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Marline Jean-Marie

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Reading
  • Gardening
  • Mental Health
  • Poetry
  • Psychology
  • Advocacy And Activism

Reading

  • Classics
  • Cultural
  • Mystery
  • Folklore
  • Spirituality

I read books multiple times a month.

Bio

I am rising fourth year pharmacy student who aspires to make a global impact concerning medicine. I am also pursing a dual degree, Masters in Health Science Administration. As a first generation Haitian immigrant, international affairs and community service are incredibly important to me. When it comes to pharmacy, my interests include: industry, clinical research, hospital and humanitarian work.

Education

Regis University

Master's degree program

2026 – 2027

Majors:
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services

Xavier University of Louisiana

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

2021 – 2027

Majors:
  • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration

Arlington Catholic High School

High School

2019 – 2021

Majors:
  • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
  • Chemistry
Minors:
  • Biology, General

Pope John Xxiii Central High School

High School

2017 – 2019

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Xavier University of Louisiana
Majors of interest:
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration

Career

  • Member

    Pharmaceuticals · XULA American College of Veterinary Pharmacists

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

  • Recruitment Chair, Co-Vice President & Spring Ambassador

    Hospital & Health Care · XULA Global Medical Brigades

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Member & Volunteer

    Health, Wellness, and Fitness · XULA Health Education Ambassador Team

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Miss College of Pharmacy

    Government Administration · XULA Pharmacy Student Association

    Jan 2026 – Present

  • Pharmacy Student [Rotating] Intern

    Pharmaceuticals · Walmart Pharmacy

    Jan 2026 – Jan 2026

  • Member

    Pharmaceuticals · Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy: American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)

    Jan 2023 – Present

  • Member

    Pharmaceuticals · Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy: American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP)

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

  • President

    Civic & Social Organization · Xavier University of Louisiana: Caribbean Student Association (CSA)

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

  • Fundraising Chairperson

    Civic & Social Organization · Xavier University of Louisiana: National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

  • Treasurer & ACCP Clinical Pharmacy Challenge Team Member

    Pharmaceuticals · Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy: Student College of Clinical Pharmacy (SCCP)

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2026

  • Hostess & Treasurer

    Pharmaceuticals · Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy: Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International (CPFI)

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2026

  • Miss P1

    Pharmaceuticals · Xavier University College of Pharmacy: Class of 2027 P1 Class Council

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2023

  • Student Worker

    Information Technology and Services · Xavier University of Louisiana: Office of Technology Administration

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Representative

    Pharmaceuticals · Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy: Pharmacy Student Association (PSA) Election Board Committee

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

  • Mentor-to-Mentor Coordinator

    Pharmaceuticals · Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy: Vanguard Interactive Mentoring Scholars (VIMS)

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2026

  • Program Instructor, Pharmacy Calculations Instructor

    Pharmaceuticals · Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy: Pharmacy Pre-Matriculation Summer Program

