SalveSuccess: Gilberto Grave ’23

Gilberto Grave ‘23 from a young age has worked to help others and has brought that tenacity to Salve Regina. Grave has taken on roles in service, the health care industry, and diversity on campus. Currently, pursuing a degree in Health Care Administration and a minor in Health Services. His work at Rhode Island Hospital, the University, and his upbringing play key roles in the student you see on campus.

It is no surprise that Grave found a love for community outreach as he was involved in Boy Scouts by age ten. “I was not thrown into service. But I dove into it.” he explained.

His heart is in health care

 Grave did not have your typical life-changing experience with a health care worker like many who enter the field do. Instead, found that his satisfaction came from helping individuals. His interest in the health care industry was fostered as a senior in high school when he interned at Rhode Island Hospital as a radiology tech. 

Grave also saw first-hand the way that the health care industry affected urban areas, growing up in Providence, Rhode Island. Many did not have access to adequate care or were targeted due to their economic standing, grasp of English or documentation status. An adolescence surrounded in this environment propelled Grave’s determination to help others and instill change in the industry. 

“I want to be on committees and boards that push for equal health care opportunities for everyone, no matter of your language or income level. It’s a complicated topic. But, I think there are things that can be done to push for people in communities like Providence to get healthcare”

For nearly two years, Grave has been working in Rhode Island Hospital building experience in the health care field where he has been able to carry over the lessons he has learned in his classes right into the hospital. This experience has not only taught Grave what it means to be managed within the industry but the managing technique he wants to possess when he is in the position. 

Making a difference mentoring

Besides running rounds in the hospital halls and attending classes, Grave is welcoming and mentoring first-years as a first-year transition mentor. The mentor finds that the position keeps him on his toes as a student. He mentioned practicing what he preaches and leading by example keeps him making smart decisions on campus. Grave has found that being a mentor means he can foster one-on-one connections with first-years during a time where his guidance and experience can make their transition to Salve Regina easier. In Grave’s words, “It’s really rewarding. Knowing that, I can do something, plan it and then it’s going to help someone take something off their plate.”

Edifying diversity on campus

Grave also takes the role of creating a more diverse environment at Salve Regina. He has been a member of the Black Student Union (BSU), worked in the Office of Multicultural Programs, and the Hispanic/Latinx Student Organization. He sees a necessity on campus to speak openly about race on campus to have productive and educational discussions despite the discomfort some people find in the topic. As a predominantly white institution, he said he understands  hesitation to join these organizations but they are not just about the color of your skin. 

“I’m not black, I don’t identify as black. But attending [BSU] meetings last semester was interesting. They open up to perspectives that I don’t experience. And even though I’m a minority, I don’t experience some of the issues that other people of color do. But for the Hispanic Latinx club, I just although we’re new. We’re just about having fun, but also learning about the issues surrounding the Hispanic Latinx community but the biggest thing is just you don’t have to identify with the denomination of the group to be a part of it.”

Grave has put hours of work into creating an environment for others to thrive. Whether in the medical field during the strenuous measures of COVID-19, first-years in need of advice, or making a more diverse and aware campus, Grave his big plans to carry-on caring for his community. Currently, he is considering pursuing Salve Regina’s 5-year master’s plan to earn his in Health Care Administration and becoming an MRI Technologist to hopefully manage in that field. He knows for sure, “I want to help the people that help people”.

Edited story: https://today.salve.edu/salve-success-gilberto-grave-23-health-care-administration-major-with-minor-in-health-services/