
kalani wright
1x
Finalist1x
Winner
kalani wright
1x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
I am Kalani Wright, an honors student at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University majoring in Biology on the pre-med track with a minor in Psychology. On campus, I serve as Special Events Coordinator for the National Society of Black Women in Medicine, Social Media Coordinator for the Sister Sister Initiative, and an active member of MAPS (Minority Association of Premedical Students) and FSU USSTRIDE. Beyond academics, I regularly volunteer with MathPals through United Way, Big Bend Cares, and campus events across FAMU. In my free time, I love spending time with family and friends, hitting the beach, playing pickleball, reading, and diving into creative projects.
Education
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Biology, General
Minors:
- Psychology, General
Vero Beach High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Career
Dream career field:
- Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
OB/Gyn or Pediatrician
Peer Mentor
TRIO Upward Bound- IRC2025 – 2025Team Member
Chick-fil-A2023 – 20252 years
Sports
Soccer
Varsity2021 – 20243 years
Track & Field
Varsity2020 – 20244 years
Research
Biology, General
FAMU Research — Shadow Research Student2026 – PresentHuman Computer Interaction
Minority Serving–Cyberinfrastructure Consortium — Intern2026 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
FAMU Student Volunteering — Volunteer2024 – PresentVolunteering
Big Bend Cares — Volunteer2026 – PresentVolunteering
MathPals- United Way — Volunteer2026 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Politics
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Khalil Mack 52 Scholars Program
WinnerLosing my Uncle Eddie during the first semester of my freshman year was the moment that fundamentally shifted my mindset toward my future. Navigating life as a college student for the first time is challenging alone, but working through that transition while also experiencing loss took a heavy toll on me. Suddenly, the person who was most dedicated to my education and supportive of all my endeavors was gone unexpectedly. My uncle was someone who embodied wisdom, resilience, and a deep commitment to his community. Continuing to honor his legacy, I challenged myself to embody those same traits every single day while making them my own. Losing him didn't just change my perspective; it clarified my purpose and motivated me to pursue my path to becoming a physician with renewed drive.
This turning point has fueled my journey as a Biology Pre-Med student at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where my dedication extends far beyond academics. Although excelling in my studies is important, my commitment on my college journey extends beyond the classroom. I knew I had to bring the leadership traits I learned at home to my college campus. I have stepped into leadership roles within the National Society of Black Women in Medicine as Special Event Coordinator and the Sister Sister Initiative as Social Media Director, turning my purpose into action. These organizations have provided me with a sense of belonging while giving me the platform to mentor peers, advocate for representation in medicine, and cultivate a supportive community on campus.
Moving with this level of intention has allowed me to flourish both on campus and in the surrounding community. Service is a vital part of who I am, a value directly inspired by my uncle, who always focused on uplifting the youth. He served our community in many ways than one. Through United Way MathPals, I was able to honor that legacy by working directly with an elementary student, helping them build confidence in their math skills. As I worked with the student, I learned that while they valued my help, they cared even more about me simply showing up. Alongside my work with Big Bend Cares and campus volunteer initiatives, these experiences reinforce my belief that true healthcare begins with active community involvement. Volunteering allows me to cultivate empathy, compassion, dedication, and commitment.
Looking forward, the future I am building is centered on advocacy, equity, and humanity as an aspiring OB/GYN or Pediatrician. In either field, I am determined to address current healthcare disparities and serve as a trusted advocate for underrepresented patients who look like me. In a field where Black women physicians remain severely underrepresented, I want to help shift the narrative. Whether supporting a vulnerable expectant mother or comforting a fearful child, I am driven to provide care that ensures my patients feel genuinely safe, comfortable, and heard.
I am constantly guided by the lessons my uncle instilled in me and the community that raised me. Moving forward, I remain committed to breaking barriers, supporting others as I grow, and building a medical career dedicated to healing and serving underrepresented communities.