Meet another one of our amazing and accomplished volunteers, Luis Javier Irizarry. Luis currently works for the New York Presbyterian Hospital, as a Certified Pharmacy Technician in the Oncology Department. He also lends his time as a senior pharmacy technician for CVS Health. Having spent over 15 years working for CVS Health, Luis felt called to pursue a degree in health care policy. Luis has a heart for healing the health care system and for those who have struggled to obtain quality health solutions. Read more to learn about Luis and his passion to serve others.

Where is home? New York, NY

Education: I have a bachelor’s degree in marketing management from Baruch College. I have now returned back to my alma mater where I am currently pursuing my master’s in public administration, with a concentration in health care policy.

CMMB volunteer post: I am an intern for the medical donation team.

If you were asked to sum yourself up in two words, which two would you choose? Leader and devoted.

Why CMMB? I chose to volunteer for CMMB because I wanted to be part of an organization that focuses on improving the health of patients around the world while improving health care systems and their outcomes.

What are you most proud of? My proudest moment was being accepted to the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Past events momentarily deterred my studies, and I felt I would never be fortunate enough to graduate from college, let alone improve my grades. Through dedication, and many sleepless nights, I was finally able to obtain my undergraduate degree with a stellar transcript and years later, I received my letter of acceptance to the Ivy League program at Columbia. After a year of study, I transferred back to my alma mater where I am completing my degree focusing on health care policy.

Imagine you are stuck in an elevator. Who would you most like to be stuck with? And why? I would enjoy a conversation with former New York Knicks player, John Starks. During his time with the team, Starks was not the most talented player, yet his perseverance and attitude propelled him to become one of the most popular. I would love to ask him for his advice on how he was able to handle the pressure of the media, while still maintaining a positive outlook while he played.

You are featured in the NY Times or your national newspaper. What’s the headline? “Improving our Health Care System: How One Individual Attempts to Tackle the Nation’s Leading Issue.”

What would be your theme song? “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor

Imagine if you were an animal – which would you be and why? I would be a lion. Lions are known as the kings of the jungle despite not actually living in the jungle. This misunderstood concept shows that the characteristics of the animal can transcend to areas they have never visited. The lion teaches us that we can always make an impact, even without our presence.

What is your hope for your experience volunteering with CMMB? I hope to use my experience and knowledge in health care and pharmacy to help my colleagues and patients around the world.

Favorite quote: “You are never wrong to do the right thing.” – Mark Twain.

What book should everyone read? Why? My recommendation would be Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. The book highlights the stories of individuals who reached success. The text also includes advice on the benefits of properly networking with the right people and the will to make your goals become a reality. The book taught me that success is not confined to a selected few, but rather towards those who take advantage of the resources at the right time and the right place, to make the right decisions.

Who would you like to play you in the movie of your life? Joaquin Phoenix

What is your hope for the future? My hope for the future is for Jesus to save us all from the problems this world faces daily.

Favorite speech or Tedtalk: Eric Dishman, Healthcare should be a team sport. 

If you could solve one world problem, what would it be? I would increase the financial stability of individuals to combat many of the issues we face today. Crime, hunger, homeless, and even access to healthcare all result from the financial burdens individuals and families endure all over the world. Creating sustainable systems of economy, health, and education can lead to financial liberty that would improve the lives of many suffering from such conditions.

What are the three things you are most grateful for? I am always grateful for my mother, my church, and my wife. My mother taught me the values and faith with God that I carry with me daily. My church taught me that as long as we have God within our lives, we are never truly alone. And my wife taught me that in spite of hardships I endured in the past, I can always look towards the future for better beginnings.

Who is your biggest inspiration? Why? My mother. Even through hardships, she never loses faith in God.

Sign up to receive our volunteer newsletter!

Want to be like Luis? Volunteer with us!