As a society, we must strive for a healthcare system that serves all individuals despite their race or ethnicity. Today, African Americans make up only 6% of nurses in the United States. I desire to become a part of this percentage as a pediatric nurse, increasing racial diversity in healthcare one step at a time. My long-term career goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner and work in low-income communities to combat health disparities. I aspire to provide quality care, education, support, and awareness for children and their families. Children are a vulnerable population and need someone who will make them feel comfortable when going to the doctor or hospital which is why I desire to work closely as an advocate for them. Increasing racial diversity in healthcare allows for health disparities to decrease and improve cultural competence among providers. Studies have shown that patients are more likely to follow through with treatment plans and attend appointments when they have a healthcare provider who looks like them. This is because the patient feels comfortable receiving care as they have someone who they can truly relate to. Combating health disparities is imperative to ensure every individual is able to have a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, having a healthcare provider who is culturally competent provides patients with a better healthcare experience. Culture competency is a healthcare professional’s understanding and respect of an individual’s culture. With this knowledge, providers are able to deliver care that is unique for the patient as they take into consideration their personal beliefs and background. Furthermore, cultural competence allows providers to communicate effectively with patients and build a trusting relationship with them. They also tend to be a better advocate for the patient since they know them so well. Reducing health disparities and improving cultural competence in healthcare is crucial to ensure all patients receive high quality care. Overall, increasing racial diversity in healthcare is essential for reducing disparities, improving cultural competence, building trust, and enhancing communication among healthcare providers and patients. Because of this, patients are able to receive the best care possible. As a future nurse, I plan on changing the healthcare system by not only utilizing my knowledge to provide high quality care and promote healthy lifestyles, but also making patients feel comfortable receiving medical attention. Through the prioritization of diversity and inclusion in the medical field, it creates a healthcare system that effectively benefits every patient.