Mary Gates Endowment For Students
Ona Ifie
Mary Gates Leadership Scholar, Winter 2024
Leadership Project: Africans in Medicine
Project Description: I founded a club at UW known as Africans in Medicine. The goal of the club is to create a safe and enriching space for underrepresented students going into healthcare. I have worked this year with my team of board members to create opportunities for students to network, get mentorship from health professionals, and attend workshops to increase their exposure to the healthcare field and develop personal and professional skills for success.
What have you learned throughout your project?
I think one of the most important things I learned is what it means to serve. What service means to me now is different than what it did in the beginning of the school year because I have discovered that needs are always evolving. I have learned to appreciate how important it is to be flexible and be patient enough to better understand the needs of others and how I can contribute to those needs in the best way I can.
What advice do you have for future applicants?
Find a project that you are passionate about and/or that you enjoy doing. Apply even if you don’t think you are qualified enough because you will never know the outcome if you never try.