Raven Selden

Current National President

Hi SNDA Family!
I’m Raven Selden, a fourth-year dental student at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry, and I am deeply honored to serve as your President. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for this incredible opportunity to lead such a vibrant and impactful organization.

As I step into this role, I am filled with excitement about continuing the remarkable journey that SNDA has embarked upon. Our collective achievements have been nothing short of inspiring, and I’m eager to build on this solid foundation to create an even brighter future for us all. The essence of SNDA is rooted in our boundless excellence—whether through mentorship, outreach, leadership, or professional brilliance. I am proud to lead an organization that is dedicated to connecting, supporting, and advancing minority students in dentistry.

During my term, I am enthusiastic about guiding SNDA to reach new heights and embrace our theme of “Above and Beyond.”

My strategic plan focuses on nurturing mentorship, driving academic excellence, creating transformative change through service, promoting wellness, enhancing student collaboration, and celebrating our rich culture and diversity.

My commitment to you is steadfast. I am deeply aligned with SNDA's core values and am devoted to listening to your needs and aspirations. With a forward-thinking vision, I aim to foster an environment where professional development flourishes, collaboration thrives, and every member has the resources to excel. Our dedication to continuous growth is what makes SNDA extraordinary, and I’m thrilled to be part of this journey.

I’m so excited to connect with each of you and to work together to elevate and inspire one another. Let’s make this year unforgettable by achieving new milestones and setting new standards of greatness. Here’s to a year filled with growth, learning, and camaraderie.

Together, let’s soar to new heights!
Warm regards,

Raven Selden
University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry
DDS Candidate | Class of 2025
[email protected]

Meet the SNDA Executive Board

Member Testimonials

After being accepted to dental school, uncertainty clouded my thoughts about the experiences, connections, and opportunities awaiting me among 140 classmates. Learning about Midwestern CDMI's inaugural SNDA chapter in my first year brought profound reassurance. SNDA represents a sanctuary, a platform for service, an advocacy realm, and a networking hub, among other things. This organization has catalyzed significant positive change for individuals with backgrounds like mine, and I'm immensely grateful for the chance to contribute to its enduring legacy. Through SNDA, I've found not only a supportive community but also opportunities for personal and professional growth. Its emphasis on diversity and inclusion has fostered an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. SNDA has truly enriched my dental school experience, providing me with lifelong connections and a sense of belonging that I cherish deeply. I am excited to continue my journey with SNDA and see the impact we can make together in the future.

Sydnie Taylor

Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine Illinois - Class of 2026

It is hard to encapsulate what SNDA exactly means to me by using only a few words. During my dental school journey, SNDA has not only helped to make me a better scholar, but it has provided me with the resources and opportunities to make all my dreams into a reality. Through the support of SNDA, I was able to establish the first USNDA chapter on the campus of Michigan State University that provided social, leadership, academic, and volunteer opportunities to its members. I was able to attend the SNDA national conference where I got to make connections, meet fellow colleagues who look like me, and become more enthralled with this career path that I have chosen. SNDA to me is about building lifelong relationships with individuals who become like family. It is about supporting one another to achieve any goals you may have. It is about a community built on the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. Lastly, SNDA has helped mold me into the thought-provoking student clinician that I try to be today. I have been able to see first-hand where SNDA has taken me so far and I can only imagine where it will take me during the pursuit of my future aspirations.

James Bennett III

University of Michigan School of Dentistry - Class of 2026

Being a part of SNDA has undoubtedly been a pivotal aspect of my dental school journey. As I embarked on my first year, nerves tingled about starting this adventure miles away from home, but SNDA swiftly transformed into my comforting home away from home. Within SNDA, I discovered more than just a group; I found a close-knit community, unwavering support, invaluable mentorship, opportunities for personal growth through leadership roles, and the foundation for lifelong friendships. Moreover, the inclusiveness and well-versed members of SNDA played an integral role in shaping my dental school experience. Their openness and diverse perspectives helped foster an environment where everyone felt valued and supported, contributing to the richness of our collective journey. These experiences have deeply enriched my time in dental school, shaping me in ways I never imagined. For these reasons, and countless more, I will forever be grateful for SNDA and the remarkable family it has bestowed upon me.

Heywan Gessesse

University of Maryland School of Dentistry - Class of 2024

SNDA has been a guiding light throughout my dental career, offering invaluable support and opportunities that have shaped my journey in profound ways. Amidst the rigorous demands of dental school, SNDA serves as my anchor, keeping me rooted and connected to fellow individuals who share similar backgrounds and experiences in dentistry. Through SNDA, I've found a space where I can authentically be myself, surrounded by a welcoming community that embraces diversity and inclusion. The mentorship programs offered by SNDA have provided me with guidance, encouragement, and invaluable insights from seasoned professionals who have walked similar paths. As a young African American man navigating the field of dentistry, SNDA has provided me with an immeasurable network of support and camaraderie. SNDA has been instrumental in shaping my identity as a dental professional and has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and support network needed to succeed in this challenging yet rewarding field.

Zack Thomas

Tufts University School of Dentistry - Class of 2025

Raven Selden

Member Testimonials

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