Meet Alumnus Jefferson Vasquez-Reyes ’24: A Rising Star in Medicine and Public Service

Jefferson Vasquez-Reyes is no stranger to stepping up in times of need. As a child in Washington, D.C., he would often be the only English speaker in the room, serving as the primary health care interpreter for his mother and other family members. They would depend on him to bridge cultural differences and translate critical health information from health care providers. He learned firsthand how medical science could drastically improve the lives of those around him—but only if they could access it. 

As Vasquez-Reyes grew older, and he continued to assist his family and volunteer for others in the community with their health care needs, he realized that his family’s situation was not an anomaly. Their whole Hispanic community in general needed better access to quality healthcare. They needed health care practitioners with Spanish-language skills and cultural knowledge. 

Vasquez-Reyes started to dream of going to medical school and becoming a doctor. After graduating from the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) system in 2022, he was accepted into numerous four-year universities. The only thing holding him back was the high cost of education. And so, while researching more affordable options to start his higher education journey, he found Montgomery College (MC), which ended up being the perfect fit. 

“When it came to science, no other community college in the area, especially in Maryland, was like MC,” Vasquez-Reyes said. “When I learned about the Germantown Campus and its central focus on biotech, and when it came to the Rockville Campus and its science labs, I was amazed at how great the facilities are. MC had everything I needed.”

From the very beginning, Vasquez-Reyes relied on MC to provide him with the support he needed, both financially and otherwise. In his freshman year, the MC Foundation granted him the Clifford Family Endowed Scholarship, which, along with aid from the Southern Management Leadership Program, enabled him to graduate entirely debt-free and continue his education at the University of Maryland. 

As an MC student advocate, Vasquez-Reyes immersed himself in public service, working under the strategic guidance of Dr. Kimberly Jones, then director of student life at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus. He became involved in the Student Government Association (SGA), spearheading student-focused input for initiatives such as the campus library renovation, extended hours and diverse food options for MC’s food service (Metz Catering), and the addition of hygiene and menstruation products in campus bathrooms. He also worked closely with the College’s government relations officers, Susan Madden and Amy Tutt, to assist with legislative affairs. True to his goal of improving health care gaps for the Hispanic community, he continued to learn more about medicine-related legislation.   

“Jefferson is a student deeply passionate about creating positive change in his community, particularly by advocating for increased Latino representation in hospitals,” Dr. Jones said. “I have always appreciated his ability to stay grounded while thinking strategically about the impact he wants to make.”  

Vasquez-Reyes played a part in Maryland politics on February 1, 2023, when Governor Wes Moore featured Vasquez-Reyes in his State of the State addressnew window. Moore highlighted Vasquez-Reyes as an example of what makes community college a crucial option for achieving success, while recognizing him for his service and dedication to his community. 

After graduating from MC with an associate of science degree and 4.0 GPA, Vasquez-Reyes transferred to the University of Maryland (UMD). He is currently pursuing a bachelor of science degree in psychology, with an expected graduation date of May 2026. He serves as president of the University System of Maryland Student Councilnew window, representing over 170,000 students. This role has enabled him to advocate for his community and support students on issues such as affordability, housing, immigration, civil liberties, and more across UMD’s 12 institutions and 3 regional higher education centers.

Looking ahead, Vasquez-Reyes is well-positioned to be part of Maryland leadership for years to come. He recently started working as a policy and research fellow in the Maryland Governor’s Office for Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs. He also plans to go to medical school after graduating from UMD. Regardless of which career path he chooses, he remains dedicated to MC as the place that laid the foundation for him to succeed.

“I have a lot of gratitude for MC, which is why I came back [to join the Alumni Association]. It’s been such a big launchpad for me,” Vasquez-Reyes said. “MC helped me learn about leadership, and most importantly, what I enjoy doing in life.”