During a 2016 summer internship at a financial service company, Faith Lyons, C’2018, was struck by the effect of socioeconomic status on access to quality health insurance in the workplace. Noticing a tiered system of benefits that were better for white-collar workers and few minorities among the professional ranks, she spoke up about the policy.
Lyons said, “Because race was not a factor, it did not hide the fact that minorities were affected disproportionately. I believe health insurance should be fair and equitable for everyone, regardless of income."
The mathematics major credits Spelman’s focus on critical thinking, community service, leadership, study abroad and sisterhood with widening her global perspective, stoking her intellectual curiosity to probe complex issues and instilling the confidence to express her opinions. While studying abroad in Peru last summer, she learned about Afro-Peruvians and slavery conditions throughout the Americas.
Spelman’s research programs have sharpened her research skills while providing stipends to help fund her education. Faculty support has also motivated her to stay on track, she said. In addition to helping her find scholarships, Rosalind Gregory-Bass, M.D., director of the Health Careers Program at Spelman, has encouraged Lyons to maintain high standards in her academic and spiritual life.
Although she’s still exploring career options, her internship has sparked an interest in health care administration. After earning a master’s degree in mathematics, she would also like to establish a STEM program for middle-school girls in her hometown of St. Augustine, Florida. “Support, challenges and perspective – Spelman has given me a lot of that. Those qualities prepare you to be a global citizen,” Lyons said.
I see myself impacting positive change in young women by giving back
like Dr. Bass gave back to me.