July 16, 2025
REquipment is thrilled to introduce the 2025 Jennifer Baker Scholar.
Enrolled in a master’s program at Salem State for Occupational Therapy, Iris Medina always knew she wanted to work in healthcare, “helping others and contributing to society,” she wrote in her application’s essay.
Iris is from the United States, grew up in Guatemala, and discovered the field of OT while running her home daycare. She plans to use her $1,000 reward toward tuition.
REquipment is delighted to assist Iris with completing her education. Her goals align with the program’s mission to tear down barriers to the equipment individuals and families want and need.
Currently, Iris works in Early Intervention, where she has seen the benefits of reuse equipment for children, since the company she works for loans devices to families who cannot afford them. “We provide families with access to various pieces of assistive technology during their enrollment,” she explains. “This includes speech devices, feeding chairs, rolling walkers, sensory tools, mats, and foam equipment for gross motor development.”
Her ambition is to someday open a sensory integration playroom in an underserved community. She says she wants to create a space “where children with unique needs can play freely and be themselves.” And she plans to make the assistive technology for the children who cannot afford it.
Rock on, Iris!
We wish you all the success in this world that needs exactly you.
The Jennifer Baker Memorial Scholarship is a $1,000 award that honors the memory of REquipment’s beloved program director, who passed away at the beginning of 2022. Jen Baker was a lifelong learner who helped build the REquipment program.
