Nina Almazar can trace her passion for healthcare to her untraditional upbringing, her family’s sacrifices—and her deep love for her grandmother.
Born in the Philippines, Almazar spent her early childhood living with her maternal grandmother while her parents emigrated to the United States in search of more opportunity for their family—reuniting in Queens when Almazar was 5 years old. Her mother, a dentist back home, worked odd jobs as a nanny and tutor before eventually attending nursing school, while her father’s workday extended to nights and weekends. It was challenging, but worth it: “This is why we came here,” Almazar recalled her parents saying. “To make sure you would have a good education and could do whatever you want with your life.”
Nina Almazar Aug. 18 during the white coat ceremony.
