Mercy University Hosts Third Annual MedTech & Finance Conference for Westchester Youth

Nearly 200 middle and high school students explored career pathways at the intersection of medicine, technology and finance at the third annual MedTech & Finance Conference held at Mercy University's Westchester Campus on March 7, 2026.

The event, hosted by the Westchester County Youth Bureau in partnership with Mercy University and Sister to Sister International Inc., brought eighth through 12th graders face-to-face with industry leaders from New York Presbyterian-Westchester, St. John's Riverside Hospital and other organizations.

"As provost, I am honored that Mercy is once again hosting the Youth MedTech & Finance Conference," said Dr. Kristin Greenwood, Mercy University provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. "Engaging students from grades 8-12 in these critical fields reflects our commitment to cultivating the next generation, who will drive innovation across healthcare and finance."

Victor Petenkemani, dean of Mercy University's School of Business, emphasized the institution's role in preparing students for technology-driven careers.

"The future of business is being shaped by rapid technological change, and our responsibility as educators is to prepare students to lead in that environment," Petenkemani said. "We are integrating essential business skills throughout the Mercy University School of Business curriculum while training students on the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence."

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins praised the collaboration between government, education and private industry.

"Events like the MedTech & Finance Conference showcase how county government can team up with private industry to open doors for Westchester's youth," Jenkins said. "Students, your presence here shows you are taking charge of your future and following your interests."

Ernest McFadden, executive director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, said the conference aims to empower young people at the intersection of healthcare, technology and finance.

"Our goal is to empower young people with the knowledge, networks and inspiration needed to move forward in these critical fields solve global healthcare challenges," McFadden said.

Dr. Cheryl Brannan, founder of Sister to Sister International, said the conference serves both students exploring new career paths and those already familiar with the fields.

"This conference gets better every year," Brannan said. "The MedTech & Finance Conference is a tremendous resource for Westchester students."

Dr. Mzimeli Morris, director of labor and delivery at New York Presbyterian Westchester and assistant professor of women's health in OB/GYN at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, delivered the keynote address. She shared her medical career journey and discussed her work promoting health equity.

Morris said the event provides crucial exposure for young people, particularly students of color who may be first in their families to pursue these fields.

"Many youth of color are the very first in their families to embark on these fields and I wanted to let them know that there is no one way to accomplish your goals," Morris said. "You don't have to fit inside of the boxes that academia has constructed to be what you want to be."

Students participated in workshops covering medical topics, artificial intelligence applications, cybersecurity, interview skills and financial management for career development.

Nicholas Kurumunda, a senior at New Rochelle High School, said the conference provided valuable networking opportunities.

"I was able to network and learn a lot from the professionals who were presenting the workshops," Kurumunda said. "This is an opportunity that everyone who has an interest in the fields should experience if they can."