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Meet Our Scholars and Alumni

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Marife G.

Futuro Health Scholar

Medical Assistant Program

Growing up in the Philippines, Marife knew she wanted to be a nurse, but couldn’t pursue her passion for care because the schooling was too expensive. When her husband’s supervisor told her about Futuro Health’s tuition-free healthcare education opportunities, Marife was finally empowered and enabled to enroll in a Medical Assistant Program. With the help of Futuro Health, Marife was able to find an externship for Medical Assisting that led to a job. Marife feels proud to fulfill her mother’s dream for her to work in healthcare, and is grateful to be able to provide for her family so that they can pursue their dreams, as she has been able to with Futuro Health. “Futuro Health helped me to be more confident and empowered me to plan my future and work towards my goal.”
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Lania W.

Futuro Health Scholar

Phlebotomy Program

Inspired by her mother’s philanthropic career in West Oakland in the 1980s and 1990s, Lania has a deep investment in and passion for caring for her community. In 2005, Lania began a career as a Community Health Worker, but took a step back to find a different path in healthcare. After her sister told her about Futuro Health, Lania found a tuition-free Phlebotomy Program and knew she had found her path. Now, Lania is preparing to take the state exam to be certified to work in hospitals so that she can continue to get the externship experience that she needs to become a Phlebotomist. Lania’s goal is to work in the Emergency Room, where she hopes to make a difference in making patients feel supported. “Futuro Health helped big time with the externship…I’ve been on the front lines for so long and it feels good bringing joy in a different way.”

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Chad P.

Futuro Health Scholar

Pharmacy Technician Program

In his previous career working in offices, Chad felt stifled and unmotivated. Chad was called to pursue a more personally meaningful and fulfilling career that would continue to motivate him and help others. In speaking with a friend who has a career in healthcare, Chad was encouraged to look to Futuro Health for tuition-free healthcare education programs. When he found the Pharmacy Technician Program, he knew it was the right fit for him, as the program was fully online and allowed him to pursue his goal without any out-of-pocket costs. He hopes to continue to work as a Pharmacy Technician and advance to become a Pharmacy Manager in the next five years. “This program helps you tremendously to change your path, your trajectory.”

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Jamilah C.

Futuro Health Scholar

Healthcare Customer Service Paraprofessional Program

Jamilah’s lifelong passion for golf motivated her to pursue a career in healthcare. Her interest in nutrition, along with a past personal health experience, inspired Jamilah to dedicate herself to advocate and assist others in need of care. Jamilah enrolled in Futuro Health’s Healthcare Customer Service Paraprofessional program as a first step in her new career helping others in her community better navigate the healthcare system. “Futuro Health opened a lot of doors for me. It is imperative to have representation of Black African American women in healthcare. I know I can help others, it makes me feel powerful to give back to the community that has supported me for many years.” Jamilah plans to continue her education and become an x-ray technician and aspires to one day open a program in her community to teach and inspire youth about healthcare.

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Eboni A.

Futuro Health Scholar

Pharmacy Technician Program

As a single mother, Eboni’s daughter is her driving force. Following a difficult pregnancy and her unfamiliarity with the numerous medications prescribed to her, Eboni chose to change her career. After working for more than ten years in security management Eboni wanted a new profession that would impassion her and provide the opportunity to help educate and guide others through the delivery and dispensing of medication. Eboni is currently a Scholar in Futuro Health’s Pharmacy Technician program, which she learned about from a neighbor. “With Futuro Health’s assistance, I am in a position where not only do I have a career that I’m going to be passionate about, but with a steady income and something that I look forward to waking up and doing every day, while helping others heal and providing the best possible life for my daughter.”
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Satbir S.

Futuro Health Scholar

Phlebotomy Program

Satbir always dreamed of working in healthcare but couldn’t pursue a full-time career due to family commitments and his existing job requirements. Now that his children have grown, Satbir decided to make a career transition after a friend recommended Futuro Health. Satbir chose to enroll in the Phlebotomy Technician program to take advantage of tuition-free training and Futuro Health’s flexible online courses, which fit into his busy life. While continuing his learning, Satbir also secured a part-time lab assistant job. “My children are thrilled to see me change my career at this stage, showing them that learning is possible at any age. I feel blessed that Futuro Health made my dream of working in healthcare come true, and I highly recommend them to my family and friends. This is just the beginning of my new journey.”
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Chigoziri N.

Futuro Health Scholar

Patient Care Representative Program

Being from Nigeria, Chigoziri is acutely aware of the impact that shortages of allied health workers has on the capacity of hospitals to address the needs of their communities. Chigoziri’s passion for equitable, accessible, and representative healthcare deepened after his wife had their first child and did not feel adequately cared for. When he discovered Futuro Health’s Patient Care Representative Program, Chigoziri felt empowered to commit himself to the profound need for patient advocacy. Chigoziri hopes to serve Indigenous communities with direct service healthcare as well as policy coordination. “In the program, I learned a whole lot about excellent communication skills, having empathetic skills, actually even working with software related to the healthcare industry. So, it was a very eye-opening experience. It was worth it.”

