Kirstyn Parker

Kirstyn Parker (KGSB ’24, SPH ’24G) wants more than success in a field where few Black women have tread—she also wants to make sure others follow in her path.

Kirstyn, or Kiki as her friends call her, aspires to run an academic hospital system and to use that platform to help the next generation of budding healthcare administrators. She believes increased diversity among health care providers and administrators will lead to better care for minority patients.

“That is why my goal now is to run a university-affiliated health system,” Kiki said. “That way my voice will be part of the conversation, and I can ensure new students of color are nurtured so they too are included in the conversation.”

Kiki has found the perfect academic program at Pitt to help her achieve her lofty dreams. She is simultaneously earning a master’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in public health. This dual track gives her the classroom knowledge to pursue her chosen field and offers her a slew of opportunities to engage in the hands-on experiences she desires.

“Without my scholarships, it would have been nearly impossible financially for me to attend Pitt and experience the spectacular professors and extracurriculars that I love,” said Kiki. “The scholarships give me the time and energy to explore the resources that will help me be successful in the future.”