Class of 2027
Students
HCOPPP Scholars
Health
HCOPPP Scholar: Laila Barnes
Empowering Students to Embrace Their Potential
Laila Barnes, C'2027, is a sophomore, health sciences major on a pre-medical track from Chicago, Illinois. As an active participant in the Health Careers Opportunities Pipeline Preparation Program (HCOPPP), she has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing her competitiveness in health professional school. Her involvement extends beyond HCOPPP, encompassing membership in the Alpha Lambda Delta Society, the Health Careers Program, the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, Spelman Future Public Health Leaders, and the Student Ambassador Program, showcasing her multifaceted engagement within the Spelman community.
Through HCOPPP, Barnes secured valuable opportunities, including her role as a prenatal patient navigator with Lamis Womb Care, where she actively engages in advocacy and works to address disparities in maternal health. She also attended the Ernest E. Medical University of South Carolina, further enriching her understanding of medical research and practice. Barnes is not only a scholar but she is also an entrepreneur.
A certified life coach, Barnes mentors young women in navigating the college application process, securing scholarships to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and achieving a healthy school-life balance. Her coaching emphasizes the art of rebranding as a young adult, empowering her mentees to embrace their potential. Upon graduating from Spelman, Barnes aspires to become a reconstructive plastic surgeon. She also plans to conduct research on cell growth in African Americans, focusing on both benign and malignant tumors, aiming to contribute significantly to medical knowledge and address health disparities.
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