My name is LaJae’ Sharper, and I am a rising college freshman majoring in Pre-Med. I have chosen to pursue a career in healthcare because I want to focus my skills and attention on advocating for black women in maternal healthcare. I believe that black women are majorly underrepresented when it comes to OB/GYNs and the care they provide. Black women make up only 2.8% of all physicians in the United States. This lack of representation often leads to disparities in treatment and outcomes, which I am determined to change. Throughout high school, I maintained a GPA of 3.99, which reflects my dedication to my studies and my passion for learning. My academic journey has prepared me for the challenges of a Pre-Med program, and I am eager to continue this path in college. As a black woman, I have a personal understanding of the unique challenges faced by women of color in healthcare settings. This perspective drives my commitment to making a difference. In my future career, I hope to serve as a compassionate and informed healthcare provider who not only treats patients but also listens to them. I want to create a safe space where black women feel heard and respected. By doing so, I aim to build trust and improve the overall healthcare experience for my patients. My goal is to address the systemic issues that contribute to poor maternal health outcomes for black women. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to be a role model and mentor for future generations. I want to inspire other young women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in healthcare. By increasing diversity in the field, we can ensure that all voices are heard and that healthcare becomes more inclusive and equitable. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to community involvement. I plan to engage in outreach programs that educate black women about their healthcare rights and options. By empowering women with knowledge, we can help them make informed decisions about their health and well-being. This proactive approach can lead to better health outcomes and a reduction in disparities. Ultimately, I believe that my dedication to advocacy and my commitment to education will allow me to make a positive impact as a woman in healthcare. I am excited to embark on this journey and to contribute to a field that has the power to change lives. With the support of the Women In Healthcare Scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to achieve my goals and make a meaningful difference in the lives of black women.

My name is LaJae’ Sharper, and I am a rising college freshman planning to major in Pre-Med leading me into a career in Obstetrics & Gynecology. I have chosen to pursue a career in healthcare because I want to focus my skills and attention on advocating for black women in maternal healthcare. I believe that black women are majorly underrepresented when it comes to OB/GYNs and the care they provide. Black women only make up 2.8% of all the Physicians in the United States. This lack of representation often leads to disparities in treatment and outcomes, which I am determined to change. Throughout high school, I maintained a GPA of 3.99, which reflects my dedication to my studies and my passion for learning. My academic journey has prepared me for the challenges of a Pre-Med program, and I am eager to continue this path in college. As a black woman, I have a personal understanding of the unique challenges faced by women of color in healthcare settings. This perspective drives my commitment to making a difference. In my future career, I hope to serve as a compassionate and informed healthcare provider who not only treats patients but also listens to them. I want to create a safe space where black women feel heard and respected. By doing so, I aim to build trust and improve the overall healthcare experience for my patients. My goal is to address the systemic issues that contribute to poor maternal health outcomes for black women. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to be a role model and mentor for future generations. I want to inspire other young women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in healthcare. By increasing diversity in the field, we can ensure that all voices are heard and that healthcare becomes more inclusive and equitable. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to community involvement. I plan to engage in outreach programs that educate black women about their healthcare rights and options. By empowering women with knowledge, we can help them make informed decisions about their health and well-being. This proactive approach can lead to better health outcomes and a reduction in disparities. Ultimately, I believe that my dedication to advocacy and my commitment to education will allow me to make a positive impact as a woman in healthcare. I am excited to embark on this journey and to contribute to a field that has the power to change lives. With the support of the A Man Helping Women Helping Women Scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to achieve my goals and make a meaningful difference in the lives of black women.

Empowerment for me, as a Black woman entering the medical field, means a deep commitment to uplifting and advocating for others who share my identity and experiences. It’s about breaking down the barriers that many Black women face in healthcare—whether in access to quality care, representation, or the opportunity to excel in the field. It means being a voice for the healing and wellbeing of our women and ensuring that our voices are heard. Additionally, It means fighting for more representation and diversity in the field, whether by being the change I want to see or creating pathways for other Black women to enter and succeed in the medical profession. My main focus is showing the world that Black women belong in all spaces, especially those that impact their health, while making sure others feel empowered to do the same. That is true empowerment. In my life it is a way for me to embrace my identity, which fuels my personal growth. In pursuing this career, I'm not just stepping into my profession, but also carving out a space for myself and other who look like me. My dedication to advocacy and my commitment to education will allow me to make a positive impact as a woman in healthcare. In another light, I hope to be a role model and mentor for future generations. I want to inspire other young women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in healthcare. I've always had roots in community involvement and I plan to engage in outreach programs that educate black women about their healthcare rights and options. By empowering these women with knowledge, I can help them make informed decisions about their health and well-being. This proactive approach can lead to better health outcomes and a reduction in disparities. In my future career, I hope to serve as a compassionate and informed healthcare provider who not only treats patients but also listens to them. I want to create a safe space where not only black women but all women feel heard and respected. By doing so, I aim to build trust and improve the overall healthcare experience for my patients. Lastly, I believe that my knowledge, dedication, and commitment will allow me to make a positive impact. I am excited to embark on this journey and contribute to a field that has the power to change lives. With the support of the Empower Her Scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to achieve my goals and make a meaningful difference in the world of healthcare.

