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Empowering the future of healthcare through STEM education
When passion becomes a profession
The Path to Mentoring
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Okundaye has a passion for helping young students. During the pandemic, she hatched a plan: "I love to go hiking. One day when I was planning for a new trip, I thought about all the kids who are currently forced to stay home.” Initially, as an outdoor enthusiast, she started taking some kids of her family and friends from her local community on walks amidst the rugged terrain of forest rocks and winding trails. There, she coached them to evaluate their options instead of focusing on roadblocks and giving them a space to thrive.
What inspired her to do this on her own was an experience during her undergraduate study. Okundaye was accepted into the Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience (CURE) program, where she interned at Dana Farber, Harvard Cancer Center for two summer years.
My experience in the program led me to understand the significance of mentorship. Prior to this experience, I’d never had a mentor, and there was so much I struggled to figure out on my own.
Alberta Okundaye
Guiding and inspiring the next generation
Sisters/Scholars in STEM
World Economic Forum
"Women make up almost half (49.3%) of total employment across non-STEM occupations, but just 29.2% of all STEM workers. When it comes to STEM occupations, women are scarce throughout all industries, apart from Healthcare and Care Services, where they represent 51.5% of the workforce."