What makes you feel confident?

As a "girly-girl" in STEM, I feel most confident when both my academics and my outfits are at their best. I think a lot of people think the two are mutually exclusive, being well-educated and still being feminine. In the words of Elle Woods (Legally Blonde, 2001), "What, like it's hard?"

What has been your biggest challenge and how did you deal with it?

While I am not a first-generation college graduate, I am the first in my family to pursue medical school. Much of what it takes to become a proper medical applicant, I have had to figure out on my own. This involved my coursework selection, gaining clinical experience, engaging in research, networking, etc. As a woman of color, I have also faced many barriers to my education. Over the course of my studies, I have experienced racial/gender-based microaggressions, financial difficulties, and disparities in resources compared to my counterparts. However, Faith is my middle name. I know my capabilities as a student even amongst doubt and confusion. I know the purpose that has been placed over my life and the significance my success will hold for others like me. I have continued and will continue to persist through adversity until I reach my lifelong aspiration of becoming a pediatrician.

What do you love about your work?

What I love about my work is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young women of color within my community. It's incredibly rewarding to see them grow in confidence and pursue their education. Many of the young women have made great strides under our program- being accepted into professional schools, releasing publications, and so much more. One surprising aspect that people may not know is that Petals and S.T.E.M. is one of the youngest-led nonprofits (of similar size and impact) within our community, with all of our current team members, including myself, still under 30 years old. Despite our youth, we are passionate, driven, and dedicated to creating meaningful change.