Recap: Explosion of a Dream 2023 Annual Scholarship Event
We are ElevateMeD, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2019 who is prioritizing physician workforce diversity, closing the gap of financial inequity in medical education, and empowering the next generation of physician leaders!
The 2023 Explosion of a Dream weekend (September 22-24) featured our third annual Scholars Summit and signature scholarship event, Explosion of a Dream. Guests and Scholars gathered from across the country at the mesmerizing Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley, Arizona!
This year the collective “we”:
Raised over $300,000 with more than 300 guests in attendance
Received a Special Navajo greeting from ElevateMeD Scholar Dr. Aaron Bia
Reflected on ElevateMeD’s journey to awarding $1M in scholarships and support. Welcomed ElevateMeD’s new Executive Director Antiqua Cleggett.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Spelman College President Dr. Helene Gayle shared congratulatory remarks on ElevateMeD’s four years of success.
Expanded our partnership with the Bayless Family for the Bayless Commitment to Mental Health Award, with a presentation by Justin Bayless to scholar Nevill Duncan (Nova Southeastern ‘24) and scholar Leonida Radford (University of Washington ‘25) for individual scholarships for $21,250.
Scholar Evans Osuji introduced this year’s Breaking Barrier Award recipient Dr. Rachel Bond of Dignity Health. Dr. Bond is a cardiologist and women’s health advocate.
Scholar Ewoma Ogbaudu introduced the Trailblazer Award recipient, Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. Mr. Fitzgerald received the Trailblazer Award for his work with ‘Breast Believe’, a breast cancer awareness initiative of The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation. Executive Director Danielle Frost accepted the award on their behalf.
ElevatMeD Scholar Dr. Abigail Solorio returned ‘HOME’ to deliver the keynote address, sharing her family’s journey to Phoenix and the many inspirations that led her to a career in Family Medicine
Of course our entertainment was amazing with a live auction with Subyn Novelle, DJ Big A of Arizona Music Force as a our emcee, and Bruce Kirkwood also known as “Bruce the Violinist”
Celebrated the Founder and CEO with a special presentation by Rylan and Makena Umphrey
Please enjoy the official recap of our event FEATURING PHOTO AND VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS.
On behalf of the ElevateMeD 50 Scholars and our committed Board of Directors and Advisory Board, we are grateful for your continuous support in elevating the field of medicine!
*photography courtesy Omari Dickens Photography & The Social Photog
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN THE CELEBRATION!
If you missed Explosion of a Dream there are multiple ways you can still help us raise another million and celebrate four years of elevating medicine with us! Learn more at give.elevatemed.org.
THE EXPLOSION OF A DREAM WAS MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO OUR DEVOTED PARTNERS AND EVENT SPONSORS.
ElevateMeD Partners: The Bayless Family, The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, and Inspire Youth Enrichment Foundation
White Coat Sponsors: Mayo Clinic, Ten Figures, and Gilead
Stethoscope Sponsors: Banner Health, Phoenix Children’s, Dignity Health, The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix
Advertising Sponsor: Lamar Advertising Company
On-Call Sponsors: Uncle Nearest, Arizona Cardinals, City of Scottsdale, Community Celebrating Diversity, Desert Institute for Spine Care, A.T. Still University, Nova Southeastern University, Association of Black Cardiologists, Diamond Dental, Maricopa County Medical Society, Blackwell Law Office
Bar Sponsors: Uncle Nearest, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, One Hope Wine, Sea Sun, Rey Azul, Wren House Brewery
Auction Sponsors: Club Travelo, The Good Food Table, Arizona Restuarant Association, Lavishingly Savage Aesthetics, Parties on Purpose, Rouge Wright, Tarbells, Blue Bowie Personal Chefs, Christine Deaton Creative, Lawrence Schiller, Bruce Kirkwood, Bobby Vossoughi, Jesse Pierpoint
THANK YOU TO ALL SPONSORS:
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