Key Takeaways

• The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation awarded $10,000 scholarships to 6 students pursuing degrees in health care for 2024.
• The BlueCross Power of We Health Equity Scholarship is open to qualified graduate and undergraduate students of all backgrounds pursuing careers in health care with a desire to improve health equity for Tennesseans.

Eshiobomhe "Sigmus" Aimofumhe wants to use his passion for science and math to make a positive impact on the health of society, especially in low-income communities.

"I want to understand how to utilize science in making society a better place, especially as a way to promote health equity," he explains.

Sigmus is one of six recipients of the BlueCross Power of We Heatlh Equity Scholarship. Here are there stories.

Eshiobomhe Sigmus Aimofumhe

Junior
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Mathematics
Fisk University

Sigmus's passion for math and science led him to embrace research. During school, he worked with the American Heart Association's HBCU Scholars program and did research at Meharry Medical College.

"My research focused on trying to understand how Protease Activated Receptors (PARs) play a role in combating cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, atherosclerosis and other types of heart diseases," he says. "That project also led me to do research at the Thomas Bioengineering Lab at Fisk University."

In addition to research, Sigmus is involved in several organizations on campus. He is vice president of the Axon Neuroscience Club and is the representative at large for the Student Government Association. He's also been involved with the Office of Career Planning and Development since his freshman year.

"My involvement has helped build my confidence and improve my communications skills so I can better impact my school community," he says.

When not in school, Sigmus has continued his educational development. In 2023, he worked as a scientific intern in the protein science department of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub in San Francisco. This past summer, he spent three months at the Yale University School of Medicine researching autoimmune diseases. After completing his undergraduate degree at Fisk, Sigmus plans to go to med school to study cardiology.

"Ultimately, I want to use data and science to create personalized healthcare for patients that improves their lives, especially for the underserved," he explains. "The Power of We Health Equity Scholarship will help me pay my current bills and pursue my dreams. It puts me in a position to not worry about finances, but instead focus on my academics and giving back to my community."

Kynedi Jennings

Sophomore
Nursing
University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Kynedi Jennings aspires to be a labor and delivery nurse, ensuring that all mothers receive high-quality prenatal and postnatal care.

"My mother shared details of her prenatal experience during her pregnancy with me, which included receiving some grossly misguided advice," she explains. "I also notice many young women today becoming pregnant without receiving the appropriate information and care needed to stay healthy and ensure their babies' well-being. I want to change that."

Now in her second year at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Kynedi has been working to lay the foundation of her nursing career. She volunteers at a caregiving agency serving veterans and has worked in a variety of health care settings as a personal care assistant.

"I have a big heart and love working with veterans," Kynedi says. "Whether I'm conversing with them or simply providing companionship, the experience has been deeply rewarding. It has also helped me develop a strong bedside manner. I believe that combining this experience with my clinical skills will enhance my abilities as a nurse."

Giving back and striving to improve has been a big part of Kynedi's life. In high school, she was part of the Memphis Bridge Builders Youth Program, in which she completed over 300 hours of leadership development and community service activities. She was also a member of the Leadership Collierville Youth Program, which further enhanced her commitment to community service.

After receiving her nursing degree, Kynedi plans to return to school to become a nurse practitioner.

"I want to be in the best position possible to provide women with the care, information and resources to be healthy," Kynedi says. "The Power of We Scholarship will help me complete my education and make a positive impact in the lives of my future patients."

Monserat Rincon

Junior
Dental Hygiene
Tennessee Wesleyan University

Monserat Rincon has always been focused on giving back, whether it's through mission trips with school or through her church. Now, she wants to give back to her hometown of Cleveland, Tenn. by working as a bilingual dental hygienist.

The Hispanic community is growing rapidly in Cleveland, and Monserat is working toward her goal of becoming a provider that serves the community where she was born and raised.

Monserat, a mother of two young children, recently graduated from dental assistant school at Chattanooga State Technical Community College and is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene at Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens, Tenn.

Throughout her dental assistant training, she volunteered at Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinics, which provide free dental services to anyone in need of treatment. "It was great to serve the patients, and they really appreciated having a Spanish speaker care for them. For many, it was their first experience with dental care."

Her involvement with the RAM clinics opened her eyes to the important work of dental hygienists and allowed her to see the difference these professionals can make in their patients' lives. "They were cleaning teeth and educating the community about the importance of oral hygiene - and this was really helping people. I want to make the same kind of difference."

"Getting my bachelor's degree will be expensive," Monserat says. "Even with federal loans, there are significant out-of-pocket expenses. The Power of We Scholarship will help cover those costs so I can achieve my goal."

Read about the other BlueCross Power of We Health Equity Scholars here.

At BlueCross, our mission is to provide peace of mind through better health, and one critical aspect of that commitment is doing our part to improve access to care for our neighbors. Over the last few years, we've expanded our understanding of barriers to care, including social factors like financial status, language and access to transportation. We continue to build on our knowledge through our annual Health Equity Report, and as we work toward our goal of better care for all Tennesseans, we recognize we also need to look toward the future.

That's why the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation funds the BlueCross Power of We Health Equity Scholarship, providing six $10,000 awards each year to students who are committed to improving health equity statewide.

"We know that as we work to improve health outcomes for all Tennesseans, it's critical to support the state's future health care providers," says Dr. Andrea Willis, SVP and chief medical officer at BlueCross. "As we grow in our understanding of barriers to care, our Power of We Scholarship remains a vital component in our strategy to advance health equity for our neighbors."

Since 2013, the BlueCross Foundation has awarded $475,000 in scholarships to 50 students.

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