Northwell Health recognized for advocacy and leadership

Sundeep Singh Boparai

Northwell Health’s Sundeep Singh Boparai has been named one of 10 recipients of the 2025 Health Advocacy Awards, alongside Al Roker and Patrick Dempsey. The award recognizes individuals who turn personal experiences into platforms for meaningful change.
As operations manager for Northwell’s LGBTQ Transgender Program, Boparai assisted approximately 4,500 patients in 2024. The New Hyde Park-based center, which opened in 2020, provides medical and mental health services for transgender individuals.
“His passion and commitment have expanded our services, ensuring that our patients receive the care they need,” said Dr. David Rosenthal, medical director of Northwell’s Center for Transgender Care.
A queer Sikh man, Boparai understands the challenges of rejection and anxiety many transgender patients face. While attending John Jay College of Criminal Justice, he experienced familial rejection after coming out. He later earned a master’s from Hofstra University and a doctorate in Healthcare Administration and Public Policy.

“Working at Northwell’s LGBTQ Transgender Program has been transformative,” Boparai said. “Seeing people access the care that wasn’t available to me 15 years ago is rewarding and empowering.”
The Health Advocacy Awards honor those who advocate for marginalized communities. Winners are selected by Health magazine’s editorial team, medical experts, and advocacy contributors.
“Recognizing health advocates is vital to advancing public health,” said Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz, Health’s chief medical officer.
For Boparai, the award symbolizes the importance of creating safe and inclusive healthcare spaces.
“Healthcare should be a sanctuary where everyone is treated with dignity and respect,” he said.
For more information on Northwell’s LGBTQ Transgender Program, call (516) 622-5195 or visit northwell.edu.

Brian A. Aquart, Esq

Brian A. Aquart, Esq., vice president of Workforce and Community Education at Northwell Health’s Center for Learning and Innovation, has been named a Presidential Leadership Scholar for the program’s 10th annual class. He is among 57 accomplished leaders chosen nationwide for their potential to drive meaningful change in their communities and professions.
PLS, which launched in 2015, brings together diverse professionals to learn leadership lessons from the experiences of Presidents George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Scholars participate in a six-month program, traveling to presidential centers to engage with former administration officials, business leaders, and academics.
Aquart, a seasoned workforce development leader, has spent eight years at Northwell Health in progressively senior roles, including director of human resources at North Shore University Hospital and chief of staff to the president and CEO. He now leads efforts to address health care workforce shortages through initiatives such as the Northwell School of Health Sciences, FutureReadyNYC, and MedVoyage.
Through PLS, Aquart will develop an equity-driven education model that prepares students for in-demand health care careers while removing barriers to access.
“I’m honored to join this esteemed group of leaders,” said Aquart. “This program will strengthen my ability to drive innovation in education and workforce development.”
Michael J. Dowling, Northwell Health’s president and CEO, praised Aquart’s leadership, calling him a visionary in redefining health care education.
The 2025 Presidential Leadership Scholars program begins on Jan. 29, with past participants reporting significant growth in their leadership skills and impact.