Tracey Lynn Thomas, a native of Baker, is a Chemistry/Pre-pharmacy major now in her junior year at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. Her career goal is to become a pharmacist so she can help give back to her community. “Through my work as a pharmacist, I look forward to helping people live healthier and longer lives,” Thomas said.

Thomas won a scholarship from United Health Foundation’s Diverse Scholars Initiative to pursue a career in health care. 

United Health Foundation’s Diverse Scholars Initiative, through its partner organizations, has awarded than $1.2 million in scholarships this year to more than 200 students from diverse, multicultural backgrounds. This is part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to build a more diverse health care workforce.

From 2007 through this year, United Health Foundation will have awarded nearly 1,000 scholarships, totaling more than $5 million, to students throughout the country.

“We know patients do best when they are treated by people who understand their language and culture,” said Kate Rubin, president, United Health Foundation. “United Health Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to help support these outstanding students who are demonstrating impressive purpose and passion and who will help lead the way to better health access and outcomes.”

During this year’s Diverse Scholars Forum, which took place in June in Washington, D.C., Thomas heard from a range of speakers including U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin, Washington Post Columnist Jonathan Capehart, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration Secretary Mary Wakefield and United Health Group Executive Vice President Tony Welters.

In addition, the students attended a congressional reception where they interacted with members of Congress, their staffers and leaders from a variety of health care fields.