Emerging Leaders

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2025 Winners

January

Wendy PostWendy Post, PhD Student
George Washington University
Anticipated Graduation Date: June 2026
Current Position: Assistant Professor at Bowie State University

I chose to enroll in George Washington University’s (GWU) PhD program in Nursing because I am driven to confront the stark inequities that persist in maternal child health—especially for women of color. Having witnessed firsthand how systemic barriers contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes, I wanted to equip myself with the highest level of research and leadership skills to advocate effectively for these vulnerable populations. GWU’s commitment to innovation and policy-oriented scholarship presented the ideal environment to deepen my expertise and sharpen my capacity to foster meaningful change. My goal is to leverage the university’s robust academic resources and diverse network of experts to champion initiatives that dismantle health disparities and amplify the voices of mothers who are too often overlooked.
 
My journey through the PhD program has been both transformational and empowering. The rigorous coursework—ranging from advanced research methodologies to health policy analysis—has elevated my critical thinking and honed my evidence-based practice. The faculty’s mentorship has been invaluable, as they have challenged me to explore innovative approaches to addressing maternal health disparities and supported my passion for community-engaged scholarship. Collaborations with peers—many of whom also share a commitment to social justice—have sparked insightful discussions and broadened my perspective on the systemic factors influencing maternal and child outcomes. This supportive ecosystem of scholars has not only enriched my research skills, but also galvanized my resolve to be an unwavering advocate for women of color.
 
After completing the PhD program, I plan to develop a groundbreaking maternal health tool that captures and integrates the lived experiences of maternal health witnesses—particularly women of color—as a powerful means of informing practice improvement. By systematically gathering their stories and perspectives, I intend to shape evidence-based interventions that address the root causes of inequities, driving healthcare systems to become more responsive, accountable, and patient-centered. My vision is to collaborate with policymakers, community organizations, and healthcare providers to implement this tool on a broad scale, ultimately creating safer birth experiences for all mothers. Through this work, I aspire to be a driving force in eliminating racial disparities in maternal health and paving the way for more equitable, compassionate care nationwide.