Scholarship to Develop Leadership in African American Women’s Health Recipient Info

Nekose Wills • 2010

The Master of Arts in Women’s Health Program would like to congratulate Nekose Wills on receiving the 2010 Scholarship to Develop Leadership in African American Women’s Health. Nekose has a breadth of experience advocating for women’s health and wellbeing. Her dedication to women’s health began while obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Women’s Studies and Media Studies from The Pennsylvania State University and has intensified throughout the years. She has held positions at several women’s health organizations including serving on the board of Maryland NARAL’s Education Fund and as a co-chair of their Communities of Color Organizing for Reproductive Rights Committee, working as a hotline operator for the National Abortion Federation, and as a financial manager for Planned Parenthood Federation of America. In addition, she was the Deputy Director of Free the Slaves, a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating modern day slavery, has organized with the DC chapter of INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence, and was the Administrator of Smith Farm Center’s Patient Navigation Program, which implements both hospital and faith-based breast cancer navigation programs for African-American and African immigrant communities in the DC area. Prior to moving to Boston Nekose was also the Health Information Manager at the National Women’s Health Network.

Charnell Covert • 2009

The Master of Arts in Women’s Health program at Suffolk University selected Ms. Charnell Covert as the 2009 recipient of its unique, full-tuition Scholarship to Develop Leadership in African American Women’s Health. Ms. Covert, a graduate of the New School for Social Research, was chosen from a field of over 50 highly qualified applicants. A scholar, poet, and activist, Ms. Covert created and developed the “Phenomenal Women Mentor Partnership,” where she has practiced social justice health education and health arts work with young teen women of color for seven years. Her career goals include pursuing a PhD in African American Studies and opening and directing a free health/community center that specializes in the holistic health care of African-American women and women of color. The Master of Arts in Women’s Health is delighted to welcome Ms. Covert to Suffolk, and congratulates her on winning the Scholarship.

Nyjah Wyche • 2008

In 2008, Nyjah Wyche became the first recipient of Suffolk University’s Scholarship to Develop Leadership in African-American Women’s Health. Ms. Wyche is a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, GA and has worked as an assistant director for the Boston-based Health Education & Learning Program/H.E.L.P. for Black Males. There she established a mental health campaign and forum entitled Get Your Mind Right, which promotes mental wellness by de-stigmatizing psychological disorders and treatment. Ms. Wyche has also designed health education writing programs at the Dorchester House Multi-Service Center, a youth recreation center, which creates safe places for young people to learn healthy behaviors, engage in dialogue and improve their writing skills. Ms. Wyche’s professional interests also include the HIV/AIDS pandemic and its disproportionate impact on African American women. “My passion and my heart lie with mental wellness issues,” she says. “When you are psychologically healthy, everything else falls into place.”