Nyla Shah, Class of ’26 found a community when she came to American University of the Caribbean (AUC), joining the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA). As this chapter’s president she works to heighten awareness of women’s health issues through such activities as a mentorship program, lecture series, and community outreach programs.

Shelby Hamilton, Class of ’25 who herself was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), has through dedicated research worked to link PCOS to Hypothyroidism. Her presentation won third place at an AUC UK Research Symposium in 2022. Additionally, she was accepted into the 2023 Annual Academic Meeting of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Annual Meeting in London in February 2023.

We celebrate Chamberlain’s Stacey Borasky Ferguson, EdD, MSW, dean of the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program, and Linda Quast, MS, MBA, PMP, faculty manager of the MSW degree program. Their passion for social work and community helped them find a home in higher education and create an impact on the lives of those around them. 

Kenyani “Kiki” Davis, MD ’12, MPH, is one of Buffalo Business First’s 40 under 40. As the chief medical officer of the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc, Dr. Davis holds a number of roles, board seats and volunteer positions. Even with this level of responsibility, her passion in this industry has led her to advocate for patients and aspiring medical professionals who look like her.

Trellor Fraites, director of the Division of Laboratory Services, has earned the Prime Minister’s Award for Women in Science, bestowed for outstanding contributions in the areas of science, technology, economic impact, and in building a better St. Kitts and Nevis. Her work as director, spanning over 10 years, has proven not only her ability but the level of care when it comes to helping her community.

Dr. Cora Jackson works to break generational cycles of poverty and elevate communities. One of the founding members of Delta Hands for Hope, a nonprofit organization, Dr. Jackson has been involved in programs which bring much needed resources to those that may have had to otherwise go without.  

Dr. Ethel Perry, a graduate of Walden’s PhD in Psychology Program, has joined Walden as a faculty member and now guides students in their own doctoral journeys. Through reaching to help and creating connections, Dr. Perry is helping the next generation of doctorate students reach their goals.