PWT Executive Director Eric Funches interviews Briana Osei about her spoken word submission, her journey to medicine, and the impact of the scholarship.

Lauren Senkbeil is a second-year medical student at Ross University School of Medicine, President of Health X Hollywood, and co-founder of the Coalition of Black Men Physicians. Since second grade she has been fascinated by the field of medicine and has long aspired to be a physician. Her mission to mitigate health disparities stems from her Master of Urban Public Health Degree, over a decade of clinical research experience, and her past in facilitating medical missions in Mexico and Guatemala throughout the years. Originally from Naperville, IL, by way of Maryland, Guadalajara, and Los Angeles, CA, she has made a new home temporarily in Barbados as she pursues her Doctorate of Medicine. Lauren will always call Los Angeles home, and has brought an innovative approach to medicine as she uses her experiences in Hollywood and entertainment to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors through media and events. With a previous billboard placement for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s “Reducing the Stigma” Campaign, Lauren is passionate about leading by example and being an advocate for underserved communities. Lauren’s community outreach includes the implementation of the Charles Drew Farmers’ Market in South LA, being a previous Event Coordinator with the Amber Rose Annual Slut Walk, being a Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute alum, and helping facilitate community outreach and fundraising for the Association of Black Women Physicians. Throughout the pandemic, Lauren prepared for her lifelong career in medicine on the frontlines of research with the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine trials. She has also maintained her role as President of Health X Hollywood, a non-profit organization in which she is currently planning the health fair of the future- The Dedication Summit. Lauren produced COVID-19 webinars with local legislators, radio and tv hosts, athletes, and physicians to educate the community. She later joined forces with Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Office to host the Mask On Challenge Event in Skid Row while providing food, clothing, and COVID kits to the homeless. It is Lauren’s firm belief that through education, initiatives, and events designed to harness the social power of individuals that we can foster productive relationships and beneficially impact the health status of communities. Lauren is focused on challenging the status quo and changing policy as she continues to be involved with organizations, government entities and stakeholders who influence decision-making for vulnerable populations.

If you’ve been looking for a golden opportunity to display your talent, the PWT Medical Student Scholarship Contest is calling your name! Medical Students enter for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship!  2023 marks our 5th Annual Contest with creatives ranging from music to culinary arts! Are you next? Submit your videos. Have fun and be yourself! Participants must be current medical students. Video Requirements 1-minute MAX mp4 video Can be solo or with a group (Dancing, singing, musical instruments, and other talents) Content must be in good taste and with no profanity If you use a mobile device, please turn your phone to the landscape position when recording for the best quality Please ensure that you film your video in a well-lit area Please submit your videos to pwtbesttogether@gmail.com as a Google Drive attachment or link. Good luck!

2024 PWT Medical Student Scholarship Contest: Showcase Your Talent and Spark Your Future! Are you a medical student eager to blend your unique talents with your academic journey? The 2024 PWT Medical Student Scholarship Contest is your stage to shine and potentially secure a $1,000 scholarship to support your education! Celebrating our 6th year, we've witnessed an incredible array of talent, from musicians to chefs, and now we're looking for the next wave of creative medical students. Is that you? Share your passion with us. Submit your video, express your authentic self, and enjoy the process! Eligibility: Open exclusively to current medical students Video Submission Guidelines: Your video must be no longer than 1 minute. MP4 format preferred. Solo and group entries are welcome. Whether it’s dance, song, instrumental performances, or any other talent, we’re excited to see what you’ve got! Please ensure your video is in good taste, free from profanity, and showcases your talent in a positive light. Choose a well-lit setting to ensure you're seen at your best. How to Submit: Send your video to us at pwtbesttogether@gmail.com via a Google Drive attachment or link. Deadline is April 30th. Embark on a Journey of Creativity and Professional Growth. This contest isn't just about winning; it's about showcasing your talents, connecting with peers, and embracing every aspect of your identity, including the creative and the medical. Good Luck, and May Your Talent Light Up the Path to Success!

Giving Tuesday is a Global Day of Generosity that will take place on November 29, 2022. Join us as we journey to year 21! To celebrate "Giving Tuesday," we are inviting you to participate in our end of year "Give BAC" fundraiser!  Over the past 21 years, Be A Champion, Inc. (BAC) has worked to help bridge the gap in nutrition and education services for children in underserved communities. BAC was founded by two former University of Houston offensive linemen, Jaron K. Barganier and James Hong. Both Barganier and Hong felt that athletes should be positive role models for young people and wanted to create a platform for athletes to give back. Be A Champion, Inc. has a mission to use sports, education, and nutrition programs to enhance the development of our youth regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or creed. These goals are achieved through the work of 4 programs: The Champion Fuel Food Program, Champion Athletes Academy, Educational Services, and Little COOGs. Donation levels for this fundraiser range from $25 to $500 and will support Be A Champion, Inc's Little COOGs and Giving BAC Program. We will send a token of appreciation to donors at all contribution levels. Participants who give a minimum of $50 receive our limited-edition Giving Tuesday shirt. Please give by November 9th to receive your shirts in time to wear it and celebrate with us on November 19! See the attached graphic for details. You may contribute by completing this donation form: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231826&id=39 Thank you in advance for your support.

Champion Athletes Academy provides an opportunity for collegiate student-athletes to support the local community through the Champion Fuel Food Programs, serving meals, snacks, and milk to thousands of at-risk youth across the state of Texas. We had the opportunity to visit Spring Woods High School recently to speak with Principal Jennifer Collier and Coach Bill Pierce to get an inside view of how the program has helped the staff and students.

Introducing Be A Champion, Inc.'s Educational Services program. Are you a school or organization looking for comprehensive academic support and after-school programs? Look no further. With the rising demand for substitute teachers, tutors, support staff, and enrichment, Be A Champion, Inc. is here to provide solutions. Our Educational Services Program offers over ninety customized structures designed to meet the unique needs of grades K-12. Our program combines enrichment and academics, creating a well-rounded experience for students. From engaging activities to focused learning, we ensure that students not only thrive academically but also enjoy their after-school time with friends. But we don't do it alone. We believe in the power of partnership. Be A Champion, Inc. is eager to collaborate with schools and organizations like yours to bring our Educational Services program to your students. Together, we can make a lasting impact on student's educational journey. Let us be your trusted partner in providing the support and resources needed to help students excel. Join us in creating a brighter future. Contact us today to explore how we can work together to enhance the educational experience for our youth. Be A Champion, Inc.'s Educational Services program. Together, let's empower the next generation."

In this deeply moving testimonial, Jaren Barganier, the CEO of Be A Champion, and Isaiah Barganier open up about the devastating Maui fires and the profound impact it has had on communities, families, and the land. The unprecedented destruction brought about by the fires serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of community support. Hear firsthand from two individuals deeply connected to the land and its people. Their stories shed light on the resilience, hope, and unity of the affected communities, and the collective effort needed to rebuild and heal. For all those affected and for everyone willing to lend a hand, this video serves as both a message of solidarity and a call to action. Join Be A Champion in supporting the recovery efforts and standing strong with the Maui community.