Mercedes Stemm (she/her) is a third-year Mi’kmaw medical student from Natoaganeg (Eel Ground) First Nation, currently studying at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. She holds a BSc in Neuroscience with a minor in Indigenous Studies from Dalhousie University. At Dal, she served as Program Coordinator for the Keknu’tmasiek Ta’n Tel Welo’ltimk (KW) program, where she created a national mentorship program for Indigenous students pursuing medicine. She also helped establish Indigenous admissions pathways in both the medical and medical sciences programs. Her research focuses on Indigenous health policy, education access, and neurosurgery outcomes. At the UofM, Mercedes continues her advocacy as the Indigenous student rep for her class and through leadership in various Indigenous health organizations. She hopes to launch a mentorship initiative in Manitoba to support Indigenous youth in accessing medicine and creating systemic change.