Scholarship is awarded to exceptional graduate students striving to become a future health care leader

By Malorie Burkett
VCU College of Health Professions

Maya Perkins, a Virginia Commonwealth University Health Administration student, recently was named a winner of the “We Believe in You Award” from the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE).

The award is given to an exceptional graduate student striving to become a future leader in health care management and NAHSE.  It also is one of four distinct scholarships developed by NAHSE to support and encourage minority students to pursue a career in healthcare leadership, or related field.

A native of Chesapeake, Perkins is a first-year student in the Masters in Health Administration program.

“As an African American woman striving to become a health care leader, I am committed to the journey of working to break health disparities,” she said.

Perkins says she was always interested in health care, and she started out as a nursing major at Hampton University. She knew that working to break barriers and health disparities in the community as a whole were important to her, and she was determined to make a difference for patients in a different way, especially among the minority population. As a result, Perkins changed her major to health sciences policy and administration.

“Maya exemplifies the passion, energy, and dedication the organization is looking for in aspiring healthcare leaders”, said Stephan Davis, DNP, FACHE, executive director of inclusive leadership education, assistant professor in the Department of Health Administration, and a member of NAHSE. “Only a few months into her studies at VCU, Maya is already demonstrating leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The faculty congratulate Maya and we look forward to celebrating future successes during her studies at VCU and in her career.”

Additionally, Perkins was elected DEI director for her cohort this fall. In this role, she will focus her efforts on being an advocate for her fellow classmates, encouraging and empowering students, and ensuring there are safe spaces with no barriers hindering success in the program.

“My cohort overall is very supportive of each other, and we're always encouraging one another,” said Perkins. “This is a great place to be. It's great energy and you feel like you want to succeed. You want everyone around you to succeed, and they give you those resources to do so, and are really preparing you to become the best health professional.”