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Meet the 2022 Walmart Health Equity Scholarship Recipients The financial support will help students’ educational commitment to serving rural or underserved communities upon graduation.

The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy has selected 10 individuals as recipients of the Walmart Health Equity Scholarship for Pharmacy Students recognizing their leadership, academic success, and a commitment to serving rural or medically underserved patient populations upon graduation.

“AACP is extremely proud of its long-standing partnership with Walmart and our mutual commitment to improving access to healthcare,” said AACP Executive Vice President and CEO Lee Vermeulen, B.S.Pharm., M.S., FCCP, FFIP.

“We know the true impact of Walmart’s generosity will be realized after these outstanding students graduate and have an opportunity to further support communities in need.”

AACP received nearly 700 applications from pharmacy students at private and public institutions, a record number for any association scholarship or award.

The 2022 Walmart Health Equity Scholarship Recipients are:

Jacee Billings

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

"[This scholarship] will allow me to participate in clubs throughout the school that I may have not been able to afford to participate in without this scholarship and give me the opportunity to give back to my community through service work. I can now grow into a better leader and person through this contribution and serve underserved populations to the best of my abilities."

Maya Harris

Howard University

"This scholarship will help me to achieve my career goals by assisting me with the expenses of my education and my boards, so that as a pharmacist, I can aid in the improvement of public health through research and education awareness, and help address barriers that exist for optimal healthcare in medically and financially underserved areas."

Nathalie Iribe

University of Southern California

"As a first-generation student, I knew that I wanted to pursue pharmacy to serve minority communities and promote health equity given that pharmacists are the most accessible health care providers. My only concern for accepting my offer to pharmacy school initially was the cost."
"…With this scholarship, I am able to focus more of my energy on community events like health fairs, mentorship, and student outreach events."

Jannell Jeffers

Thomas Jefferson University

"This scholarship will allow me the opportunity to apply to post graduate programs. My goal is to equip myself with as much knowledge as much as possible so I can deliver the best care to my future patients."

Karisse Lora

University of Connecticut

"As a future pharmacist, I look forward to serving as an advocate for my community and other underrepresented populations. This scholarship will help me attain my goal of pursuing a post-graduate program that will further my personal development and professional growth. I am blessed to be a recipient of this award and am extremely thankful for this honor."

Elise Moore

University of Minnesota

"This scholarship is a reminder that an intentional focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion deserves to be celebrated and recognized. I am hopeful that I can lift up other people interested in these efforts along the way and encourage this way of thinking to be part of the holistic process of how we as pharmacists deliver patient care."

Stanley Otiwu

The University of Georgia 

"I aim to match surplus medicine that would otherwise be wasted, with patients who would otherwise not be able to afford them, to provide affordable medication to millions."
"… The Walmart Health Equity Scholarship will allow me to continue pursuing the education necessary to turn these dreams into lasting change."

Vindya Perera

Northeast Ohio Medical University

"This scholarship will help me apply the skills and passion I have for serving my community, which has grown throughout my training. I plan to pursue a career in ambulatory care pharmacy, and hope to join a practice where I can work collaboratively with physicians and other providers to provide the highest-quality, comprehensive medical care to uninsured and underinsured patients."

Rena Reid

University of Pittsburgh

"This scholarship will provide me with the means to continue my research regarding health literacy for underserved communities."
"…My current career path is leading me to work for the United States Public Health Service, where I hope to continue reforming healthcare for my underrepresented neighbors."

Kenneth Richardson

University of Pittsburgh

"I aspire to become a trusted healthcare provider within my communities and help bridge gaps in healthcare access and quality for vulnerable populations. This award will allow me to continue advocating for rising healthcare professionals of color, affirming that they can do it too and to never give up."

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