My name is Kaitlon Williams, and I am a young woman pursuing my dreams of medicine. My journey has been one of persistence, resilience, and courage.

When I first entered college, I was determined to become a cardiologist. However, along the way, I became discouraged. From biased professors , and a discriminating dean of natural sciences who once told me that despite testing into higher science courses as a freshman( very rare), I wasn’t suited for medicine and should consider other career paths. Around that same time, I was given an arduous stem packed schedule with over fifteen units . when looking back at that time I can confidently say I was being set up to fail . This happens all too often for students of color at PWI’s (predominantly white institutions).As a first generation college student, I hadn’t developed the skill to advocate for a schedule that was an alignment with my long-term goal of becoming a physician while also supporting my individual learning style and pace. Lastly, I acknowledge that I lacked awareness in seeking out academic support services that might’ve helped me navigate my learning challenges, more effectively. Due to this For the first time in my life, I began to fail. I went from being an honors student to receiving D’s and F’s .It broke my heart and brought about a great deal of shame .I became so discouraged that I stopped attending classes for a semester and simply suffered in silence, none of my family or friends knew. This ultimately landed me on academic probation.

By the grace of God and the advocacy of my pastor(Chineta Goodjoin),who wrote a letter on my behalf, I was allowed to remain in school. Without that support, I would have never graduated. I eventually changed my major to Human Development and graduated with a 3.8 GPA in my major. In addition, to my bachelors degree, I graduated with my certificate in medical assisting simultaneously . My love for medicine and being a physician, never left me!

After graduation, I secured a job earning over $70,000 a year as a Regional Medical Coordinator for a disability evaluation company. I traveled across California coordinating with physicians, managing teams, and overseeing operations. From the outside, it looked like success but internally, I was burned out. I was exhausted, falling asleep at the wheel, gaining weight, and living a life that didn’t align with my purpose.

I knew I needed more.

I began applying to post-baccalaureate programs across the country, hoping to rebuild my path to medicine. My heart was set on a program that would lead me to my dream medical school, but I wasn’t accepted.

Shortly after, I started a nonprofit organization called Ladies of Virtue Emerge (L.O.V.E.), pouring my time, energy, and even my birthday money into creating something meaningful. During that time, I prayed deeply for direction I told God for my birthday. I wanted the chance to return to school, my own apartment, and to lose weight. I definitely had faith the size of a mustard seed at minimum and made sure to also follow it up with my actions. I applied to a program. In Chicago, Illinois, that I had no in-depth knowledge of and didn’t really care to go to, but I said the worst that could happen was that they say no. I went on a 12 day water fast and before the end of the water fast I got accepted into the program and had to pack all of my stuff into three suitcases and move across the country in less than two weeks.. when I say God delivered!!! not only did I get my education and my new apartment but I lost over 30 pounds during that 12 day fast that stayed off!

In Chicago, I experienced tremendous growth. At Dominican University, I learned how to truly study, advocate for myself, and rebuild my confidence. I became a tutor, a faculty assistant, and a food bank coordinator. I found community among peers who inspired me daily.

But just as things were falling into place, my health began to decline.I became constantly fatigued, experienced night sweats, and developed swelling in my lymph nodes. After months of testing and traveling back and forth between Chicago and California, I faced a diagnosis of lymphoma. With the support of my professors and my advisor, as well as the medical staff on campus and back home and most importantly, my mother and friends. I was able to push through my semester and finish with a 3.5 GPA. However, continuing became financially and physically unsustainable. To the point where the oncologist and internal medicine physician asked me to return home in December 2024, graduating with a second degree but feeling as though my identity had been stripped away.

I went from independence , and living my best life to coming home and being a stay at home daughter. Which was a huge transition..

Still, I didn’t give up. I made a pivot!

I enrolled in a Master’s program in Healthcare Administration at LSU, while completing my last couple of requirements for medical school and a local community college. During this time, I became deeply involved in my mother’s community of birth workers within the Black Infant Health space of Los Angeles That experience changed everything for me.I discovered a new passion caring for women and babies, and addressing the disparities that Black mothers and infants face. In addition, I chose to transition from pursuing a medical degree to becoming a nurse practitioner in order to provide more hands on relationship centered care.

In March 2026, I became a certified doula. In April 2026, I was accepted into nursing school at Alliant University. In August 2026, I will begin my journey toward earning my Master of Science in Nursing, with the goal of becoming a DNP.

My mission is to ensure that Black mothers and babies not only survive, but thrive ! So that they feel safe, supported, and seen throughout their birthing experiences.This journey has not been easy. It has been long, challenging, and deeply transformative but it has also been purposeful.I am asking for your support as I take this next step. Whether through a donation, sharing resources, anything you give helps bring me closer to becoming the provider I am called to be.

Thank you for believing in me and investing in my future.

With gratitude,

Kaitlon Taylor