In Honor of Dr. Vivian Pinn,
Professor at Howard University College of Medicine
Dr. Pinn, a matriarch in the field of medicine, is highly respected for her expertise and instruction by Drs. Deborah and Arthur Griffiths, along with medical students across decades. Dr. Deborah Griffiths is a member of the Friends for Life Foundation, Incorporated. She is also a member of the Phi Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she is a Life Member and Silver Star. Dr. Deborah Griffiths was initated into the Lambda Sigma Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, University of California-Irvine, in 1981. Dr. Arthur Griffiths is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and began his Panhellinic journey at Howard University's Beta Chapter in 1979. Both Griffiths are physicians who attended Howard University College of Medicine, completeing speciality training in Emergency Medicine. They strongly support the matriculation of students interested in the fields of science, medicine, or technology (SMT). The Drs. Griffiths have enjoyed the practice of medicine for over 30 years. They raised two daughters and a son, Kandasi, Yasmine, and Malik. Their daughters have both been active in SMT careers. Yasmine Griffiths, the youngest daughter, was initiated in the Eta Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and served as President of her chapter.
Since 1982, Dr. Vivian Pinn was a Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathology at the Howard University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C. Dr. Pinn went on to become the first full-time Director of the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an appointment she has held since November 1991. In February 1994, she was also named as Associate Director for Research on Women's Health, NIH. Additionally, Dr. Vinn held appointments at Tufts University and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Vinn's trainblazing story was featured in the Oprah Daily:https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a36635086/dr-vivian-pinn-interview/.
One $1,200.00 Young Women with Excellence in Science, Medicine, and Technology Scholarship - to Honor Dr. Vivian Pinn will be awarded in 2024.
Application Requirements:
- African American female resident of North Fulton County, Georgia, or a 2024 Strands of Elegance Cotillion Debutante residing in the metropolitan Atlanta area,
- High school senior with a mininum B average (3.0/4.0 scale). Include an official high school transcript,
- Interest in attending an Histortically Black College or University (HBCU), but not required,
- Pursuing a career in science, medicine, or technology (SMT),
- Planning to attend college in 2024, and
- Provide two Letters of Recommendation from non-family members (submit the letters to scholarships@friendsforlifega.org) by the May 31, 2024 deadline.