Concorde Staff
Concorde Career College is honored to announce a series of Black History Month employee spotlights. Get to know some of our associates and what Black History Month means to them.
Dr. Sharron Hightower
Nursing Adjunct Faculty
Concorde Career College Memphis
Q: What influenced you to pursue your career and current role?
A: My family influenced me to pursue nursing. I have always wanted to be a nurse. I wanted to learn about the various diseases and issues of my family. My grandparents and parents had heart conditions, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. I wanted to be a change agent in healthcare to change my family's healthcare outcomes.
Q: What is something in your career that you're most proud of accomplishing?
I am the first to graduate college and nursing school in my family. I am the first to attend graduate school and become a nurse practitioner. I am most proud of challenging myself to pursue and receive my doctoral degree, DNP. My greatest accomplishment is that my two sons are college graduates and the second generation to attend college.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
A: Black History Month means so much to me. It means an opportunity to celebrate and learn about a community that is full of talent, resilience and beauty. It means highlighting the untold stories of amazing humans, who, dispute incredibly difficult circumstances, served an inspiring purpose through their skills and talents. The history of black Americans is just one facet of a vast mosaic history of people and their interactions. Black History Month means to me: freedom. It’s the freedom to revisit my ancestors and their great contributions, what they’ve done to the world. Not just America, but the world.
Q: What are some ways people can commemorate/celebrate Black History Month?
A:
- Dig into the rich Black histories of the past,
- Research Black institutions and organizations,
- Seek out inspirational Black voices of the present,
- Bring Black experiences to life with books,
- Celebrate Black art & culture with activities,
- Get involved in your own community, and
- Get hands-on this Black History Month with family-friendly craft ideas.
Q: Based on your experience, what are some of the health issues facing Black communities and how can we help address them within the spaces of health care and education?
A: The death rate for African Americans decreased 25% from 1999 to 2015. African Americans ages 18-49 are 2 times as likely to die from heart disease than whites. African Americans ages 35-64 years are 50% more likely to have high blood pressure, heart diseases, diabetes, renal diseases, poverty, vital statistics from CDC, health equity, health disparities, and racial and ethnic approaches.
Q: Which African American person from history or today inspires you?
A: Mary Eliza Mahoney:
Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first African American to study and work as a professionally trained nurse in the United States. In 1879, Mahoney was the first African American to graduate from an American school of nursing. She graduated from New England Hospital for Women. Mary Eliza Mahoney was born in the spring of 1845 in Boston, Massachusetts. The exact date of her birth is unknown. Born to freed slaves who had moved to Boston from North Carolina, Mahoney learned from an early age the importance of racial equality.
Q: Any words of advice or wisdom for the next generation of Black health care professionals?
A: Never forget the ancestors! Never forget where you come from!
Black communities are more likely to experience socioeconomic inequities such as exclusion from health, educational, social and economic resources. These inequities can lead to worse physical and mental health outcomes for Black patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, those systems that produce health inequity can be killers. But there are ways that physicians and other health professionals can help.
Advice:
- Finish high school. Make good grades in high school to be eligible for college scholarships.
- Go to college
- Finish college and get a good job, work hard.
- Borrow as little money as possible.
These things will help to have a good chance to live a healthy, balanced life, grow your wealth, and watch your kids grow up to be good people because you provided for them. You will then be a strong individual with the means and influence to do good things in your community, no matter what race or culture you belong to.
Nancy Jones
Vice President of Student Affairs
Q: What influenced you to pursue your career and current role?
A: I have an extensive background in working in the placement industry. I also love working in education. I started my career at another college system before working at Concorde. Education was instilled in me by my family and having a college experience was expected. Working in this field with students who take a non-traditional college route is very rewarding. In my role as Vice- President of Student Affairs, I have the ability to help develop processes and procedures that touch every facet of the student experience, especially placement into a new career!
Q: What is something in your career that you're most proud of accomplishing?
