Healthcare has always been an industry I wanted to work in. I thought about being a nurse or even a doctor. When I attended Chesapeake College I thoroughly enjoyed my Anatomy and Physiology classes, but before I graduated I figured that the clinical route of healthcare may not be for me. I now attend Towson University, working towards my bachelors in Health Management, where I want to become a Healthcare Administrator and then eventually the Chief Health Equity Officer of a hospital system. A healthcare administrator can do a multitude of things such as implementing new initiatives, developing policies, or training and evaluating staff members. A Chief Health Equity Officer or CHEO is an individual tasked with ensuring their organization is culturally competent. A CHEO reviews data of programs dealing with health disparities, and creates an environment of accountability. I want to be in a position where I can hold others accountable for their actions and make real change in the healthcare system. I knew I still wanted to be involved in the healthcare system, especially when I read about the story of Kira Nixon Johnson. Kira Nixon Johnson was a black woman admitted to the hospital ready to give birth to her son; however she sadly died due to a twelve-hour hemorrhage she suffered after she had given birth. She and her husband tried to tell the hospital staff about her condition, but the staff ignored their concerns and pleas, stating that Kira was not a priority. There are many other stories very similar to hers that have all come from women of color or their families. Patients should not have to advocate for help from their providers especially when they are in immense pain. All patients should be a priority no matter their race, ethnicity or gender. Before I became a student at Towson University, I worked as a medical receptionist at an orthopedic center. I learned the importance of insurance, correct filing, the logistical side of healthcare and how that can impact patients. I also saw how managers of the practice handle disputes or allegations, not only between providers, but also a patient-provider relationship. After my first semester at Towson, I became a collegiate member of NCNW, National Council of Negro Women, where their purpose is to advocate for health equity of black women and their families. As an organization, it is our responsibility to inform and educate students on what our organization is about and what we can do for black women and the community. I know that the support from this scholarship would be absolutely vital to my future and the change I wish to see in the healthcare system.

Chapter Member ID: AW272335 Health equity is more than a professional goal for me, it is a personal mission rooted in the urgent need to address the alarming disparities Black women face in healthcare, particularly during childbirth. As a college student majoring in Healthcare Management at Towson University, I am committed to decreasing the mortality rate of Black women in hospitals by transforming the systems that have historically failed them. My academic journey is driven by a deep desire to create a healthcare environment where every Black woman receives the quality care, respect, and advocacy she deserves. Through my studies, I am gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to lead systemic change from within, ensuring that healthcare institutions are not only efficient but also equitable and inclusive. This scholarship would be a lifeline for me. It would allow me to continue pursuing my degree without the physical and mental strain of financial insecurity. Not having to worry about affording tuition or basic necessities like food would free me to focus entirely on my education and community work, both of which are essential to my mission. I am actively taking steps to prepare myself for a leadership role in health equity. I am a proud member of the Healthcare Leadership Academy, where I am learning how to navigate and influence healthcare systems. I am also involved in the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), where I engage in critical conversations about the challenges facing Black communities, especially Black women, and explore how healthcare administration can be a tool for justice. These experiences are helping me think creatively about solutions that address both the systemic and cultural barriers to equitable care. Looking ahead, I plan to design and implement hospital policies that prioritize culturally competent care and accountability in maternal health outcomes. Collaborate with community organizations to create support networks for Black mothers before, during, and after childbirth. As well as, advocate for data transparency and policy reform to ensure that maternal health disparities are not only acknowledged but actively addressed. With the support of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to becoming a change maker in healthcare, someone who not only manages systems but transforms them. I am ready to lead with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

The TV show I binge-watch and think everyone should watch is Derry Girls. Derry Girls is an incredibly funny TV show centering on five Irish teenagers who try to live their best lives with war, exams, and raging hormones. One of the multiple reasons why I love this show is because of the strong friendship bond between the characters. The five teenagers are Orla, Claire, Erin, Michelle, and James, who live in Derry or Londonderry. In each episode, the friends get themselves into situations that I would never have the guts to get into. For example, they unknowingly help two robbers steal brand-new computers from their school. Or, lie about how a suitcase full of alcohol got on the bus, leading to it being blown up by the bomb squad. Orla, James, Claire, Michelle, and Erin bring something different to their friendship which is why they all need each other because without any of them, their group would not be complete. This is not the most fast-paced show, but with the character growth and growing relationships, this show is worth binge-watching. In deciding what makes a good TV show, character arcs are an important factor, as without character growth the audience might not be able to relate to the characters or understand their story. Claire had the best character growth out of the five, which is particularly highlighted in the episode where she comes out. When the five started to run the school magazine a letter was found by a writer who talked about her experiences as a lesbian. Feeling as if she had a safe space, Claire came out to her friends as not only the writer of the letter but a lesbian. At first, there was pushback, but eventually, her friends accepted her as she was and nothing changed. I resonate with Claire’s story, as I am bisexual, however, I have not come out to the ones I care about because of that fear of not being accepted. I love that Claire became more of her true self after she came out because that is what I would like when I come out to those I trust and care about. Claire shows audiences that even though she has a different sexuality from her friends she will still be the same: hilarious, intelligent, and still willing to throw someone under the bus if it comes to it. This show has something for everyone, history, drama, or just looking for a simple laugh.