My name is LaJae’ Sharper, and I am a rising college freshman majoring in Pre-Med. I have chosen to pursue a career in healthcare because I want to focus my skills and attention on advocating for black women in maternal healthcare. I believe that black women are majorly underrepresented when it comes to OB/GYNs and the care they provide. This lack of representation often leads to disparities in treatment and outcomes, which I am determined to change. My academic journey has prepared me for the challenges of a Pre-Med program and the tasks that are within being a Black OB/GYN, and I am eager to continue this path in college. As a black woman, I have a personal understanding of the unique challenges faced by women of color in healthcare settings. This perspective drives my commitment to making a difference. In my future career, I hope to serve as a compassionate and informed healthcare provider who not only treats patients but also listens to them. I want to create a safe space where black women feel heard and respected. By doing so, I aim to build trust and improve the overall healthcare experience for my patients. My goal is to address the systemic issues that contribute to poor maternal health outcomes for black women which make up only 2.8% of all physicians in the United States. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to be a role model and mentor for future generations. I want to inspire other young women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in healthcare. By increasing diversity in the field, we can ensure that all voices are heard and that healthcare becomes more inclusive and equitable. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to community involvement. I plan to engage in outreach programs that educate black women about their healthcare rights and options. By empowering women with knowledge, we can help them make informed decisions about their health and well-being. This proactive approach can lead to better health outcomes and a reduction in disparities. Ultimately, I believe that my dedication to advocacy and my commitment to education will allow me to make a positive impact as a woman in healthcare. I am excited to embark on this journey and to contribute to a field that has the power to change lives. With the support of the Zedikiah Randolph Memorial Scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to achieve my goals and make a meaningful difference in the lives of black women.

My name is LaJae’ Sharper, and I am a rising college freshman majoring in Pre-Med. I have chosen to pursue a career in healthcare because I want to focus my skills and attention on advocating for black women in maternal healthcare. I believe that black women are majorly underrepresented when it comes to OB/GYNs and the care they provide. This lack of representation often leads to disparities in treatment and outcomes, which I am determined to change. Throughout high school, I maintained a GPA of 3.97, which reflects my dedication to my studies and my passion for learning. My academic journey has prepared me for the challenges of a Pre-Med program, and I am eager to continue this path in college. As a black woman, I have a personal understanding of the unique challenges faced by women of color in healthcare settings. This perspective drives my commitment to making a difference. In my future career, I hope to serve as a compassionate and informed healthcare provider who not only treats patients but also listens to them. I want to create a safe space where black women feel heard and respected. By doing so, I aim to build trust and improve the overall healthcare experience for my patients. My goal is to address the systemic issues that contribute to poor maternal health outcomes for black women. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to be a role model and mentor for future generations. I want to inspire other young women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in healthcare. By increasing diversity in the field, we can ensure that all voices are heard and that healthcare becomes more inclusive and equitable. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to community involvement. I plan to engage in outreach programs that educate black women about their healthcare rights and options. By empowering women with knowledge, we can help them make informed decisions about their health and well-being. This proactive approach can lead to better health outcomes and a reduction in disparities. Ultimately, I believe that my dedication to advocacy and my commitment to education will allow me to make a positive impact as a woman in healthcare. I am excited to embark on this journey and to contribute to a field that has the power to change lives. With the support of the Women in Healthcare Scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to achieve my goals and make a meaningful difference in the lives of black women.

My name is LaJae’ Sharper, and I am a rising college freshman majoring in Pre-Med. I have chosen to pursue a career in healthcare because I want to focus my skills and attention on advocating for black women in maternal healthcare. I believe that black women are majorly underrepresented when it comes to OB/GYNs and the care they provide. This lack of representation often leads to disparities in treatment and outcomes, which I am determined to change. Throughout high school, I maintained a GPA of 3.97, which reflects my dedication to my studies and my passion for learning. My academic journey has prepared me for the challenges of a Pre-Med program, and I am eager to continue this path in college. As a black woman, I have a personal understanding of the unique challenges faced by women of color in healthcare settings. This perspective drives my commitment to making a difference. In my future career, I hope to serve as a compassionate and informed healthcare provider who not only treats patients but also listens to them. I want to create a safe space where black women feel heard and respected. By doing so, I aim to build trust and improve the overall healthcare experience for my patients. My goal is to address the systemic issues that contribute to poor maternal health outcomes for black women. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to be a role model and mentor for future generations. I want to inspire other young women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in healthcare. By increasing diversity in the field, we can ensure that all voices are heard and that healthcare becomes more inclusive and equitable. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to community involvement. I plan to engage in outreach programs that educate black women about their healthcare rights and options. By empowering women with knowledge, we can help them make informed decisions about their health and well-being. This proactive approach can lead to better health outcomes and a reduction in disparities. Ultimately, I believe that my dedication to advocacy and my commitment to education will allow me to make a positive impact as a woman in healthcare. I am excited to embark on this journey and to contribute to a field that has the power to change lives. With the support of the Women in Healthcare Scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to achieve my goals and make a meaningful difference in the lives of black women.