I am very proud that I went back to pursue my Masters of Arts degree as a single parent, working Mom. As an adult learner, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life and I did it for me.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
A: Black History IS American History and should be learned and embraced by all. For me personally, I identify as a Black Woman and my lived experiences help to shape who I am. My grandparents and parents sacrificed so much so we could have a better life experience, so it is vital that I know whose shoulders I stand upon. I want to be the same for others. Black History Month is a time of celebration and we all should be lifelong learners of all cultures and embrace the history and the struggle.
Q: What are some ways people can commemorate/celebrate Black History Month?
A: What comes to mind immediately is to be kind and not afraid because of our differences. That in itself is cause for celebration. Secondly get involved and there are lots of ways to do that. I love speaking with the elderly because the conversation is "history" in real time. I get involved in my local community and visit with schools (they always need readers- take the hour and do that!). Cultural events happen everywhere- celebrate and support a Black Owned business and post out on social media. Most of all, don't let your participation end in February. Commit to learning.
Q: Based on your experience, what are some of the health issues facing Black communities and how can we help address them within the spaces of health care and education?
A: The simple answer is that patients are multi-cultural and all need the same access to healthcare. Communities of Color are affected by the lack of good healthcare and it is the responsibility of all of us to be intentional about correcting this. When you see discrepancies between communities, talk to your local elected representatives. One voice can start a larger discussion. Be a good voter; many times there are referendums on the ballot about expansion of healthcare systems. Most of all be upfront with our students about the challenges they may face. Some people are not comfortable with going to the doctor and not trusting of healthcare workers that may look different. Be compassionate while earning the trust.
Q: Why do you feel it's important to have representation within the health care career industry?
A: I wrote a paper in grad school called Obesity in the Black Community. Sometimes that is due to food insecurities in certain neighborhoods. Sometimes it is due to lack of teaching about high risk healthcare issues (diabetes, blood pressure, childbirth, cardiovascular, etc.). What I learned through writing my paper, is that many Black women have a higher self esteem than their counterparts, so body image can be distorted a bit, and the risk factors not addressed. Messaging is important and keeping the message in the confines of preventative and proactive measures. But talk can't be cheap, our communities need access to facilities in the local neighborhoods. I sit on the Irving Parkland Hospital Board and the mobile vans are a great way to meet people where they are.
Q: Which African American person from history or today inspires you?
A: So many, but of course I start with my Grandmothers (one graduated from Kansas State!), and my parents (Pastor Ellis H. Casson and Betty Busch). They both persevered in their respective careers and had to do so by breaking down barriers. I love politics so I am thrilled to see and watch the career of Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. It is inspiring to see young people use their gifts and I respect that when I hear Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman. And this past year I had the honor of meeting Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr. Opal Lee. What a thrill!!
Q: Any words of advice or wisdom for the next generation of Black health care professionals?
A: Stay prayed up because we are in times of peril and opportunity. What you do is so important and rewarding but sometimes without the recognition. Stay true to your oath even when it is difficult. And be kind, to all. The news you deliver isn't always positive, but you may be the one person a patient has.
Dikisha Jones
Program Director-MA/MOA
Concorde Career College Texas
Q: What influenced you to pursue your career and current role?
A: As a health care provider, I love to help people, and think of myself as a researcher/scientist without years of schooling. I want to ensure I give back like people before me have helped me out with great opportunities. I believe in networking to help others be SUCCESSFUL!
Q: What is something in your career that you're most proud of accomplishing?
A: Undergrad & Graduate degrees
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
A: A time to reflect on your culture, unity, Peace, and LOVE!!!
Q: What are some ways people can commemorate/celebrate Black History Month?
A: Recognize...do not shy away from the history as a whole.
Q: Based on your experience, what are some of the health issues facing Black communities and how can we help address them within the spaces of health care and education?
A: More ambulatory visits, and be persistent with educating patients, family, and friends.
Q: Why do you feel it's important to have representation within the health care career industry?
A: We are different and need the proper care for our ethnicity, culture, body types, etc.
Q: Which African American person from history or today inspires you?