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Carsyn P.

Futuro Health Scholar

Emergency Room Technician Program Scholar

Carsyn’s adventurous spirit and commitment to care pushed her to pursue a career in healthcare, which she finds personally exciting and fulfilling. After finding out about Futuro Health through a family friend, Carsyn was able to take the leap and begin the Emergency Room Technician Program. Having completed the 8 week program, Carsyn became Nationally Certified and is now actively working as an EMT. “Being able to complete [the Emergency Room Technician Program] in eight weeks and get registered and get a job so quick … it definitely is a proud feeling and I am so thankful that I was given that opportunity.”

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Tomas W.

Futuro Health Scholar

Sterile Processing Technician Program

Tomas immigrated to the United States from Uganda in 2019 to pursue an education, support his family, and live a happier life. Unfortunately, after losing his job at an IT company, he found it difficult to stay afloat. He decided to pursue a different career path and took the leap of enrolling in the Sterile Processing Program with Futuro Health. Tomas is eager to grow his career to encompass other healthcare professions like radiology or nursing. “I would love to get to a place where I’m able to support my family … give them the life that they don’t currently have. For me, that is always something that has been my main motivation.” 

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Yoshiko Q.

Futuro Health Scholar

Patient Care Representative Program

When it was time for Yoshiko’s in-laws to find a retirement home, Yoshiko felt called to help them, and she deeply enjoyed the experience of going through the journey with them. When her daughter went off to college, Yoshiko knew that she had an opportunity to make a career change, focus on herself, and overcome her own self-doubt. When Yoshiko embraced this change as on opportunity, she enrolled in Futuro Health’s Patient Care Representative Program. Through the program, Yoshiko connected with her peers,  learning and developing a great deal of skills that have empowered her to re-enter the workforce. “Futuro Health’s program gave me confidence, professionally and personally.”

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Javier S.

Futuro Health Scholar

Phlebotomy Program

Javier had been working in a warehouse for 14 years when a friend told him about Futuro Health. After three months of online courses, followed by hands-on training, he graduated and became a phlebotomist. Javier’s new job affords him more time with his family—enough so that he now coaches his kids’ baseball teams. He aspires to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Registered Nurse (RN) one day. “Since I became a phlebotomist, I’ve been so happy. I love the job. There’s more opportunities to grow. I don’t stop. I always want to keep going.”
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Cristian T. and Jermaine R.

Futuro Health Scholars

DIRECT CARE WORKER PROGRAM (CALGROWS)

Cristian first heard of Futuro Health through the program director at his place of employment, who encouraged him, and other members of his team, like Jermaine, to take Futuro Health courses to enhance what they already know. Jermaine knew that taking courses while working full time would be difficult, but found that Futuro Health helped him complete his coursework while working with his schedule, so that he could gain the skills that he needs to help his team do the work that they do. He notes the growth that he has experienced in his empathetic skills through Futuro Health’s Direct Care Worker Program (CalGrows). Zeke, the Director of Operations at South of Market Health Center in San Francisco, encourages all of the members of his team to take Futuro Health courses to deepen their skills and make his team stronger. “I would 100% recommend Futuro Health courses to any caregiver if they want to expand their knowledge of what they already know.”
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Tamecka S.

Futuro Health Scholar

Phlebotomy Program

Tamecka had worked in the healthcare field for over 25 years, scheduling chemotherapy for cancer patients at City of Hope Medical Center, when she decided to change course in her career. She learned about Futuro Health through her union and enrolled in the phlebotomy program. Meanwhile, Tamecka has built her own business, Rendez-Vous Fragrance, a chemical-free candle company inspired by her cancer patients. In five years, she has dreams of becoming a travel phlebotomist and opening a phlebotomy location for the homeless. “It’s never too late to get an education, another career—to grow.”
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Margaret O.

Futuro Health Scholar

Phlebotomy Program

Margaret derives joy from helping people­­, a trait she inherited from her mother who always wanted to be a nurse. When her mother was diagnosed with cancer, Margaret became her primary caregiver and discovered her interest in healthcare. While working security patrol for Kaiser, Margaret found a Futuro Health flyer on the ground and picked a program that interested her—phlebotomy. She feels that Futuro Health has changed her life and hopes that other people pursue the same opportunity. “I want to better myself and seize every opportunity that I can.”
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Justin C.

Futuro Health Scholar

Pharmacy Technician Program

Justin has always been passionate about caring for people, interested in chemistry, and determined to become a pharmacist. Through Futuro Health’s Pharmacy Tech program, Justin was able to gain meaningful and necessary clinical experience that allowed him to start working as a pharmacy technician and continue his studies, enabling him to make momentous strides towards his goal of becoming a pharmacist. “If you are looking for a way to become a medical professional, Futuro Health is a very good option.”

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Lisa D.

