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Reginald Ford

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I am someone whose life has been shaped by resilience, reflection, and a deep desire to help others heal. As the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and now pursuing my master’s in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, I’m driven by the belief that well-being should be accessible, culturally grounded, and informed by lived experience. My own journey through grief and post-traumatic growth revealed how deeply culture, identity, and history shape our mental health. That understanding fuels my passion for supporting individuals and communities who have often been overlooked by traditional research and care. I’m committed to expanding culturally informed approaches to trauma, resilience, and healing, and I hope to live this work through multiple pathways—as a coach, speaker, mentor, researcher, and possibly as a therapist one day. I create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and safe to explore the parts of themselves they’ve learned to hide. What makes me a strong candidate is the blend of lived experience, academic training, and purpose-driven leadership I bring to mental health work. I know trauma both personally and academically, and I understand the power of compassion, evidence-based practices, and culturally attuned care. My goal is to dedicate my life to helping people move from survival to flourishing and to ensure that every community can access the tools, language, and support needed for true well-being.

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Master's degree program
2025 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Psychology, Other

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor's degree program
2009 - 2013
  • Majors:
    • Business/Managerial Economics

Vanderbilt University

Master's degree program
2009 - 2014
  • Majors:
    • Accounting and Computer Science

Montgomery Bell Academy

High School
2005 - 2009

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Psychology, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Health, Wellness, and Fitness

    • Dream career goals:

      Sports

      Football

      Varsity
      2010 – 20111 year

      Awards

      • SEC Academic Honor Roll

      Research

      • Psychology, Other

        University of Pennsylvania — Student researcher
        2025 – Present

      Public services

      • Advocacy

        NAMI — Advocate
        2021 – Present

      Future Interests

      Advocacy

      Volunteering

      Philanthropy

      Entrepreneurship

      Reginald Ford Student Profile | Bold.org