A: Maya Angelou-inspires ME with her positive AFFIRMATIONS!
Q: Any words of advice or wisdom for the next generation of Black health care professionals?
A: Stay true to your roots, and educate yourself to help others.
Brandy Palacios, DPT, MS
Director of Clinical Education, Physical Therapy Assistant Program
Concorde Career College, Kansas City
Q: What influenced you to pursue your career and current role?
A: I always wanted to pursue something in the medical field. Physical therapy spoke to me and I knew I could make a difference. After 13 years and hundreds of patients later, I still love it.
Q: What is something in your career that you're most proud of accomplishing?
A: I was able to deliver the commencement speech to my alma mater, where I received my PTA degree from.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
A: Although I feel the accomplishments of African-Americans should be celebrated throughout the year, February is a time when our accomplishments are highlighted throughout world.
Q: What are some ways people can commemorate/celebrate Black History Month?
A: Ask questions, highlight someone of the AA community in your field, or share history that you know.
Q: Why do you feel it's important to have representation within the health care career industry?
A: In the Physical Therapy community AA's are represented by only 5% of total clinicians. It is imported to highlight are presence in this field in order to represent the communities that we treat.
Q: Based on your experience, what are some of the health issues facing Black communities and how can we help address them within the spaces of health care and education?
A: Alzheimer's Disease, Hypertension, Diabetes
Education is key to both students and clinicians in order to help our community know their risks.
Q: Which African American person from history or today inspires you?
A: Mae C. Jemison - she was the first AA female astronaut for NASA and the reason I wanted to explore science.
Q: Any words of advice or wisdom for the next generation of Black health care professionals?
A: Don't let anyone intimidate you, know your worth and help someone else coming up behind you.
Makeala A. Brittain
Online Success Coach
Concorde Career Institute, Orlando
Q: What influenced you to pursue your career and current role?
A: I have always had an affinity towards helping people reach their goals by motivating and encouraging them through training and coaching, and I have been fortunate to do this through my previous experience as a college instructor, program director, and currently a certified life coach and success coach.
Q: What is something in your career that you're most proud of accomplishing?
A: I taught high school for seven years and was one of the youngest black high school department chairs for that particular high school, at age 25.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
A: To me, Black History Month, although celebrated formally one month out of the year, is a reminder of the countless contributions, sacrifices, and impacts that blacks had and continue to have in this world.
Q: What are some ways people can commemorate/celebrate Black History Month?
A: Beyond researching, reading, and taking part in events and activities during February, not forgetting to focus on the positive impacts of the month, throughout the rest of the year.
Q: Which African American person from history or today inspires you?
A: Maya Angelou! My favorite quote is "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” -Maya Angelou
Q: Any words of advice or wisdom for the next generation of Black health care professionals?
A: NEVER allow anyone to set limitations on what you can accomplish. Focus on your purpose in life and keep going!
Mikia Housley
Manager of Community and Strategic Partnerships
Concorde Career College Memphis
Q: What influenced you to pursue your career and current role?
A: The reasoning behind pursuing my current role is my passion for upskilling and building my community; the thought of underserved populations being unaware of the opportunities afforded to them through a fantastic education path drives me to want to do more.
Q: What is something in your career that you're most proud of accomplishing?
A: Providing a support system for individuals who thought they had no one in their corner to complete their goals is a great experience, but when the students can focus on their studies instead of a financial burden because of a scholarship I assisted in creating, I feel that is an accomplishment that keeps on giving.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
A: Black History Month means paying tribute to the African America Leaders who struggled with adversity while paving the way for African American rights. They sacrificed their lives for equality and shaped our nation. I have options because of their sacrifice, determination, drive, and willingness never to give up.
Q: What are some ways people can commemorate/celebrate Black History Month?
A: Educating through panel discussions, social media presence, and community service can help commemorate Black History.
Q: Why do you feel it's important to have representation within the health care career industry?
A: Representation in the healthcare industry is essential for individuals to see someone who looks like them. How does one believe that a goal is obtainable if they never witness the act? Relatability can change mindsets while encouraging and creating future healthcare professionals.