Futuro Health Scholar

Medical Assistant Program

The health field has always been a part of Lisa’s life. In school, Lisa succeeded in her medical coding classes, but didn’t pass the certification. She felt defeated and lost as she began losing money trying to get certified. When Lisa’s friend Angie A. brought Futuro Health to her attention, Lisa was relieved, excited, and incredibly grateful. Lisa has dreams of working in the nutrition department, which she is passionate about as someone living with diabetes. “Futuro Health does not let you get to a point where you don’t know what to do anymore. . . I have a lot of knowledge. I just needed the certificates and the training to get me to the right place.”

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Latoya G.

Futuro Health Scholar

Medical Assistant Program

Latoya feels fulfilled by caring for people, and has had dreams of being a nurse since she was young. Tragically, Latoya’s son in law died suddenly, leaving her daughter a widow and a single mother. This experience pushed Latoya to find a way to pursue her passions while still supporting her family. When she found out about Futuro Health’s Medical Assistant Program, she knew that it was an incredible opportunity for her. “Futuro Health is right there by your side. It just feels good. I know that I’m going to succeed. So, I’m just really excited.”
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Elizabeth C. and Rich H.

Futuro Health Scholars

Direct Care Worker Program (CalGrows)

Elizabeth and Rich both experienced first-hand how listening, patience, and problem-solving leads to compassionate caregiving. Elizabeth, now pursing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, cared for her mother who was ill with dementia during the last six years of her life. Rich lost both of his parents to Alzheimer’s and caregiver stress, respectively, which led him to open his own in-home care services center, Pallas Care. Through the CalGrows training courses offered through Futuro Health, caregivers like Elizabeth and Rich now have a foundation that better prepares them for this type of work. “This program, in my personal life, has helped me grow as a human. I am better suited to care for those who are aging in our state.”
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Ebonie C.

Futuro Health Scholar

Patient Care Representative Program

Ebonie’s dream job is to be a wound care nurse. Having two parents who lived with amputations, Ebonie grew up learning first-hand the importance of comprehensive patient care. Caring for her mother’s wounds marked the start of Ebonie doing what she wanted to do: help people. Ebonie intends to find a career within this narrative that also affords her more time to spend with her four children. “It makes me feel good that I accomplished something I’ve been wanting to accomplish for a while now.”

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Hailey B.

Futuro Health Scholar

Medical Assistant Program

Hailey always knew she had an instinct for helping people. As the oldest of five, she juggled the demanding responsibilities of high school while helping to raise her siblings. Hailey sees her program at Futuro Health as the first step towards getting her foot in the door with a nursing program. “I’ve always been driven to help others and want to see others succeed.”

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Cassandra B.

Futuro Health Scholar

Medical Assistant Program

Cassandra was a preschool and kindergarten teacher for nearly eight years, and often found herself struggling to raise her son on a modest salary. When COVID hit, Cassandra decided to take a leap of faith and switch careers. “My older cousin referred me to Futuro Health after learning I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. When I found out about Futuro Health’s scholarship and that all my training would be paid for, I cried.”

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Alicia M.

Futuro Health Scholar

Medical Assistant Program

Alicia knew from an early age that she wanted to work in the medical field and help people, but her dream was put on hold as her life circumstances changed and she needed to focus on providing for her family. Through Futuro Health’s Medical Assistant Program, Alicia was able to pursue her dream of working to help people while securing a future of stability and love for herself and her family. “Futuro Health helped me secure my dream, my passion, my love, without having to go into debt.”
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Juliana P.

Futuro Health Scholar

Medical Assistant Program

Through Futuro Health’s Medical Assistant Program, Juliana is now working as a Medical Assistant at a dermatology office, which allows her to get necessary and meaningful clinical hours that she needs for the Physician Assistant Program. Because of these opportunities, Juliana is able to help provide for herself and her mother to pursue their passions in healthcare and gain valuable education and experience that serves their goals. “I’ve always wanted to go into med spa in plastic surgery, so that’s my goal right now, and with the help of Futuro Health, I am able to take that step forward.”

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Justice J.

Futuro Health Scholar

Medical Assistant Program

Justice found Futuro Health’s Medical Assistant Program while working at a ramen shop after being laid off during COVID, a challenge that so many Americans faced during the waves of lockdowns across the nation. While studying to become a nurse, Justice completed the Medical Assistant Program and now works as a Medical Assistant for Kaiser Permanente, which enables him to financially support himself and his family while pursuing his passion for providing care. “The [Medical Assistant] program did its best to give me everything that I needed, which I think was very beneficial. . . if they’re really dedicated and very passionate about the healthcare field. . . I feel like Futuro Health would probably be the best for anyone.”

Alonna B

Alonna B.

Futuro Health Scholar

Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy Program

With the birth of her son, Alonna decided she needed to change her life. She heard about Futuro Health through her social worker, and her stepmother, who works in hospice care. Alonna is now expanding upon her training in medical assisting from Futuro Health by participating in an externship at an Oakland Medical Clinic. She looks forward to starting her new career that will provide for her and her two-year-old son as well as serve others. “I’m definitely going to use my career to better my community. I can be the voice for the patient.”

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