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3rd Annual Melanin and Medicine Event Huge Success!



Our 3rd Annual Melanin and Medicine Event was held on Feb. 27th at Thomas Jefferson High School! It was truly a success! Below are some highlights from the event!


Demographics

The event welcomed students from multiple schools, primarily from Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS), as well as a few from non-FWPS institutions. This diverse representation was made possible through partnerships with FWPS advocates and stakeholders who helped facilitate student participation.


Schools Represented

FWPS schools:

-          Federal Way High School

-          TAF@Saghalie

-          Puget Sound Skills Center

-          Federal Way High School

-          Thomas Jefferson High School

-          Kilo Middle School

Non-FWPS Schools:

-          Why Not You Academy


Basic Demographic Snapshots (count out of 92 participants





Participant Engagement

Students were highly engaged throughout the event, showing enthusiasm for skill development, career exploration, and health literacy discussions. Guest speakers shared invaluable insights, and participants connected deeply with the mission of Build 2 Lead’s “B2L Wellness” Initiative.


Skill Development

Workshops helped students develop hands-on skills in:

  • Surgical Technology

  • Family Nursing & Sexual Health Education

  • Mental Health Counseling & Community Resource Navigation

  • Blood Pressure Education & Manual Blood Pressure Checks


Career Awareness

Students explored various career pathways, including:

  • Healthcare Administration

  • Healthcare Information Technology

  • Healthcare Law & Policy

  • Supply Chain Management in Healthcare

  • Ultrasound Sonography

  • Nurse Practitioner Tracks

  • Healthcare Leadership

Additionally, discussions covered post-secondary options, such as financing medical education, pre-apprenticeships, and apprenticeships.

We conducted pre- and post-surveys to assess how the event influenced students’ awareness and confidence regarding healthcare careers. Below is a summary of the key insights from our data captured from 84 out of 92 participants.


1. Healthcare Career Exposure

Pre-Survey: Many students had limited knowledge of the breadth of healthcare career options. 

Post-Survey: There was a 32% increase in students reporting a strong understanding of high-paying and non-traditional healthcare careers.

B2L Impact: Exposure to professionals and industry insights significantly broadened participants’ awareness of career possibilities in healthcare.

 

2. Awareness of Healthcare Career Tracks

Pre-Survey: Students were unsure of different career tracks in healthcare. 

Post-Survey: Awareness increased by 41%, with more students recognizing various professional roles beyond traditional medicine.

B2L Impact: By demystifying career paths, we helped students see new possibilities and expanded their understanding of healthcare professions.


3. Career Pathway & Pipeline Understanding

Pre-Survey: Students had little knowledge of how to enter healthcare careers. Post-Survey: A 37% increase in students understanding the necessary steps for pursuing healthcare careers.

B2L Impact: Learning about educational pathways, apprenticeships, and alternative routes gave students clearer direction and motivation to pursue healthcare careers.


4. Confidence in Succeeding in Healthcare

Pre-Survey: Many students lacked confidence in their ability to succeed in healthcare. 

Post-Survey: A 45% increase in students feeling they could thrive in the field.

B2L Impact: Representation matters—seeing BIPOC professionals in the industry inspired students and reinforced their belief in their own potential.


5. Individual Interest in Healthcare Careers

Pre-Survey: Some students were unsure if healthcare aligned with their interests. 

Post-Survey: A 29% increase in students expressing a strong interest in healthcare careers.

B2L Impact: Exposure to diverse career options helped students find paths that resonated with their personal aspirations.


6. Feelings of Equity & Representation in Healthcare

Pre-Survey: Many students felt underrepresented in the healthcare industry. 

Post-Survey: A 50% increase in students feeling that their communities were equitably represented in healthcare.

B2L Impact: Seeing BIPOC professionals in leadership roles showed students that healthcare is a space where they belong and can thrive.


Overview of Facilitators/Agents of Change

At the Melanin and Medicine event, a diverse group of healthcare professionals and industry leaders came together to share their knowledge, experiences, and pathways to success. These facilitators not only led workshops but also served as living examples of what is possible for BIPOC youth in healthcare. Their presence underscored the importance of representation, showing young attendees that they, too, can thrive in medical, mental health, and allied health professions.

Leaders in Medicine and Mental Health

  • Dr. Ali Thomas – As a physician and advocate, Dr. Thomas illuminated the historical and present-day challenges of anti-Black racism in medicine, inspiring students to reclaim leadership in healthcare.

  • Mr. Castillo, Licensed Mental Health Counselor – Mental health is often overlooked in healthcare discussions, but Mr. Castillo’s expertise highlighted the importance of emotional wellness and counseling careers.

Nursing & Advanced Practice Providers

  • Rasheda Hatchett, MN, RN – A seasoned nurse leader, Rasheda shared insights on resilience, leadership, and the power of nursing in transforming healthcare systems.

  • Jacqui Murillo, Family Nurse Practitioner – As a specialist in sexual health and reproductive justice, Jacqui provided a critical perspective on patient advocacy and trauma-informed care.

  • Josiah Wedgwood, RN – With a deep commitment to patient care, Josiah offered hands-on learning opportunities, giving students a glimpse into the daily life of a nurse.

Surgical and Diagnostic Healthcare Professions

  • Taniesha Murrell, CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) – Taniesha introduced students to the behind-the-scenes world of surgical procedures and the critical role surgical technologists play in patient safety.

  • Vanetta Scott, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – Vanetta shared her journey in medical imaging, demonstrating how sonographers play an essential role in diagnosing and treating medical conditions.

Healthcare Administration and Workforce Development

  • Cora Wyche, Workforce Pathways Program Manager – Cora guided students in understanding workforce pipelines and how to navigate career pathways in healthcare.

  • Nick Khamphilom, Senior Career Development Advisor – Nick provided invaluable career advice, helping students envision and plan for their futures in healthcare.

  • Cynthia Maccotan, Program Manager – Cynthia connected participants with resources and opportunities to further their education and career aspirations in health and medicine.

Allied Health and Healthcare Support Roles

  • Caroline Kimani, BSRT, MPH, Respiratory Therapy

  • Kyesha Pringle, Community Health Advocate


These professionals played crucial roles in highlighting alternative healthcare careers, showing students that there are multiple ways to make an impact in the industry.


Thank you to our partners:

Virginia Mason Franciscan Healthcare- Sponsorship Partner

Best Starts for Kids-Communities of Opportunity-B2L Funder | Sponsorship Partner

More In Common Alliance- In-Kind Donor | P.O.W.E.R Partner

HealthPoint- In-Kind Donor | P.O.W.E.R Partner

King County Public Health Department- In-Kind Donor | P.O.W.E.R Partner

Federal Way Public Schools-Facilities Use | B2L Partner

 

Thank you to all the guest speakers, volunteers, vendors, and supporters. Excited to be back next year!




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