Q: Which African American person from history or today inspires you?
A: Although it is hard to choose only one person because many leaders inspire me in many different ways, Medgar Evers stands out as an inspiration for this educational post because of his fight against segregated education. In my current role, I realize education opportunities are still unequal, and I want to be a part of the change.
Q: Any words of advice or wisdom for the next generation of Black health care professionals?
A: Lives are in your hands, so be the positive change you want to see, and never give up on your dreams!
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.” (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)
Angela Marie Alexander Ramsey, MPH RN
Director of Nursing
Concorde Career College San Bernardino
Q: What influenced you to pursue your career and current role?
A: My parents have been very instrumental in my pursuit of a career in Nursing. My father is a Retired LA City Fire Fighter and my mother is a Retired Registered Nurse. I remember the many stories they shared about helping and serving their communities and although I had never really considered healthcare, but I knew that I had a passion for being an advocate for others. My parents suggested Concorde Career College in North Hollywood. There I connected my passion for advocacy and care for others by graduating as a Vocational Nursing Student in 1996.
Throughout my career, my biggest influence to pursue more and more has been my commitment to inspire others who were once unsure of their career path in life. I have journeyed through a Bachelor's program, Master's program and now a Doctoral Program. My current focus is to continue my work in Health Advocacy through the development and management of policies, programs, and initiatives that help to eradicate health disparities and improve access to care for vulnerable and medically underserved populations. I also aspire to contribute to the area of research related to Restorative Justice Issues.
Q: What is something in your career that you're most proud of accomplishing?
A: I am most proud of the opportunity to return to Concorde Career College as the Director of Nursing for Concorde San Bernardino.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
A: Black History Month is special to me, as it provides me with the space to acknowledge the contributions of African Peoples who have shown resilience, creativity, spirituality, and hope against all odds. It is a reminder to me to persevere in pursuit of excellence in my family, life, career, and beyond. Black History Month provides a place and space for me to share my unique experiences with others and include them in the rich historical heritage of my ancestors.
Q: What are some ways people can commemorate/celebrate Black History Month?
A: People can commemorate Black History Month by appreciating and acknowledging the many contributions that African Peoples have made here in North America and beyond.
Q: Why do you feel it's important to have representation within the health care career industry?
A: Representation is important to ensure that authenticity and cultural diversity continue to enhance our worldviews.
Q: Based on your experience in the nursing field, what are some of the health issues facing Black communities and how can we help address them within the spaces of health care and education?
A: Health Issues Facing Black Communities are:
nutrition, violence, food insecurity, financial literacy, access to equitable care in maternal care settings, chronic disease management, mental health, gentrification of cities, etc.
Q: Which African American person from history or today inspires you?
A: Bernard J. Tyson- Former CEO of Kaiser Permanente Health Plans, USA
Q: Any words of advice or wisdom for the next generation of Black health care professionals?
A: Persevere!
Christopher Mosley
Graduate Employment Specialist
Concorde Career Institute Jacksonville
Q: What influenced you to pursue your career and current role?
A: I have always had a desire for assisting others with developing the best future for themselves. This position is a means to combine my passion for helping others, my education and previous work experience.
Q: What is something in your career that you're most proud of accomplishing?
A: Student success! I have had the opportunity to help many young people navigate a future that at one point may have been uncertain for them.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
A: I love the idea of celebrating the positive contributions that African Americans have added to American history. It is an opportunity to highlight more than slavery and civil rights. Although we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it is imperative that we celebrate all other champions for the cause of equity and equality.
Q: What are some ways people can commemorate/celebrate Black History Month?
A: Creating awareness and identifying more than just the famous, "I have a dream" speech. We need to go back further and introduce names like Nat Turner, Dorothy Height, James Weldon Johnson and others who helped fight for civil rights and equality in this country.
Q: Why do you feel it's important to have representation within the health care career industry?