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

  • Pharmacy Student [Rotating] Intern

    Pharmaceuticals · Walgreens Pharmacy

    Jan 2024 – Jan 2024

  • Pharmacy Student [Rotating] Intern

    Pharmaceuticals · UMCNO - LSU Health Network Hospital Inpatient

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

  • Pharmacy Student [Rotating] Intern

    Pharmaceuticals · Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

  • Pharmacy Intern

    Pharmaceuticals · CVS Pharmacy

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Intern

    Education · STEM NOLA

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2023

  • Resident Assistant

    Higher Education · Xavier University of Louisiana

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2024

  • Retail Member/Associate

    Retail · Panera Bread

    Jan 2020 – Jan 2021

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Pharmaceuticals
Dream career goals:
Pharmacist (Industry, Clinical, Humanitarian, or Psychiatric)
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Politics
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Future Nonprofit Leaders Award
“You didn’t just offer your time; you offered your heart. Your hard work, energy, compassion have left a lasting mark on our community…please know that the impact of your work stays right here with us. You are now a vital part of our extended family on the other side of the world.” Unys “You decided to make this journey to Global Brigades…you left your comfort zone from Louisiana to Ghana to provide medical intervention. But it didn’t just end there you fundraised all the medications and then you also made sure to get the specialist doctors, professors, consultants…what you have done is so appreciable, we want you to be ambassadors out there, tell these stories so we can continue to make this impact that has eternal reward and bridge the healthcare gap.” Dr. Kofi A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of spending 8 days in Ghana. There, as a member of Xavier University of Louisiana’s chapter of Global Medical Brigades, I helped bring & establish clinics to local villages that generally find it difficult to access. From Ekumpoano to Akwanza Kokodo, I shadowed, assisted, educated and practiced skills under medical doctors, nurses, optometrists, dentists and--most especially—pharmacists. Enriching the education I currently obtain as a Xavier [pharmacy] student. This organization not only gave me the opportunity to reach & care for 389 patients [from peds to geriatrics] but also allowed me to demonstrate how my desire to serve is not just national, but international. This had also been my second medical brigade trip. Last year, I was blessed enough to do this for the first time in Coclé, Panama. When I had touched back home in the US, I told myself that if I can find a way to do this kind of work forever…I must. So, I did my research--learned more about humanitarian pharmacy, connected with one of my professors [whom I had no idea was already doing this kind of work], and fulfilled my promise to be an ambassador as I spoke at our College of Pharmacy assembly where I recruited more volunteers [doubling our amount of participants from Panama to Ghana] and influenced the next group to do the same [in both the labor & advocacy]. This is why I want to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. It’s one thing to serve your local community, it’s another to serve on a global scale. Global Medical Brigades opened my eyes to the possibilities of humanitarian pharmacy—to potentially work with Pharmacists Without Borders, make community service my career and lifelong work, and actively bring awareness and education to ultimately eliminate healthcare gaps and disparities. This nonprofit organization has influenced my aspirations in an insurmountable way. I have already seen the positive impact on communities that working through a non-profit sector will result in, my only hope is to see it continue—never-end. I believe it will be through nonprofit organizations that I will bring about the change I wish to see in the world. A world where health equity is achieved: health literacy and education are increased, cultural sensitivity is practiced more, resources are readily available to all, and health outcomes are at an all-time positive. My dreams are as big as this world, and they can & will be done because & through nonprofit organizations—where the work, compassionate as it is, is more important than the financial compensation. Gracias, medaase, thank you for taking the time to read this and becoming the next person that I had promised to “tell these stories” to.
Bulkthreads.com's "Let's Build Together" Scholarship
As I embark on my pharmacy journey, I dream of establishing a place of healing—one that transcends the boundaries of conventional medicine and fosters holistic well-being. I envision a practice that not only focuses on physical health but also embraces alternative medicines and healing practices from various cultures, creating a space where people from all walks of life can find balance, restoration, and connection. After graduation, I aspire to open my own practice, a pharmacy with an incredibly inclusive approach. This space will integrate traditional pharmaceutical care with alternative healing methods. By combining Western medicine with the rich wisdom of cultures across the world, I believe this design can offer patients a more well-rounded and comprehensive approach to their health. It will be a place where patients are treated as whole individuals, and their emotional, mental, and social well-being become noticeably as important as their physical health. This vision is not merely about offering a diverse range of treatments; it is about creating a community-centered practice offering a diverse range of providers ready to truly see and heal you. I want this establishment to employ people from different backgrounds and experiences so people can come together, share their stories, and find support. This is a place where people aren’t just patients but participants in their own healing process, and can see themselves in their doctors. From physical disabilities to languages, accommodations will automatically be a given before patients step through the door. This approach can offer relief for individuals who may feel alienated by the conventional medical system, especially those from underserved communities who lack access to culturally competent care. As a second-year pharmacy student, I am aware of the barriers that many individuals face when seeking healthcare. Financial limitations, cultural stigmas, and the rigid structure of traditional medicine often prevent people from seeking help or receiving the care they need. My goal is to bridge these gaps, ensuring that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and holistic. I envision culturally sensitive and diverse doctors working here, partnerships with community organizations, and programs that prioritize education around wellness practices, empowering individuals to take charge of their health. My place of healing will not only impact individuals but also contribute to a broader shift in healthcare, one that values diversity, inclusivity, and a more integrated approach to wellness. The knowledge and experience I gain through my education will equip me with the tools I need to turn this dream into a reality, and with this scholarship, I would be one step closer to building the future I believe in—one that heals both the body and the spirit of all of our respected communities.
