Careers – GRAAHI

Program seeks to diversify the healthcare workforce in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, MI – February 21, 2024 –In celebration of Black History Month, the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) proudly announces the awarding of scholarships to nine deserving Black students pursuing healthcare careers. These scholarships, funded by the W.k.Kellogg Foundation are a crucial component of the organization’s multi-year Pathways to Healthcare Careers program. The scholarship program is named in honor of Dr. Khan Nedd, one of GRAAHI’s founding board members for his relentless dedication and contributions to GRAAHI and the health and well-being of the Black community.

Pathways to Healthcare Careers, in collaboration with educational and medical institutions, serves as a comprehensive program for underserved students to enter and excel in healthcare professions. Recognizing the financial barriers many students face, the scholarships add additional support, allowing them to focus on their studies and successfully navigate their chosen paths. Dr. Nedd emphasizes GRAAHI’s commitment: “We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Black healthcare professionals. These scholarships, combined with the Pathways program, address disparities in the healthcare workforce by empowering talented students and ensuring they have the resources to achieve their dreams of serving their communities.”

The nine scholarship recipients, selected for their academic achievements, community service dedication, and unwavering pursuit of healthcare careers, are:

Constance Phillips: Ferris State University, dental hygiene student.

Darron Trevino: Ferris State University, nursing student.

Tyona Brown: Ferris State University, dental hygiene student.

LaDonna Lewis: Davenport University, nursing student.

Kierra Washington: Grand Valley State University, exercise science student.

Sherie West: Davenport University, nursing student.

Zhaniya Robinson: Michigan State University, nursing student.

Todja Sanders: Ferris State University, healthcare career path.

Betty Millien: Davenport University, healthcare career path.

Samantha Harris, Davenport University, nursing student

Constance Phillips, a scholarship recipient, expresses her gratitude: “I am so grateful to

be a part of the Pathways program and to receive the Dr. Khan Nedd Scholarship. It

helps support my education so that I can focus on my studies and confidently pursue

my goal of becoming a dental hygienist and serving my community.”

“We are very proud of these students and excited about the service and contributions they will make to their communities,” added Vanessa Greene, CEO, GRAAHI.

To learn more about Pathways to Healthcare Careers, go to graahi.com/education.

Join our team as a Community Health Navigator.

Job Title: Independent Contractor – Community Health Navigator (Full-Time, Onsite and Remote- Hybrid)
Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Description:
The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) is a non-profit organization
dedicated to achieving healthcare equity in the African American Community through advocacy,
education, and research. We have a rich history of contributing to social justice and racial equity
policy, programming, and interventions. We seek to employ talented and success-oriented
individuals, committed to supporting and advocating for the well-being of vulnerable populations.
We believe in a synergistic, collaborative work environment in which every staff member feels a
sense of belonging and valued.

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced leader with a proven history of planning,
implementing, and executing programs and managing budgets. This independent contractor
position reports directly to the Community Navigator Lead.

Roles and Responsibilities
● Actively develops and engages with key stakeholders.
● Builds collaborative relationships with community partners.
● Knowledgeable in organization’s history, programs, mission, and vision.
● Organize COVID and health related clinics, including marketing, canvassing and various
forms of social media.
● Work closely with community partners.
● Assist in surveys, focus groups, data collection, and monthly reports.
● Assist with other duties as assigned.

Requirements
● Commitment to GRAAHI’s mission and values.
● Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or work experience equivalent to 2 years plus.
● Proven history of working with a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
● Analytical thinking and ability to analyze data.
● Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
● Proficient and flexible in MS Office Word/Excel and Google documents.
● Detailed oriented, excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize tasks, ability
to meet deadlines and excellent time management skills.
● Initiative-taker and independent.

Why GRAAHI?
● You will get the chance to form relationships with motivated staff members, a
phenomenal community, and stakeholders who genuinely care about the organization
and improving the health of the community.
● You will see the impact of the work that you do and meet the people that are
transformed by the programs of the organization.
● This is the perfect opportunity to support the community while addressing
healthcare issues.

To Apply: Please send your resume, cover letter, two letters of recommendations, and three
references to info@graahi.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position
is filled.

To download the job description as a PDF, click here.

GRAAHI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for
employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race,
color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status,
sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by
federal, state, or local laws.

GRAAHI Empowers Black Healthcare Students with Scholarships During Black History Month

Program seeks to diversify the healthcare workforce in Grand Rapids

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