A: The African American community is statistically underserved in healthcare. African Americans are a minority in regard to population however, they are the majority in regards to many health disparities. There is a need for awareness and quality health care service. There needs to be a more proactive movement in creating allies within the healthcare industry for African Americans.
Q: Which African American person from history or today inspires you?
A: James Baldwin was a major champion for equity amongst all. His personal fight for awareness, inclusion and fairness contribute so much to American history. His quote, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.", is a personal mantra for me. I utilize it when making hard decisions and motivating myself to be proactive about life.
Q: Any words of advice or wisdom for the next generation of Black health care professionals?
A: Be bold, be courageous, be steadfast in your efforts and remember the shoulders upon which you stand. You are the manifestation of the dreams of your ancestors and the purpose of their fight. Let it all not be in vain. Do it for the culture! Your contributions are needed and appreciated.
Rayna Bias-Moorer, MSN, RN, ADON
Concorde Career College San Bernardino
Q: What influenced you to pursue your career and current role?
A: I decided to pursue nursing after having my first son. As I was completing my pre-requisites my father was diagnosed with lung cancer and given a poor prognosis. The hospice nurses were extraordinary in the care they gave, the education they provided and the support of the hospice nurses were vital to my family.
This experience gave me the motivation to return to school 8 years later to pursue my licensure as a Registered Nurse.
Q: What is something in your career that you're most proud of accomplishing?
A: Obtaining my Master’s Degree. Working full-time, raising my children and having a child with special needs while pursuing my degree was tough, but worth it.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
A: Black History Month is a time to reflect on our positive future by remembering our past and those who were prohibited from becoming nurses. I think of my great-grandmother and my grandmother and imagine their pride watching me influence the next generation of nurses.
Q: What are some ways people can commemorate/celebrate Black History Month?
A: Teach our young people and remind them that it was not that long ago that we had to march and pray and fight for the freedoms they have today.
Q: Why do you feel it's important to have representation within the health care career industry?
A: It is important that we recognize all cultures and creeds, that we provide care that is equitable, that we provide justice while we give care to every person that needs it. We need to recognize and value our differences while promoting justice and supporting our community to live healthier lives.
Q: From your experience in nursing, what are some of the health issues facing Black communities and how can we help address them within the spaces of health care and education?
A: Health risks play a major role in reducing the quality of life for many of our friends and family. It is necessary to rebuild trust in healthcare, as many do not believe that our current healthcare system has their best interests at heart. To see healthcare workers and caregivers of all shapes, sizes and colors promotes equity and respect.
Q: Which African American person from history or today inspires you?
A: I am inspired by many. I am inspired by other nurses on my team here at our campus, regionally and nationwide. I am inspired by our National Dean of Nursing who is professional, realistic and motivating. I am inspired by my best friend and her mother that are nurses, and by the nurses I worked with early in my career who have pursued their advance practice degrees and are in leadership and education.
Q: Any words of advice or wisdom for the next generation of Black health care professionals?
A: Remember from where we have come, but to not let it dictate where we will be tomorrow. With integrity, respect and love for others, we can succeed. And accept that not everyone desires to be wealthy, not everyone desires to lead. It is important to respect those who live honestly and work hard, we need to change our ideas of success from wealth to joy, smiles and laughter. I have met the most humble people who do not have lots of money that have joy. Our goal should be to have more than money, but to have joy.
La'Zarvius Ferguson
Sr. Corporate Director of Financial Aid
Q: What influenced you to pursue your career and current role?
A: I chose this career path initially due to my love for math and making sense of regulatory information. As the years went by, I grew passionate about teaching and being a helping hand for the professionals of tomorrow.
Q: What is something in your career that you're most proud of accomplishing?
A: I'm most proud of the many lives that I was able to change by simply helping them identify affordable solutions towards their educational endeavors. The overall enthrallment that resonates from them as they embark on their journey and up to the finish line. Their accomplishments incite joy for me.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
A: To me, Black History Month is about the further expansion of focused representation. A time dedicated to showcase the trials and tribulations of the African American experience. Additionally, a time dedicated to highlight the successes of many African Americans both past and present. The month is not meant to box the acknowledgement of the African American experience, but to continually showcase the importance of inclusivity throughout the year.