My name is LaJae’ Sharper, and I am a rising college freshman majoring in Pre-Med. I have chosen to pursue a career in healthcare because I want to focus my skills and attention on advocating for black women in maternal healthcare. I believe that black women are majorly underrepresented when it comes to OB/GYNs and the care they provide. This lack of representation often leads to disparities in treatment and outcomes, which I am determined to change. Throughout high school, I maintained a GPA of 3.97, which reflects my dedication to my studies and my passion for learning. My academic journey has prepared me for the challenges of a Pre-Med program, and I am eager to continue this path in college. As a black woman, I have a personal understanding of the unique challenges faced by women of color in healthcare settings. This perspective drives my commitment to making a difference. In my future career, I hope to serve as a compassionate and informed healthcare provider who not only treats patients but also listens to them. I want to create a safe space where black women feel heard and respected. By doing so, I aim to build trust and improve the overall healthcare experience for my patients. My goal is to address the systemic issues that contribute to poor maternal health outcomes for black women. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to be a role model and mentor for future generations. I want to inspire other young women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in healthcare. By increasing diversity in the field, we can ensure that all voices are heard and that healthcare becomes more inclusive and equitable. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to community involvement. I plan to engage in outreach programs that educate black women about their healthcare rights and options. By empowering women with knowledge, we can help them make informed decisions about their health and well-being. This proactive approach can lead to better health outcomes and a reduction in disparities. Ultimately, I believe that my dedication to advocacy and my commitment to education will allow me to make a positive impact as a woman in healthcare. I am excited to embark on this journey and to contribute to a field that has the power to change lives. With the support of the Women in Healthcare Scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to achieve my goals and make a meaningful difference in the lives of black women.

“Something isn’t right”; three of the most unheeded words in the modern gynecological system. These words fall silent on the ears of doctors around the world when they are uttered by a black woman. The implicit biases set hundreds of years ago still show their faces in the present day. The maternal mortality rate for Black women in the United States is alarmingly high, with 49.5 deaths This figure is 2.9 times higher than that of their white counterparts. This is a rate that demands change. My reason and passion for continuing my education beyond secondary schooling stems from my need to aspire to become a part of the solution to decrease this disparity. For too long, black people have been cast down and shunned, receiving “the short end of the stick” time and time again in our history of medicine; fostering a state of systematic racism even in the medical field. During my career I plan on studying medicine and going into the Obstetrics and Gynecology field. My exigence for wanting to become an OB started in the eighth grade. I knew I was destined to enter the medical field, however, it wasn’t until I discovered what the actual profession of being an OB/GYN was that I knew that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. As previously shared, the maternal death rate in black women yields a much higher rate than that of white women. It is my relief that black women and women in general are underrepresented when it comes to OB’s due to the disparities in the positions they are allowed to acquire, a consequence of systematic barriers. Although women make up 64% of OB/GYN’s working in the United States, men often hold higher academic ranks and leadership positions. This highlights the gender disparities in the OB/GYN field and despite there being progress towards equality true equity remains elusive. In 1950 author Seale Harris published a book titled Woman’s Surgeon: The Life Story Of J. Marion Sims. Harris, credits Sims as the “Father of Modern Gynecology”. Throughout history Sims is acknowledged as being one of the founding fathers for reproductive medicine despite controversy surrounding his practices upon African-American enslaved women in the mid 1800’s. Although he made contributions to the field and his findings lead to groundbreaking treatment for vesicovaginal fistulas, his legacy is marred by the numerous unmedicated experimental operations on these women. He used the institution of slavery to excuse his wrongdoing. He cited these patients as “willing participants” when in reality they were not presented with an option. As stated before, during these operations, Sims performed surgeries without pain management or anesthesia. The prevailing belief of that time was that “black people’s nerve endings are less sensitive than white people’s” implying that black individuals feel pain at a lower tolerance than whites. When Sims traveled to perform his operations he conducted the same procedures on white women but with anesthesia. The bodies of black women served as his experimental “guinea pigs”. In conclusion, due to the systemic racism in our country's past, we have been plagued with an atmosphere of inequity and doubt. As a future OB/GYN my career goals are to listen to my patients and create a just and safe space for them to be heard. As a medical professional, it will be my duty to uphold the hippocratic oath and remain true to my morals as both a human being and doctor. This is an opportunity to chart a new course and ensure that everyone, no matter their race, is heard in the medical field.