Carly Gomes, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics in the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, is one of 10 emerging Hispanic leaders and allies named as fellows of the State University of New York (SUNY) Hispanic Leadership Institute (HLI) class of 2025.
Gomes is an expert in neonatal intensive care with experience caring for premature and critically ill newborns. Her research is focused on understanding the role of NMDA receptors in early brain development and in neonatal neuropathologies. Dedicated to increasing diversity in medicine and science fields, Gomes is actively involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives locally, regionally, and nationally.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. announced the selection of fellows on November 19. It is the program’s eighth class since its launch in 2017. The fellows will begin in January 2025.
Thanks to generous support from New York State and the State Assembly and Senate Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, SUNY’s Hispanic Leadership Institute has graduated 71 fellows since its inception. The program supports these leaders through rigorous executive training and provides a network to support growth in their positions.
“To foster a truly diverse and welcoming environment at SUNY, we must ensure that diverse voices are represented, heard and celebrated at every level of our system. The Hispanic Leadership Institute has helped 71 individuals committed to inclusivity and excellence become leaders at their respective institutions and serve as role models for all students, allowing them to see what is possible for themselves,” said King. “The continued success of HLI has inspired the formation of other leadership institutes at SUNY, such as the Black Leadership Institute and the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Leadership Institute. We will continue to collaborate with our legislative partners to expand HLI and to develop and support more diverse leaders at SUNY thanks to this incredible leadership institute.”
“I am delighted that Dr. Gomes has been selected as a Fellow for SUNY’s 2025 Hispanic Leadership Institute class,” said Peter Igarashi, MD, Knapp Dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine. “She is a brilliant and dedicated neonatologist, and her appointment is a recognition that will greatly bolster her leadership and mentoring capabilities in advancing Hispanic and ally representation, as well as the entire Stony Brook community.”
“Dr. Gomes’ selection as an HLI Fellow is well deserved,” said Carolyn Milana, chair of the RSOM’s Department of Pediatrics. “SUNY and HLI recognize the importance of professional development programs that foster collaboration and support emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Gomes and those selected to this year’s class will gain immensely from this opportunity, and I am confident that all of New York State will benefit greatly in the long run.”
HLI is a demanding nine-month experience which positions fellows to further develop higher education leadership skills and proficiencies. HLI fellows participate in training sessions and webinars, converse with national and statewide leaders, and master personal assessment tools. HLI creates a pipeline for professional opportunities across SUNY and ensures alumni are networking and receiving continuous support and mentorship.
The SUNY Hispanic Leadership Institute serves as a resource for Hispanic and Latinx leaders and their allies in higher education, both in New York State and across the country. Its mission is to foster and support the professional development and retention of current and emerging leaders to create a more diverse university system. HLI fellows have the unique opportunity to meet with distinguished Hispanic and Latinx leaders and their allies from SUNY and the community at large, both locally and nationally; work with mentors; expand their network; and build connections. HLI creates a pipeline for professional opportunities across SUNY and ensures alumni are networking and receiving ongoing support and mentorship well after they graduate from the program. The program has graduated 71 fellows since its inception in 2017.
