Heroes Behind the Mask – Meet the Team
Pre-Health Shadowing, in collaboration with authors Ramsha Essa and Mirza Baig, is proud to present Heroes Behind the Mask, a book that chronicles the experiences of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. This collaborative effort, spearheaded by a dedicated team of volunteers, aims to shed light on the contributions of frontline workers who cared for the influx of patients during the difficult time. Join us as we introduce a few of the team of individuals from Pre-Health Shadowing who have worked tirelessly to bring this project together.
Meet Alina Azmat
As lead project coordinator for the book Heroes Behind the Mask, Alina plays a crucial role in overseeing the project’s development and ensuring its success. With a passion for healthcare and a desire to gain hands-on experience, Alina joined the Pre-Health Shadowing team and quickly became involved in various aspects of the project. Alina’s responsibilities include coordinating with all team members, managing timelines, and ensuring effective communication.
“Being part of this project and everything it entails has and continues to be an unforgettable and truly unique experience that I will always cherish dearly,” Alina reflects. “I have gained so much knowledge, from understanding how to effectively communicate with diverse individuals to learning how I can be a good leader to my several fantastic team members!”
“The progress we’ve made over the past few months has truly brought this project to life. From nearly completing our manuscript to reviewing our book cover designs, launching email marketing campaigns, and building social media content material—this book is becoming a reality that I cannot wait for individuals to read and be inspired by.”
Through this project, Alina hopes for the book to shed light on the sacrifices made by healthcare workers during the pandemic and inspire greater appreciation for their contributions. By sharing their stories, Alina hopes that a lasting impact is created on the community with a deeper understanding and gratitude for the healthcare professionals who put their lives on the line to protect us.
Meet Nina Bouzamondo-Bernstein
As the CEO of Pre-Health Shadowing, Nina Bouzamondo-Bernstein has embarked on an unexpected journey with the Heroes Behind the Mask project. Since its inception in 2021, she has been at the forefront of this initiative, stepping into the unfamiliar world of publishing.
“When we first started, I had no idea how personal and real this project would become,” Nina reflects. “My background is in healthcare education, not publishing, but suddenly I found myself navigating this entirely new experience.”
One of the most pivotal moments for Nina was seeing the book cover for the very first time. Designed by artist Kai Miller, the cover brought the project to life in a way that made everything feel real. “When I saw that cover, it hit me—it wasn’t just an idea anymore,” she recalls. “It was no longer just emails or drafts. It was suddenly something concrete, something with the potential to inform and shape conversations far beyond what we had imagined.”
Navigating the complexities of publishing has been challenging, but Nina embraced each obstacle as a learning experience. “It’s been difficult at times, but every hurdle has been a chance to grow,” she says. “I’ve relied on research, mentorship, and the support of so many incredible people to bring this to life.”
Nina hopes Heroes Behind the Mask will serve as a modern artifact of our times, one that informs not just the general public but also students, professionals, policymakers, and educators. “This book is a reflection of the resilience and sacrifices made by healthcare workers, and I hope it resonates with everyone who reads it,” she says. “More than that, I believe it will continue to shape the world of healthcare, patient care, and education, offering valuable lessons for years to come.”
Meet May Rajtboriraks
As a pre-med biomedical engineering student, May joined the Pre-Health Shadowing team to contribute to the “Heroes Behind the Mask” project. Inspired by her family doctor’s compassionate care, May has always been passionate about helping others and making a positive impact on healthcare.
May’s role on the project involves working with PHS volunteers to create social media content that promotes the book and engages our followers. May has found it incredibly rewarding to share the stories of healthcare heroes and raise awareness of their sacrifices during the pandemic. While managing volunteers and maintaining a smooth workflow can be challenging, May has overcome these obstacles by staying organized, providing motivation, and setting reminders.
Through this project, May hopes to deepen public understanding of the sacrifices made by healthcare workers and inspire greater empathy and appreciation for their contributions. By promoting better health and reducing the burden on healthcare systems, we can create a more positive and sustainable future for everyone.
Meet Fatima Khan Lookmanji
Fatima Khan Lookmanji, a biology student, is dedicated to amplifying the voices of healthcare heroes. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world, she joined the Heroes Behind the Mask Project as an article writer. In her role, Fatima writes articles that highlight the resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of healthcare professionals. Through her writing, she aims to empower both those within the healthcare field and the communities they serve.
Fatima’s journey into healthcare writing was inspired by her experiences working with charitable organizations and witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Her academic pursuits in the sciences have further solidified her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. “The most rewarding aspect of working in healthcare is the profound impact it allows me to have on the lives of others,” Fatima shares.
Through her work on the Heroes Behind the Mask Project, Fatima hopes to honor the dedication of frontline healthcare workers, and by sharing their stories, she aims to inspire readers to create a positive impact on patients and the community.
Meet Aabha Vadapalli
As a junior at Dougherty Valley High School, Aabha has dedicated herself to making a positive impact on her community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was inspired by the resilience and dedication of frontline workers. Therefore, she was eager to contribute to efforts that honored their help through those challenging times. Furthermore, her involvement in many healthcare-related organizations, has fostered a deep passion for improving people’s lives.
Joining this project’s marketing team has been an incredible opportunity for Aabha to make a difference. Her primary responsibilities include creating engaging social media content and outreach initiatives that highlight the experiences and challenges faced by frontline workers. Through her work, Aabha aims to deepen public understanding of their invaluable contributions and foster a sense of appreciation for their tireless efforts.
Aabha is driven by the belief that healthcare has the power to transform lives, and she aspires to pursue a career that combines her passion for social impact with her professional aspirations. Ultimately, she hopes to use this project to make a lasting impact on patients and the community by shedding light on the obstacles and experiences faced by healthcare workers during the pandemic.
MORE INFORMATION
Heroes Behind the Mask will be available in April 2025
Follow @heroesbehindthemask on Instagram
Meet the authors
Ramsha Essa
Co-author
Mirza Baig
Co-author
