Makayla Hill
Year: Senior
Major: Health Science (Pre-Professional emphasis) with a minor in Biological Sciences
Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Future plans: Makayla plans to apply to an accelerated master’s program before applying to medical school in 2025. She hopes to become a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.

“I’m most looking forward to the experience these panelists can share along with offering valuable insights into the field of health sciences, which could help us current students advocate. I’m also excited to see how they advocate for themselves in white or non-minority spaces.”

Sharmarke Khadar
Year: Senior
Major: Health Science (Pre-Professional emphasis)
Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Future plans: Sharmarke will attend dental school this fall at the University of Missouri–Kansas City.

“I joined this committee because I wanted to add value to my fellow students’ Mizzou experience. Meeting someone at that panel that you could learn from and possibly have as a mentor has a lot of value as a student.”

Mathew Kimaku
Year: Sophomore
Major: Health Science (Pre-Professional emphasis)
Hometown: Lee’s Summit, MO

“I can’t wait to hear how our panelists acted when they faced adversity. I know each of them have taken a long journey to get to where they are today, and I want to learn how they navigated all the opportunities that came their way. The more I’m in college, the more I learn that life isn’t necessarily one straight path, and I want to hear how that applies to the working world.”

Sydnee McDonald
Year: Senior
Major: Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
Hometown: Lee’s Summit, MO

Future plans: Sydnee plans to complete a master’s degree program specializing in speech-language pathology.

“I was inspired to get involved in the committee for the College of Health Sciences Black Alumni Panel because I believe in the concepts of representation and mentorship. Recognizing the importance of diverse voices, experiences and expertise, I wanted to help create a platform that highlights the achievements and journey of Black alumni in the health sciences field.

“This event not only celebrates the accomplishments of our alumni but also provides current students with valuable insights and role models. I am motivated by the idea that this panel and, hopefully, many more to come, can inspire and empower the next generation of health professionals, as they continuously foster a sense of inclusion, diversity and belongingness for all.”

Eghosasere (Eghosa) Ogbevoen
Year: Senior
Major: Health Science (Pre-Professional emphasis) with a minor in Biological Sciences
Hometown: Lee’s Summit, MO

“I’m most looking forward to networking with alumni in health care-related fields that I may have overlooked or don’t know much about. I’m always looking for insight into careers that I have never heard of before, because one of them may be a perfect fit for me! I’m in a phase in my life where career exploration is my highest priority, so I’m excited to get to hear from and work with such resourceful people.”

Yoseph Gebrehiwot
Year: Junior
Major: Health Science (Health and Wellness emphasis) with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences
Hometown: Columbia, MO

“I attended the panel last year, and I enjoyed hearing from the panelists about how they got to where they are in their careers. I told Donal Buckner that I enjoyed the event, and he asked if I would be willing to help plan for this year. I said yes because of how much I enjoyed the event. Another reason that inspired me to get involved in the committee is that I want everyone who comes to the panel to have a wonderful experience like I did last year.”