Daniel Hale Williams Diversity and Inclusion Award
Each year, this award is bestowed upon one student who epitomizes the vision that leaders at Feinberg embrace regarding how diversity and inclusion should manifest in the Feinberg culture.
2023 Recipients - Precious Akanyirige and Lawrence Garcia
Congratulations to fourth-year medical students, Precious Akanyirige and Lawrence Garcia, the recipients of the 2023 Daniel Hale Williams Diversity and Inclusion Award.
Precious is recognized for mentorship and advocacy of historically marginalized communities. While at Feinberg, she was an active Office of Diversity and Inclusion Student Ambassador. Akanyirige's excellence as a medical student is exemplified by her dual pursuit of an MD degree and a Master’s in Public Health degree. She was awarded the 2023 Excellence in Public Health award, given by the U.S. Public Health Service.
Lawrence is recognized for his community engagement and mentorship. During his years at Feinberg, Garcia was an active Office of Diversity and Inclusion Student Ambassador and former community engagement coordinator for the Latino Medical Student Association.
2022 Recipient - Caitlin Jacobs
Caitlin Jacobs is recognized for her service and advocacy for the Native American community. She is the founder of the Association for Native American Medical Students (ANAMS) chapter at Feinberg, and has also served as an active Office of Diversity and Inclusion Student Ambassador, a medical student interviewer for the Feinberg MD Admissions Office, and a mentor for incoming Native American students as they matriculate to Feinberg.
2021 Recipient - Elsy Compres
Congratulations to fourth-year medical student, Elsy Compres, the recipient of the 2021 Daniel Hale Williams Diversity and Inclusion Award. Each year, this award is bestowed upon a student who epitomizes the vision that leaders at the Feinberg School of Medicine embrace addressing diversity and inclusion and a culture of belonging. One of the many reasons Compres was recognized was for her mentorship, service and advocacy of underserved communities both nationally and abroad.2020 Recipient - Patricia "Oby" Ekwueme
Fourth-year medical student Patricia "Oby" Ekwueme, '20 MD, '20 MPH, is recognized for her service and advocacy for Chicago’s youth as well as for her efforts in shaping their paths towards careers in healthcare. While at Feinberg, she was an active Office of Diversity and Inclusion Student Ambassador and former secretary of the Student National Medical Association.
Ekwueme’s excellence as a medical student is exemplified by her dual pursuit of an MD degree and a Master’s in Public Health degree. She will complete her residency in Psychiatry at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
2019 Recipient - Javier Suarez
Fourth-year medical student Javier Suarez received the 2019 award in recognition of his service and advocacy for the Latino community. During his years at Feinberg, Suarez was an active Office of Diversity and Inclusion Student Ambassador and a member of the Latino Medical Student Association, serving as a strong advocate for medical Spanish as an important part of medical education. He worked closely with Chicago’s youth, teaching and tutoring at-risk high school students through Feinberg’s partnership with Chicago Youth Programs and has been involved with the Northwestern Medicine Scholars Program by participating in panels, anatomy lab guided tours and personal statement workshops for college applications.