Q: What are some ways people can commemorate/celebrate Black History Month?
A: Celebration of Black History Month can be done by taking a moment to learn more about the historical accomplishments of African Americans. Additionally, taking part in shopping at your local black owned businesses.
Terracina Dupree
Director of Clinical Education for Respiratory Care
Concorde Career College Kansas City
Q: What influenced you to pursue your career and current role?
A: The Love for Respiratory and students.
Q: What is something in your career that you're most proud of accomplishing?
A: I'm proud to have assisted with the blended platform development. Working with Peggy Smalley has been one of the greatest experiences. She has been a big encouragement in furthering my education and striving for excellence. I have completed my Bachelor's in health administrations and completed a Class for new DCE's through CoARC.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
A: Hope, for the future generation. Never to allow past failures to dictate your future. Always remember that whose you are (a Child of God's) is more important than who you are. Love never fails.
Q: What are some ways people can commemorate/celebrate Black History Month?
A: Finding way to give back to the community in the form of making resources available will empower the black community. Example: A health fair that focuses on health issue that African Americans face.
Q: Why do you feel it's important to have representation within the health care career industry?
A: All ethnicities face health issues. I believe that having someone who understands your culture gives a sense of peace.
Q: Which African American person from history or today inspires you?
A: Harriet Tubman
Q: Any words of advice or wisdom for the next generation of Black health care professionals?
A: Never to allow past failures to dictate your future. Always remember that whose you are (a Child of God's) is more important than who you are. Love never fails.
Vernise Walker, RDH BS M.Ed
Dental Hygiene Instructor & Senior Clinic Coordinator
Concorde Career College San Bernardino
Q: What influenced you to pursue your career and current role?
A: My mentor was as Dental Hygienist who graduated from the University of Michigan
Q: What is something in your career that you're most proud of accomplishing?
A: I am most proud of being a part of the dental Hygiene profession who are health care providers, having the opportunity to touch students’ lives who are pursuing a dental hygiene career, seeing the success of my students who have graduated from Concorde Career College and have become part the faculty at Concorde, and most of all one of my students who has become a Director of the Dental Hygiene Department at one of our California campuses.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
A: Black History Month gives our African Americans the respect and honor that we so deserve.
Celebrating this month in honor of African Americans whose back America was built upon is giving recognition to our people who truly deserve to be uplifted.
Q: What are some ways people can commemorate/celebrate Black History Month?
A:
- Family gathering and sharing our history with the youth so that they are aware of how far we have come
- Visiting the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington DC.
- Sponsoring a Black History Month Event in your community in person, or on Zoom etc..
- Colleges and schools can have ceremonies in honor of African Americans for the contribution they have made in our society.
Q: Why do you feel it's important to have representation within the health care career industry?
A: I feel it is important to have representation within the healthcare career industry so that African American can see that they represented and relate to those in the industry that look like them.
Q: Based on your experience in the dental hygiene field, what are some of the health issues facing Black communities and how can we help address them within the spaces of health care and education?
A: Health issues facing Black communities are lack of trust in western medicine, lack of finances to get the medical treatment and lack of representation in the health care industry.
- We can address these health care and education issues by going to junior high and high schools and informing the students of the health care careers that are available for them.
- Doing research and following up to make sure the students are provided with appropriate math & science courses that will provide the knowledge they need in order to be successful as they pursue these careers.
- Educate the Black Community
Q: Which African American person from history or today inspires you?
A: I was inspired by our first African American President Barack & First Lady Michelle Obama.
Having the opportunity to participate and be a part of their Inauguration team was an adventure of a lifetime which allowed me to be part of history that I can and will share with my family from generation to generation.
Q: Any words of advice or wisdom for the next generation of Black health care professionals?
A: I would share these words of wisdom for the next generation of Black health care professionals: Each one, reach one and teach one to become part of the Black health care profession.
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