Alumni {sequence}

My participation in the 20/20 Leadership program has truly shaped my personal and professional growth, bettering my leadership skills and deepening my understanding of what it means to leave a legacy. Through this program, I have developed confidence, flexibility, and a sense of responsibility, all of which will guide me as I pursue a career in genetics and advocate for women’s health. To me, leadership is not about authority but about influence and the impact you leave, as well as how people can build onto that.

One of the most intense ways I have grown as a leader is by developing the confidence to speak up. Growing up surrounded by strong women, I have always been aware of their struggles and resilience. Despite being surrounded by these women, I struggled to speak up for myself. Being apart of 20/20 Leadership has allowed me to translate the awareness into action. To finally have to courage to speak up has been a game changer. I have learned to take initiative, work collaboratively, and trouble shoot various issues. Whether it was engaging in discussions about societal issues, organizing projects, or leading a team, I have further developed my ability to listen, adapt, and make informed decisions. The things I have experienced in leadership have taught me that it’s not about who you are, or your title, but how you use your title to make things work. It doesn’t mean much to say you are a leader if you can’t show it.

Leadership is not just about achieving personal success. It is about uplifting others. In my future career as a geneticist, I plan to use these skills to advocate for women’s health, particularly for Black women, who are often overlooked in the healthcare system. I want to educate women about the genetic factors that influence their health and work towards creating healthcare solutions that are suitable for them. Whether this comes through research, workshops, taking the time to speak out publicly. I want to ensure that women are informed and feel empowered enough to be in charge of their well-being. The ability to communicate effectively and inspire change, skills that I have gained through 20/20 Leadership, will be a key point in making my future.

The idea of leaving a legacy has become meaningful to me through this program. To me, leaving a legacy means creating a lasting impact that benefits future generations. It is about challenging societal norms, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that my work continues to inspire and benefit individuals after I am gone. My legacy will be built on advocating for impartiality within the health field, pushing for scientific breakthroughs that’ll benefit disempowered communities directly, and ensuring that future generations of women are set with the knowledge and resources to navigate their health with confidence.

Furthermore, leaving a legacy is not only about professional achievements and goals but also about the relationships and values we imprint onto others. The 20/20 Leadership program has taught me the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and influence. I aspire to be a role model for young women who want to break barriers in the medical and scientific fields, just like me. By sharing my journey, I hope to leave behind a line of self-assured individuals who continue the fight for equality and advancements in scientific fields, as well as the healthcare field.

As a whole, my experience with 20/20 Leadership has shaped me into a leader who values communication, advocacy, and long-term impact. The lessons I have learned will help me maneuver through my academic and professional journey, making it clear that my leadership is not just about personal success but about making a powerful difference in the lives of others. Through my work in genetics and healthcare, I will aim to leave a legacy that provides knowledge, inclusivity, and long term change.