Harina Bereket 

Why continuing an education is so important to her:

"Growing up as an Eritrean American, raised by immigrant parents, I developed a deep appreciation for the value of education. My parents, who left their homeland due to the devastation of war, settled in the United States in hopes of a better life. In light of their sacrifices and challenges, I was inspired to pursue my education with determination. Even during difficult times, I stayed focused. My experience volunteering at Kaiser Permanente during high school shaped my interest in healthcare and showed me the value of knowledge and determination. Continuing my education is important to my future because it is the key to creating meaningful change in both my personal life and community. As a woman and a minority student striving to persist in the STEM field, I know how challenging it can be. However, the challenge and reality of not seeing many people who look like me does not discourage me, it motivates me to be an example for other young people who may feel discouraged from entering the STEM field. My goal is to learn and serve underserved communities by helping close gaps in healthcare access. For me, education is not only about the letter grade you receive in a class but also about using your knowledge to build towards long-term solutions. Pursuing my master's would make me the first in my family to earn one, and it is my way of honoring both my parents and country. One day, I hope to return to Eritrea and contribute my knowledge to big data research at the Eritrea Institute of Technology."

Harina proudly supports:

Southern California Eritrean Community

UCLA CICARE

Harina, what does the term “Golden Women” mean to you?

“When I envision the term “Golden Women,” I see a fierce and courageous woman who lives to serve others with strength and purpose. She uplifts and leads her community not only through her achievements but through her identity and the way she empowers others through her example. I see this reflected in the women who have shaped my life, my aunts, teachers, mentors, and community leaders with whom I have close relationships. These women carry significant responsibilities both personally and professionally, yet they consistently prioritize the well-being of others. They mentor, uplift, and help others succeed, even while navigating challenges of their own. A Golden Woman transforms her hardships into wisdom and perseverance through growth, not only for herself but also as guidance for those around her. Her nurturing, trustworthy, and honest nature draws others in and creates a meaningful connection. Ultimately, I aspire to be a Golden Woman who leads with integrity and unwavering strength, while leaving a legacy of empowerment and community care. To be a Golden Woman is to lead through the inner light and illuminate the path for others.”

Harina, describe something that is plaguing young women today and explain what can be done to turn it around? What can you do to help?  

“An issue plaguing young women today is the silence around chronic illnesses, especially among minority women. When young women experience serious symptoms, many of us feel pressure to handle them on our own. At our lowest physical and mental state, we frequently try to resolve our symptoms on our own before seeking medical attention. Fear of judgment, lack of access to care, and stigma surrounding diagnosis often prevent us from seeking help until it is too late. We also carry the emotional stress of how our condition can affect the future. 

From a personal experience, I began experiencing severe and concerning symptoms at the age of eleven, which I had never experienced before. I was terrified and hesitant to bring up my concerns to my parents. After two weeks, when the symptoms became unbearable, I told them. I was hospitalized for a week, and after a long and difficult stay, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. At the beginning of my diagnosis, I felt fearful and ashamed. However, over time, through the support of my care team and family, I learned to manage my condition and embrace my identity without shame. To help address this issue, I plan to advocate for an open discussion about chronic illness. I want to host a workshop for girls and young women in my community where they can learn about chronic illnesses, ask questions, and feel supported. Not only would this workshop be informative, but it would also be a safe space for shared stories and healing. By sharing my personal story, I hope to empower other young women to speak up about their health concerns early on and not feel ashamed about their diagnosis.

Additionally, I want to use my education to advance healthcare outcomes. During my graduate program, I want to focus on applying statistical and machine learning techniques to women’s gastrointestinal health, particularly in support of inflammatory bowel disease research. My goal is to assist physicians in identifying trends and improving treatments for younger women to feel healthier and supported.”