Student Life Photography Scholarship
Elevate Black Entrepreneurs Scholarship
My journey into entrepreneurship began with understanding what healing really means. As a first-generation Haitian immigrant, I grew up with the knowledge that sacrifice is an integral part of life. My parents left behind everything they knew to give me and my sister the chance at a better future in the United States. The pressures of carrying that responsibility on my shoulders have shaped me and fueled my drive to create something meaningful—not just for myself but also for my community and generations after. I am currently pursuing a pharmacy degree at Xavier University of Louisiana, with the aspiration to own and operate my own pharmacy one day. However, my vision extends far beyond simply dispensing prescriptions. I want to bridge the gap between alternative medicine and modern pharmaceuticals, offering solutions that are not just effective but also sustainable, holistic, and accessible. I understand that the body and mind need balance to function optimally, and I want to provide my community with tools for self-care that promote overall well-being. This vision is what led me to create Jean-Marie Botanicals, a small but passionate venture aimed at introducing plant-based wellness products, starting with Haitian black castor oil. The roots of Jean-Marie Botanicals are deeply tied to my heritage and my personal experiences. Growing up, I witnessed my mother using natural remedies to care for herself and our family. Haitian black castor oil, or “lwil maskriti”, is a staple in our home for everything from hair care to treating muscle aches. It is a natural way of caring for ourselves, a practice passed down through generations. As I got older, I realized that I could combine my passion for health with my desire to honor my heritage by offering a line of products that not only support wellness but also promote sustainability. Jean-Marie Botanicals was born from this blend of tradition and innovation. I believe that self-care is integral to health care, and my mission is to remind people that they are deserving of care, both inside and out. Through this brand, I aim to encourage others—particularly Black communities who have long been underrepresented in the wellness space—to make self-care a priority. We often forget to nurture ourselves in the pursuit of our goals and responsibilities, and I want Jean-Marie Botanicals to be a reminder that taking time for personal care is an essential part of staying healthy and thriving. The journey of entrepreneurship, however, has not been without its challenges. As a Black woman, the barriers to starting a business are real, and accessing resources or support has been difficult. Venture funding for Black entrepreneurs remains limited, and the lack of representation in the industry means that the challenges faced by people like me are often overlooked. Yet, I remain undeterred. I am driven to create a meaningful impact, not just for my own success, but to help shift the narrative for future generations of entrepreneurs who look like me. This scholarship will allow me to gain the resources, mentorship, and networks I need to continue building Jean-Marie Botanicals and expand it beyond just my own vision. My short-term goal is to continue refining and growing the brand, increasing awareness about the benefits of plant-based remedies like Haitian black castor oil. I want to provide my community with accessible alternatives to conventional products while also educating them on the importance of self-care. In the long term, I aspire to open my own pharmacy that integrates alternative and modern medicine in a holistic, patient-centered approach. I want to provide a space where people can explore options for their health and wellness, not just as a quick fix, but as a long-term commitment to living well. Jean-Marie Botanicals is just one step toward a much larger goal: creating a healing space that blends modern science with the healing power of nature. With support, I hope to expand my product line and reach more people who can benefit from the therapeutic power of plant-based remedies. I believe that by focusing on sustainable, natural, and culturally rich wellness practices, I can help fill the gaps in the wellness industry while also contributing to the health and healing of my community. In conclusion, my journey as an entrepreneur is about more than just building a business; it’s about empowering my community and honoring my heritage. It’s about changing the way we think about self-care and wellness, making it accessible and meaningful for everyone. The Elevate Black Entrepreneurs Scholarship would provide the opportunity to take Jean-Marie Botanicals to the next level, and in turn, help me achieve my broader vision of creating a more inclusive, holistic, and sustainable health and wellness industry.
Dr. Sami Shafiq-Barker Memorial Scholarship
Academic demands, financial insecurity and personal well-being, as a second-year pharmacy student at Xavier University of Louisiana, I face the challenges of balancing these needs. Still, my journey has been shaped by resilience, & I am inspired by Dr. Sami Shafiq-Barker’s commitment to her profession & community. I aim to honor her legacy by supporting future pharmacy students, particularly those from backgrounds like mine. As a first-generation Haitian immigrant from Boston, MA, I’ve been instilled with values of honoring where you’ve come from, striving for success & looking out for my people. My path to pharmacy school has not been easy. In my first year, I struggled with overwhelming expectations, which led to depression and imposter syndrome. My mental health was so low, it came to the point I fell into thinking I have no future. Thankfully, the support of my family, classmates & mentors helped me overcome these challenges & reinforced the importance of community. Looking ahead, I aspire to open up my own practice. A place of healing that provides accessible care to all underserved communities, from cultural differences to physical disabilities. I also want to mentor students facing similar struggles, sharing resources & guidance. I currently use my social media page to document my PharmD journey, foster a supportive community, & share scholarships, opportunities, & motivation. Passionate about helping others, I will continue to move with intention, just as Dr. Shafiq-Barker did. Through perseverance, community, & giving back, I am committed to ensuring her legacy endures.
