HOSA-Future Health Professionals recognized Holly Strand-Rysgaard, ACTE Health Science Education Division Vice President, at the HOSA-sponsored luncheon for all health and biomedical science teachers/HOSA Advisors during the Health Science Education Division Opening Session at ACTE VISION Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Sarah Walters, HOSA’s Executive Director, commended and thanked Ms. Rysgaard for her visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and unwavering advocacy on behalf of the organization.
HOSA’s partnership with the ACTE Health Science Education Division dates back to the very beginning of HOSA-Future Health Professionals, whose original name was Health Careers Clubs. These clubs focused on health career-oriented programs operating in academic high schools and because of the fast growth, health occupations educators saw a need for an organized and united effort to have a national leadership organization to serve students enrolled in Vocational Health Occupations Education programs. The American Vocational Association (AVA) – Health Occupations Division, which is now Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) – Health Science Education Division, emerged as the group to ensure the new organization was formed and the slogan, HOE-HOSA – A Healthy Partnership was created!
HOSA-Future Health Professionals’ relationship with the Health Science Education Division of ACTE continues to be successful because of exceptional ACTE HSE Vice Presidents such as Holly Strand-Rysgaard.
Aashna Ravi, 
Postsecondary/Collegiate Board Representative, and Deepa Subramanya, Secondary Board Representative, showcased the importance of HOSA to the health and biomedical science classroom and how this unique program plays a vital role in providing students the soft skill as well as career tools needed for current and future success.
During the luncheon, guests appreciated the message delivered by Marcus Henderson, HOSA, Inc. Board Chair. Mr. Henderson is currently a Doctoral candidate at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and a SAMHSA/ American Nurses Association Minority Fellow. His research interest focuses on adolescent mental health, mental health disparities, and the social determinants of health. Mr. Henderson’s goal is to develop a program of research aimed toward improving mental health care and optimizing outcomes for marginalized youth.
His remarkable healthcare journey began in 2009 as a HOSA member in the Philadelphia School District. An active alumni member since graduation, he now continues his HOSA journey as the PENN-HOSA Executive Council Officer Coordinator, and has served on the HOSA, Inc. Board of Directors for the past three years.
Mr. Henderson proclaimed that HOSA was no longer the best kept secret. Instead, HOSA is industry’s best solution! For industry, HOSA can:
- engage students early in their education with resources and hands-on experiences which can inspire them to pursue specific career opportunities
- raise awareness about various health professions and the diverse opportunities within the health industry.
- provide opportunities to develop essential skills required in the healthcare sector, especially the soft skills
- establish connections with professionals in the health industry through competition, mentorship, and other learning opportunities
- be instrumental in addressing the underrepresented in the health professions
- establish partnerships with educational institutions and healthcare providers that can enhance HOSA members’ ability to provide valuable experiences and resources
With the health industry partnering with the student organization/classroom, there will be a robust and well-prepared workforce. HOSA will no longer be the best kept secret – HOSA will be the health industry’s best kept solution!
Congratulations to the ACTE Health Science Education Division Award Recipients, who are active members of HOSA-Future Health Professionals: Jennifer Fisk (NV), Health Science Education Outstanding Career and Technical Educator and Outstanding Service; and Shylee Endicott (MO), Health Science Education Teacher of the Year.
Special thanks to Executive Director Sarah Walters for conducting a workshop, “HOSA-Future Health Professionals in the Classroom.” HOSA showcased their experiences at the ACTE Expo, supported by Jim Koeninger, PhD, HOSA Executive Director Emeritus; Karen Koeninger, Director of Partnerships and Sponsorships; Sajani Patel, Arizona HOSA State Reporter, along with Aashna Ravi, Deepa Subramanya, Sarah Walters, and Marcus Henderson. The Expo experience provided connections to valued educators, industry partners, and associations who are all striving to expand and support high-quality experiences in career and technical education.
HOSA and ACTE/HSE – a perfect partnership! HOSA values its parental partner and appreciates the partnership that has strengthened continuously since HOSA’s inception in 1976. HOSA-Future Health Professionals is preparing to celebrate its 50th Anniversary during the 2026 International Leadership Conference. HOSA partners and sponsors, alumni, and health industry representatives will be invited to celebrate the partnerships that have resulted in healthcare’s best solution to recruit, develop, and prepare future health professionals to care for all people!
