SDAHO welcomes Rise-Up Intern Sofia Vega Perez

The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) is excited to introduce one of two summer 2026 interns through the RISE-UP program. Sofia Vega Perez is a recent graduate of the Universidad de Puerto Rico at Cayey (UPR Cayey), where she earned a degree in Biology with a pre-medical track.

Originally from Guayama, Puerto Rico, Sofia brings a strong passion for health care and a commitment to serving underserved communities. Sofia shared, “I’ve always been passionate about serving underserved communities. Growing up in Puerto Rico showed me how much access to care can vary.” Her involvement in the RISE-UP program through the Kennedy Krieger Institute provided her with valuable exposure to health care systems, research, and public health environments, helping shape her interest in pursuing a career in medicine.

Sofia was introduced to this internship through her participation in the RISE-UP program and saw it as a natural fit for her professional goals. While her initial reaction to spending the summer in South Dakota was one of surprise, she quickly embraced the opportunity. “Coming from Puerto Rico, South Dakota is about as different as it gets, but that’s what made me excited.” Shared Sofia. “Stepping outside what’s familiar is how you grow.” Sofia says she recognized the experience as a chance to step outside her comfort zone, gain new perspectives, and learn about a health care landscape very different from the one she grew up in.

Her interest in SDAHO was sparked by the organization’s role as the voice for health care providers across the state. Sofia was particularly drawn to the opportunity to learn more about the policy and systems-level aspects of health care—an area she notes is not always emphasized in pre-med education but plays a critical role in shaping patient care.

During her internship, Sofia is contributing to projects focused on Medicaid payment rates across all 50 states and U.S. territories, as well as researching the various levels of care, including skilled nursing, home health, assisted living, inpatient rehabilitation, and palliative care. Through this work, Sofia is gaining a broader understanding of how health care systems function and how organizations collaborate to support patient care.

Sofia hopes to leave SDAHO with a deeper understanding of how health care organizations operate at a systems level, including how policy decisions are made and how advocacy efforts support providers and patients alike. “Learning about health care from a systems and policy perspective has opened my eyes to how much happens behind the scenes to shape patient care.” She is also eager to strengthen her professional skills in communication, research, and project management while expanding her perspective on health care beyond the clinical setting.

Looking ahead, Sofia plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician. “My goal is to become a physician who not only provides care but also advocates for more equitable and accessible health care.” Shared Sofia. Ultimately, she hopes to combine clinical care with public health and advocacy.

Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Sofia enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. She loves running, hiking, and exploring nature—interests she is excited to continue in South Dakota. She also enjoys spending time with her two dogs, who are a big part of her life.

SDAHO is proud to welcome Sofia this summer and looks forward to the contributions she will make as part of the RISE-UP program.