Cynthia Bradford, system community involvement manager, won the Pioneer Award presented by the Education Equal Opportunity Group (EEOG) on Monday, May 5 at a Career Speed Networking event at the University of Memphis. For several years, Cynthia has been instrumental in Baptist Memorial Health Care’s support of EEOG’s Career Speed Networking Program for high school students.
“The Pioneer Award is one of the highest honors EEOG gives each year. It recognizes individuals who go the extra mile to uplift students — especially those from underserved communities and first-generation college-bound families. These leaders don’t just talk about change; they show up, speak up and bring others along with them,” said President of EEOG George Thomas. “Cynthia Bradford is the perfect example of that kind of leader. Her passion, presence and advocacy have meant a great deal to our students and our mission. From volunteering her time as a speaker to encouraging others at Baptist to get involved, Cynthia has been a true champion of EEOG’s work.”
EEOG is holding events at the University of Memphis as part of its fifth annual Career Speed Networking Program that allows high school students the opportunity to connect with community business leaders. Students attending these events are from schools in Memphis and rural West Tennessee, including Bolivar Central High School, Haywood High School, Ripley High School, Booker T. Washington High School, Kingsbury High School, Whitehaven High School and more. Transportation is provided.
“We’re grateful Baptist Memorial Health Care joined with us for this year’s Career Speed Networking Program. The support from Baptist helped make this year’s program at the University of Memphis our biggest yet,” said George. “Together, we created meaningful moments for high school students to connect with professionals, ask questions and begin envisioning bright futures. It’s always powerful to watch these students light up as they meet leaders from their community who believe in them.”
Chief Human Resources and Diversity Officer Walter Banks attended the Pioneer Award presentation along with System Laboratory Lead Director James Bolden and Manager of Respiratory Support Calvin Wordlaw. These team members also support Career Speed Networking events, along with several others, including Director of Talent Acquisition Donna Robinson and System Director of Respiratory Therapy Larry Hopper.
“Cynthia was instrumental in the facilitation of the local Career Speed Networking events. She is deserving of the Pioneer Award for her efforts to connect students with professionals who can inspire them,” said Walter.
Cynthia said these events help students gain confidence talking to people they may not typically encounter in their everyday lives. Students attending the events may also be connected to additional resources through Baptist Health Sciences University HealthCORE and Baptist Memorial Health Care, including receiving letters of recommendation, job shadowing or internships.
“With EEOG’s focus on serving students in rural and urban areas, this program perfectly aligns with Baptist’s work serving patients with hospitals and clinics located in these areas,” said Cynthia. “We enjoy our work with the Career Speed Networking events and also sharing stories with students at the Educational Speaker Series events hosted by EEOG.”
Chair and Associate Professor of Health Administration and Public Health Briana Jegier, Ph.D., and Biomedical Sciences Chair and Associate Professor of BHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Lilian Nyindodo, Ph.D., MPH, MS, also meet with students at the Career Speed Networking events. Both professors serve as co-chairs of BHSU HealthCORE, which provides support and activities for young students in the Mid-South interested in careers in health care, including summer camps and job shadowing.
Senior Community Involvement Coordinator Ann Marie Wallace, Chief Learning Officer Sherri Brooks and Manager of Career Development Michele Schlinsog have recently joined other Baptist team members at EEOG events.