MedLuxe Representation Matters Scholarship
Time–it catches up with all of us. You never know how much of it you may have. The more you have the better, but one cannot say the same for its sister, Age. With age comes more responsibility, experience and hopefully wisdom, but it also comes with increased susceptibility to disease, fatigue, and overall health deterioration. During my senior year of high school, my maternal grandparents moved out of their old home and into mine. This was temporary until my aunt had her home prepared for them to permanently stay in. My grandmother is a prime example of age equating to health deterioration. She can no longer move around by herself, had reversible dementia, and ultimately struck fear in all of our hearts. During her time with us, I paid attention to everything that came with providing for her. As a first generation immigrant, I’m not new to having to play translator. Before I would step in, I could hear the frustrating tones on both ends of a call trying to handle my grandmother’s medication. One end was filled with disdain, hating that they’re dealing with a “foreign” family and the other upset at the lack of patience from the physician & how language barriers seem to be a difficulty they can’t escape. That image played in my head so much so that it began to affect the image I had for the future. I knew I wanted to pursue pharmacy–to make medicine and distribute it from my own practice, but that memory, as well as others, encouraged me to make sure that when I do build up my practice it’ll prioritize having people everyone can relate to/recognize. I want to work with people who identify with various cultures and speak various languages [including the nonverbal ones]. No one should ever walk into a building, meant to put their health first, and feel afraid to speak because the provider on the other end not only doesn’t look or sound like them, but also doesn’t try to understand them. We need more people who are people, and not just the generic look that is the majority of America. With increased racial diversity in healthcare, there’ll be more personalized healthcare as well as decreased discrimination. So many people of color refuse to go to hospitals because we are very aware of the very real threat of not having someone who looks like us, in said position of power, to advocate for us when the ones already there [in that powerful position] refuse to listen to us directly. Increased diversity will also give more opportunities and encourage the upbringing of safe spaces for people of color in/pursuing medicine. I recall when my mother, a registered nurse, told my sister and I of times when her patients refused to let her touch them, to let her do her job. Racism is a great disease, but it can be eradicated, primarily through initiatives to accept, understand, and accommodate all people. I’ve always been interested in medicine–the creation of it, how it works–but what good is specializing in a field if you can’t truly utilize it in its capacity [which is to heal all]. I have an immense interest in pharmacognosy, particularly, which is the creation of medicine with sources derived from plants. I feel as though there’s more to healing than just heading straight to using pharmaceuticals; healing comes in various forms and I aspire to build a practice that is well-rounded in it all [from preventive medicine to alternative choices to modern].
Manuela Calles Scholarship for Women
@frankadvice National Scholarship Month TikTok Scholarship
@normandiealise National Scholarship Month TikTok Scholarship
@GrowingWithGabby National Scholarship Month TikTok Scholarship
Ms. Catherine Gipson Scholarship
We were the most diverse school in the state; we were all similar in that none of us were similar to one another. Pope John XXIII High School resided in Everett, Massachusetts before it was shut down due to financial issues. So many of us had transferred to Arlington Catholic High School–going from the most diverse school to the least. The moment we stepped foot there we faced: staredowns, microaggressions, and racism like I’ve never seen before. I have always gone to diverse schools, had a diverse friend group, and was just so sheltered to real hate that when I finally experienced it, it hit me hard. My last two years of high school there were years of revelations. I realized how white the world is, and all the forms of racism that took shape throughout my life. It’s when you’re older that you recognize the big meanings behind all the little things that occurred during your development. I noticed that even within my diverse “shelter” there was hate there too. In middle school, we didn’t pay attention to the real effects behind all the “jokes” we had made at each other. We called it dark humor and gaslit each other. We didn’t feel the severity of the jokes until we were surrounded by people who didn’t look like us, individually or collectively. Minority against minority didn’t feel as serious as majority against minority. Those years of truly experiencing being a minority [an experience I believe my sheltered-self was privileged enough not to endure in my “diverse spaces” where this was not discussed enough about] was enough for me to say I don’t want to do it again. That was one of my reasons to join an HBCU–I have all my life to be a minority and I’m blessed to say I’m attending an institution where I don’t have to be one again before I’m thrown into the world as an adult. My second reason was that I wanted to be surrounded by black excellence, by people who looked like me and would inspire and motivate each other toward their goals. I understand that no matter which HBCU you attend you’ll be a part of an automatic family that’ll look out for you. I just felt that this was something that I (and all black people or poc) need in the world that we live in. As for what social justice means to me, it’s all about thriving for unity, equity, and equality. I’m aware that with the formers people assume that we can only have one and not the other. But really when you have equity, you bring about equality. When you cater to each individual’s needs, you help them all obtain a fair chance in the race of life. Striving for this is social justice. As for what I’ve done, I’ve: completed online sexual assault advocacy training through New Orleans Family Justice Center (and now awaiting in person training), been interning at STEM NOLA [a nonprofit organiztion whose mission is to engage New Orleans’s youth in the fields of STEM, a mission I believe is admirable as we actively show the youth that we have an interest in their future, some of who might find additional hardships due to how they identify] and started my blog Diary of a Mad Black Pearl [which serves to bring about communication and healing within the Haitian community and display representation]. I have and will continue to show that I am a woman for the people, a woman I am proud to be growing into thanks to the experiences that shaped me.
Marline Jean-Marie Student Profile | Bold.org