Elevating Voices, Empowering Journeys
2025 MD graduate Jahlecia Gregory is no stranger to rising to the occasion. Originally from Boynton Beach, Florida, and a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Jahlecia recently added a new milestone to her list of accomplishments: delivering the keynote address at the ElevateMeD Fundraising Gala as one of their honored scholars. Set to begin her psychiatry residency at Yale, Jahlecia鈥檚 journey reflects the power of mentorship, resilience and community support 鈥� values that deeply align with the mission of 亚色视频黄色app下载.
鈥淚 was nervous 鈥� it was my first keynote speech,鈥� Jahlecia recalled. 鈥淏ut it felt so special to reflect on my story and share it in a room filled with people who鈥檝e poured into my journey.鈥�
From growing up with financial insecurity to finding strength in her grandmother鈥檚 support, Jahlecia credits much of her success to her village, which now includes ElevateMeD. The organization鈥檚 $10,000 scholarship, professional development and mentorship helped her reduce debt and gain invaluable exposure, including a scholars鈥� weekend and leadership workshops. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e showing what it looks like to build health equity from the ground up.鈥�
Jahlecia鈥檚 ElevateMeD mentor, Dr. Kaelyn Bookman, a Yale psychiatry resident, played a pivotal role in guiding her toward a summer research fellowship at Yale鈥檚 Child Study Center. That opportunity, sparked by a chance meeting at an SNMA conference, opened doors to autism research and solidified her commitment to child and adolescent psychiatry. She also receives support from Dr. Maya McQuiston, another ElevateMeD mentor, who鈥檚 helped her navigate residency preparation as a first-generation college graduate and future physician.
The shared mission between 亚色视频黄色app下载 and ElevateMeD was on full display at the gala, where 亚色视频黄色app下载 faculty and alumni were well represented 鈥� including the evening鈥檚 MC, Dr. Jayne Morgan, Associate Professor of Cardiology at 亚色视频黄色app下载. 鈥淚t was a reminder that ElevateMeD sees the value in what we bring as Morehouse [School of Medicine] students,鈥� Jahlecia said. 鈥淭hey know our potential to uplift communities.鈥�
As she prepares for her next chapter, Jahlecia encourages other students from statistically less prevalent backgrounds to embrace their unique paths: 鈥淥nce you can articulate who you are and what drives you, you鈥檒l find your tribe. Programs like ElevateMeD are filled with people who want to see you thrive.鈥�
About the Author
Michael Martin is a content strategist who believes in crafting compelling stories that inspire and connect. With a pen for storytelling, he brings the journeys of future physicians to life, highlighting their impact and dedication to healthcare.
Contact
Michael Martin
Digital Content Strategist
Office of Marketing & Communications
mamartin@msm.edu