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Alecia Ford

1,485

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

My pursuit of advanced healthcare leadership education stems from a fundamental mission to transform systems that have historically failed marginalized communities. My post-graduate journey equips me with the administrative expertise, strategic vision, and policy knowledge necessary to drive meaningful institutional change. Working in community mental health and nonprofit organizations didn’t simply expose me to disparities—I already knew them firsthand, having lived their consequences. I understand the deep mistrust that persists within the African American community, a skepticism rooted in generations of neglect, medical exploitation, and systemic exclusion. For me, the decision was clear: to be part of the movement addressing the root causes of healthcare injustice and restoring faith in care that should belong to everyone. I am deeply aware of the glaring gaps in current healthcare frameworks and the absence of diverse voices in leadership roles. My research has shown that far too few decision-makers share my background or perspective, creating blind spots in policy development that further disadvantage vulnerable populations. That’s why I am uniquely committed to transforming healthcare—not just through reform, but by fostering trust, inclusion, and dignity for those who have long been overlooked. My work is shaped by deep empathy, lived experience, and an unwavering dedication to ensuring care is accessible and equitable for all.

Education

Webster University

Master's degree program
2024 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Health and Medical Administrative Services
  • Minors:
    • Finance and Financial Management Services

Old Dominion University

Bachelor's degree program
2017 - 2019
  • Majors:
    • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Other
  • Minors:
    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

Tidewater Community College

Associate's degree program
2008 - 2017
  • Majors:
    • Social Sciences, General

Benedict College

Bachelor's degree program
1996 - 1998
  • Majors:
    • Law
  • Minors:
    • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

      Healthcare Policy Analyst: Health Psychology: Patient Safety and Advocacy

    • CEO and Founder

      A’YIM Organically For Problematic Skin
      2024 – Present1 year
    • Addiction Prevention & Treatment Certification of Substance Abuse and Mental Health

      Department of Counseling and Human Services
      2017 – Present8 years
    • Organization and Management in Health Management

      Peregrine Global
      2025 – Present6 months
    • Academic Excellence, Advocacy Work, Research, Philanthropy

      Tau Upsilon Alpha Society
      2018 – Present7 years
    • Human Services Certification

      Department of Counseling and Human Services
      2017 – Present8 years

    Sports

    Kickboxing

    2008 – Present17 years

    Research

    • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research

      National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) — Interviewer and Researcher: Investigating the Effects of NAMI Support Groups on Members’ Mental Health Outcomes, Social Connections, and Coping Strategies
      2019 – 2019
    • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research

      Narcotic Anonymous (NA) — Observer/Researcher/Data Collection/Member Experiences
      2018 – 2018
    • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research

      Obesity Anonymous (OA) — Objective Observation: Research Focus Areas: Ethical Considerations; Data Collection
      2018 – 2018
    • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research

      Alcohol Anonymous (AA) — Observer/Researcher: Collected Data on Meeting Dynamics, Member Experiences, and Program Outcomes
      2018 – 2018
    • Community Organization and Advocacy

      Teens With A Purpose — Research Intern: Conducted Studies on the Impact of TWP’s Programs on Youth Development, Community Involvement, and Social Change
      2018 – 2021

    Public services

    • Public Service (Politics)

      CPR Certification — Demonstrates commitment by being prepared in emergency situations and potentially save lives.
      2025 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore — Quality Assurance
      2013 – 2019
    • Volunteering

      Project Homeless Connect Norfolk, VA — Intake Registration & Client Navigation
      2014 – 2019
    • Volunteering

      Meals on Wheels of Chesapeake Inc. — Client Visitor
      2014 – 2019
    • Volunteering

      Teens With A Purpose — Youth Coordinator
      2018 – 2021

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Alecia Ford Student Profile | Bold.org