to listen and a should to lean on. These deep rooted values guide the way that I live my life and how I show up for others.

If elected Vice President, I will continue to channel my passion, experience, and energy into advancing PAWE’s mission and breaking down barriers for women within the PA community and beyond.

I approach this opportunity with great respect for the responsibility it entails. Throughout PA school, I have actively pursued leadership and advocacy experiences, including serving as the Student Delegate for the Duke PA Program Class of 2025, representing students in the House of Delegates, participating as a PAEA Student Health Policy Fellow, and attending the Leadership and Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC. These experiences have strengthened my ability to lead with intention, communicate effectively, collaborate across diverse perspectives, and advocate for meaningful change. I have learned when to step forward, when to listen, and how to work alongside others toward a shared vision; skills I am eager to bring to the Vice President role within PAWE.

Erica Trimm, DMSc, PA-C

I have always been passionate about advancing women in healthcare and the workforce. When I was working on my doctorate in medical science, my final capstone project was on gender inequality in orthopedics. The research that I came across regarding the disparities between male and female healthcare providers is astounding.

As a practicing Physician Assistant, I understand the day-to-day challenges women face in clinical environments, from pay inequity and limited leadership representation to the complexities of balancing professional and personal responsibilities as a mother. My experience has given me firsthand insight into the systemic barriers that can limit career growth, and it has motivated me to actively advocate for change. I am particularly passionate about ensuring that PAs are recognized not only for their clinical contributions but also as leaders, innovators, and decision-makers within healthcare systems.

I have worked closely with colleagues across disciplines, contributed to team-based decision-making, and supported peers in navigating career development and workplace challenges. I am comfortable engaging in difficult but necessary conversations, whether addressing compensation disparities, advocating for fair policies, or promoting inclusive work environments.

I am skilled at identifying gaps, developing actionable solutions, and aligning initiatives with broader organizational goals. Whether it’s expanding membership engagement, creating professional development opportunities, or advocating for policy changes, I am driven to produce measurable impact. My communication skills allow me to effectively represent the organization’s mission to a wide range of stakeholders, including healthcare leaders, policymakers, and fellow clinicians.

Importantly, my commitment to women’s empowerment is both professional and personal. I believe strongly in lifting others as we advance, and I am dedicated to creating spaces where women feel supported, valued, and equipped to lead. I am particularly interested in initiatives that foster long-term progress.

Serving on the Board of Directors would allow me to contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of this organization while amplifying the voices of Physician Assistants. I am ready to bring energy, perspective, and a results-driven approach to help advance the mission of empowering women in healthcare.

Marilyn Perez, MPAS, PA-C, BC-ADM

I have worked as a physician assistant for the past 15 years, dedicated to serving the underserved communities in rural California. I am motivated to become the secretary for PAWE because I recognize the critical role PAs play in expanding access to quality healthcare. My career experience has shown the challenges faced by underserved populations, where healthcare resources are often limited and the demand for medical providers exceeds supply. By supporting PAWE, that elevates the presence and recognition of PAs within the healthcare system, I can help foster collaborative care models that improve patient outcomes and address disparities in care delivery. Additionally, my leadership in this role would enable me to advocate for a more inclusive and efficient healthcare workforce, ensuring that PAs are empowered to contribute fully to patient care, particularly in communities that need it most. This aligns with my commitment to equitable healthcare and leveraging all available resources to serve vulnerable populations effectively.

Stephanie Anselmi PA-C

My pursuit of the position of Delegate to the AAPA House of Delegates through PAs for Women Empowerment is fueled by my desire to impact our profession and make a difference, not only as a clinician, but also as a teacher and mentor. I aim to lead by example, particularly for women early in their medicine careers, to help them achieve their fullest potential, both personally and professionally.

I have been a PA since 2009, with the majority of my experience in Neurology, as well as experience in Emergency Medicine and Pain Management. Currently, I serve as the Lead PA within my practice, where I oversee a team of 10 Advanced Practice Providers. This leadership role, combined with my work as a preceptor for Wayne State University’s PA program, has enhanced my passion for mentorship and professional development.

I am currently a Fellow in the University of Lynchburg Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program, on track to graduate this July. A pivotal course in PA Advocacy during my doctoral studies served as the inspiration for this application, encouraging me to take a more active role in professional advocacy. I see this as an opportunity to do so in the HOD. As an active member of both the AAPA and the Michigan Academy of Physician Associates (MAPA), I am ready to translate my academic and professional insights into legislative progress and supporting women within our profession.

The mission of this organization aligns with my personal goals to advocate passionately for our profession while collaborating with other impactful women in healthcare. I believe my background as a clinician, educator, and leader provides me with experience and skills to make a significant impact.

I appreciate your consideration for this position and look forward to the opportunity to advance our profession through dedicated leadership and advocacy.

Jordan R Jones, PA-S1

I am interested in the Student Director position because I genuinely care about creating a space where students feel seen, supported, and empowered, especially within an organization like PAs for Women Empowerment. As a PA student, I know how overwhelming this journey can be, and how important it is to have people in your corner who understand what you’re going through. A big part of who I am comes from my background. As an African American woman navigating healthcare and higher education, I understand how important representation is. Being able to see yourself in leadership matters, and I want to be that person for other students who may feel overlooked or unsure of where they belong. I don’t just want to be in the room, I want to make sure others feel like they deserve to be there too.

