In a world teeming with talent and potential, few things hold as much promise and significance as the power of education. Every day, teenagers across the globe embark on journeys to realize their dreams and aspirations, but for many, the path is fraught with financial barriers. Enter the Edward Taylor Coombs (ETC) Foundation, a beacon of hope and support for these young dreamers.
As we delve into the heart of this extraordinary nonprofit organization, we shine a spotlight on the awe-inspiring Scholarship Award Winner, Danielle Hodges – an individual whose story of determination, resilience, and excellence is nothing short of inspirational. The ETC Foundation is not merely a source of financial aid but a symbol of unwavering commitment to nurturing the aspirations of teenagers like Danielle, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive, and ultimately, lighting the way for future generations.
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Join us on this remarkable journey as we celebrate the transformative impact of the ETC Foundation and its dedication to helping teenagers like Danielle Hodges turn their dreams into reality.
Danielle Hodges – A Shining Star!
Danielle Hodges is committed to working to bridge the gaps in disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. A 2012 Hatboro-Horsham High School graduate, Danielle received an Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation scholarship to cover her attendance at the National Youth Leadership Medical Forum in Philadelphia in the summer of 2012. She had plans to become a physician and attend Xavier University of Louisiana, which then and continues to rank first in the nation for the number of African American graduates who go on to complete medical school. While Danielle excelled academically and loved her experience at Xavier, she came to realize that practicing medicine wasn’t the path for her after all.
“After my sophomore year I interned with the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and am so grateful for that opportunity,” she said. “I realized afterward that I wasn’t as interested in the biomedical aspect of healthcare, but the experience strengthened my interest in research. I already fell in love with my psychology classes and wanted to explore more areas of psychological science going forward.”
Danielle graduated magna cum laude from Xavier in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree and minors in chemistry and biology. Following graduation, Danielle went on to complete an accelerated master’s in health science program at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. This allowed her to pursue her interests in mental and behavioral health and further develop her research and evaluation skills.
Toward the end of 2017 Danielle began working at the Camden Coalition, a multi-disciplinary, community-based nonprofit working to improve care for people with complex health and social needs in Camden, New Jersey, and around the country. As the Senior Program Manager for Data and Quality Improvement, she is responsible for co-designing and implementing strategies to improve processes and outcomes and measure the impact of complex care programs.
Danielle is glad to play an integral role in the ongoing efforts to advance health equity.
“It definitely looks different from how I had envisioned it in high school and college,” she said when reflecting on her career trajectory. “I always knew that I wanted to help people experiencing chronic health and social challenges meet their needs. I get to do that by helping to ensure that we are measuring what’s most valuable to our program participants.”
How the ETC Foundation helped
Danielle really appreciated the financial support of the Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation. Receiving the award helped boost her confidence and led her to apply for additional scholarship and leadership opportunities. “I knew that they and a lot of other people were invested in me and my future. That was a big motivator for me to do well,” she said. “And I also wanted it for myself.”
Continued Leadership Initiatives
Danielle has been invited to lead diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within her organization; participate in the strategic planning and organizational goal measurement committees; and represent her organization in a national learning collaborative devoted to improving patient-centered outcome measurement.
In early 2023 Danielle was accepted into the American Express Leadership Academy, which, since its inception in 2007, aims to build the personal, business and leadership skills of emerging nonprofit and social purpose leaders.
“The importance of leading beyond authority and expanding outside of our immediate spheres of influence,” Danielle said of one of the many takeaways. “I’m so inspired by the many change agents I had the privilege of learning from and look forward to applying these invaluable tools and insights to my work over the years to come.”
Concluding the amazing story!
In conclusion, Danielle Hodges\’ journey, closely entwined with the unwavering support of the Edward Taylor Coombs (ETC) Foundation, is a testament to the profound impact of scholarship opportunities and the resilience of young dreamers. Her path, from aspiring physician to a passionate advocate for healthcare equity, mirrors the unpredictable twists that life can bring.
With the ETC Foundation\’s support, Danielle not only received the financial backing to pursue her dreams but also found the motivation to excel beyond her own expectations. Her story underscores the profound ripple effect of empowerment, showing that even a single scholarship can change the course of one person\’s life and, in turn, improve the world for many. Danielle Hodges is proof that, with determination and the right support, dreams can evolve, and their impact can be immeasurable.
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