My experience as a former athlete has also shaped how I lead. Playing basketball taught me discipline, resilience, and how to work as part of a team. It also taught me how to push through challenges, stay accountable, and show up consistently, qualities I carry with me every day as a PA student. I bring that same energy into leadership: I’m dependable, hardworking, and I don’t shy away from responsibility.

In addition, working as a surgical technologist has given me real, hands-on experience in healthcare and has strengthened my ability to communicate, stay calm under pressure, and support both patients and providers. It has also shown me the importance of teamwork and clear communication, skills that directly translate into this role as a liaison between students and leadership.

If selected, I would focus on making PAWE feel more connected and accessible to students. I want to increase engagement by making opportunities more visible and approachable, and by creating a sense of community where students actually want to be involved. I’m naturally outgoing and easy to talk to, so I would make it a priority to build relationships with students across programs and ensure their voices are heard.

Most importantly, I want to make an impact by being someone who shows up, follows through, and truly cares. I’m not just applying for a title, I’m applying because I want to contribute, lead, and help build something meaningful for other students like me.

Taylor-Ashley Siao, PA-S

I am inspired to apply for Student Director because empowering women in the PA profession is both a personal passion and a professional responsibility. Throughout my journey, I have been guided and uplifted by strong women leaders who helped me grow, advocate for myself, and embrace leadership opportunities. I want to pay that forward by helping women recognize their strengths, build confidence, and step into leadership roles with courage and clarity.

My commitment to supporting women began in undergrad, where I held leadership roles within Panhellenic organizations and the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA). As a Panhellenic delegate, I served as a liaison between organizations, advocating for my peers and fostering collaboration. As part of the Founding Leadership Team for my university’s AMWA chapter, I learned the power of mentorship, the importance of lifting others as you rise, and the impact of creating communities where women in medicine feel seen, heard, and supported.

Since undergrad, I have continued to focus on mentorship, leadership, and advocacy. As a phlebotomy instructor, I guided students through the challenges of healthcare training, helping them develop both competence and confidence. I also served as the California Advocacy Coordinator for the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, working with state leaders to advance policies for first responders and patient care.

In PA school, my role as an AAPA Student Academy Representative has allowed me to act as a bridge between my program and national leadership, ensuring student voices are heard and leadership opportunities are accessible. Advocating for PA students in Washington, D.C., this year reinforced for me how essential it is to represent others and elevate their voices at every level.

Serving as Student Director would allow me to continue this work on a broader scale. I am committed to connecting, engaging, and empowering women across PA programs, nurturing an environment where leadership and advocacy feel approachable, meaningful, and inspiring. I hope to help students embrace their potential as future leaders while providing the support, encouragement, and guidance that can make stepping into those roles feel achievable and exciting.

I am constantly surrounded by powerful women who inspire me to be better, and I hope to do the same within this organization and in this position. I am dedicated to mentoring, advocating for, and championing women so that together we can cultivate a community of confident, capable leaders ready to shape the future of the PA profession.

Krysta Timmons, PA-S, CST

Before I ever stepped onto a plane for a medical mission, I had already been shaped by the mentorship of a breast surgeon I worked with at home. In the clinic, I watched her advocate for women who felt dismissed, explain complex diagnoses with patience, and build trust with patients navigating vulnerable moments. Outside of the clinic, she spoke about building sustainable systems for women’s health and supporting women beyond the exam room. Through her, I was introduced to a medical mission in Kenya and to the women whose stories would stay with me long after I returned.

In Kenya, I met the “boda girls,” women who drive motorcycle taxis in a space historically dominated by men. One woman shared that she had paid her daughter’s school fees for the first time with money she earned herself. The pride in her voice was unmistakable. Empowerment, in that moment, was not theoretical. It was economic independence and the courage to redefine expectations.

Those experiences reshaped how I view leadership in medicine. It is not only about clinical knowledge, but about creating opportunity, advocating intentionally, and supporting women as they step into spaces that challenge them.

As a first-generation college student and current PA student, I understand what it means to enter unfamiliar spaces and build confidence over time. In my roles as Class Treasurer and Student Ambassador, I have supported my cohort by organizing initiatives, managing funds responsibly, mentoring incoming students, and serving as a liaison between students and faculty. Much of that work happens behind the scenes, ensuring that systems run smoothly so others can focus on growth.

Serving as Student Director for PAs for Women Empowerment would allow me to expand that work beyond my program. I am particularly interested in fostering conversations around professional identity, negotiation, financial literacy, and navigating male-dominated environments, conversations that equip women with practical tools for long-term leadership. I would approach this role with organization, follow-through, and a commitment to amplifying student voices.

In addition to supporting programming, I would prioritize creating opportunities for connection and visibility within the student community. That may include facilitating mentorship pairings, identifying topics that reflect current student challenges, and ensuring that programming remains responsive and inclusive. Empowerment is most effective when it feels accessible and practical, and I would be intentional about helping translate PAWE’s mission into experiences that directly support students in their day-to-day training.

The women who influenced me did not wait for permission to lead. They built, advocated, and created opportunity. I would be honored to contribute to PAWE in that same spirit, not only by supporting women in our profession, but by helping cultivate spaces where they feel prepared to lead.