Recap: Ignite Atlanta 2025 Scholarship Event
Atlanta Shined Bright – You Were the Light!
“For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it,
if only we’re brave enough to be it.”
Thank you Atlanta for being the light at our 4th annual ElevateMeD Ignite Atlanta fundraising event. Because of your generosity we will continue to fund the ElevateMeD Scholars Program which has become a tangible solution to the eradication of health disparities and the promotion of health equity. As we enter into our 6th year of the ElevateMeD legacy, we remain steadfast to our mission and vision. Your ongoing support is necessary now more than ever and we are grateful for your continued investment in ElevateMeD.
— Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey, ElevateMeD Founder
ElevateMeD celebrated our sixth anniversary in style at the Piedmont Room in Atlanta, and it was a night to remember. Since inception, we’ve awarded over $1.2 Million to 70 medical students from underrepresented backgrounds across the country. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far we have come. As our second largest donor community, Atlanta continues to be the light for us with 8 ElevateMeD Scholars having participated in our programming and awarded tuition-based scholarships in Atlanta. We look forward to announcing the 2025-26 cohort of ElevateMeD Scholars in May. Ignite Atlanta was more than just a celebration – it was a spark that lit up the whole room. During these challenging times, nights like this remind us of what is possible when Atlanta shows up. We are inspired to continue paving the way for future physicians here and across the country!
The 2025 Ignite Atlanta event featured the following highlights:
Over $130,000 raised with 150 guests in attendance
Were welcomed by our emcee, Cardiologist, Dr. Jayne Morgan.
Erica Acie of Truist, our White Coat Sponsor, spoke of how they are committed to supporting doctors throughout every stage of their careers — from residency to retirement through banking opportunities that include personal and business services for healthcare providers, medical practice solutions, and wealth management services.
2024 ElevateMeD Scholar, Sydni Williams, 4th year medical student at Emory University School of Medicine and future Emergency Medicine resident at the University of Chicago, shared the rewarding and impactful experience that she has had as part of the ElevateMeD Scholars Program.
ElevateMeD Founder and Board Chair, Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey, shared how the mission and vision of ElevateMeD is more timely now than ever as we seek to promote a future with equitable health outcomes for all populations, particularly those of color. While the challenges may look different than in years past, the passion for the organization and commitment to continued funding for the ElevateMeD Scholars Program, remains. Dr. Porter reminded the audience that the ElevateMeD Scholars Program is more than just a scholarship, it is a holistic leadership development program that fills a gap in the education of medical students as they matriculate through their careers.
The fourth ElevateMeD Trailblazer Award was presented by Xavier Walker to Judge Glenda Hatchett, for her efforts in healthcare advocacy, particularly as it pertains to maternal mortality in Black women.
An exciting live auction featuring auctioneer Subyn Novelle
2021 ElevateMeD Scholar, Dr. Caylan Bookman, Psychiatry resident at Yale University and ElevateMeD Board Member, Dr. Maia McCuiston introduced us to their mentee and our Scholar Keynote for the evening.
Jahlecia Gregory, ElevateMeD Scholar and Morehouse School of Medicine Class of 2025 delivered a powerful keynote address on the importance of providing hope to marginalized communities through mental healthcare, the impact of having a dynamic mentor, and how ElevateMeD has inspired her journey.
Event Chair and Board Member, Dr. Jeshenna Watkins closed out the evening reminding us all to be ignited.
Live musical entertainment by DJ Reggie Love
A very special thank you to every supporter, volunteer, school official, and sponsor who attended and helped us make another unforgettable night!
It’s not too late to join the celebration!
If you missed Ignite Atlanta, there are multiple ways you can still celebrate six years of elevating medicine with us.
Invest your time. Volunteer as a Physician Mentor or on our Advisory Board.
Invest your dollars. Give at give.elevatemed.org. If you have already given, see if your employer will match your donation.
Shop & Give. Sport ElevateMeD merchandise available at shop.elevatemed.org.
Share and tell a friend.
Save the date
We are preparing for our signature Fall fundraiser, Explosion of A Dream 2025: Nothing Is Impossible, on September 20, 2025, at The Camby in Phoenix, Arizona!
Sponsorship opportunities currently available at sponsor.elevatemed.org.
Ticket sales open on August 1, 2025.
PLEASE ENJOY THE OFFICIAL RECAP OF OUR EVENT FEATURING PHOTO AND VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS.
On behalf of the ElevateMeD 70 Scholars and our committed Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and program team we are grateful for your continuous support in elevating the field of medicine!
*Click on the top right of video to OPEN the Playlist and Watch (6) Speaker highlights from the evening.
Ignite Atlanta WAS MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO OUR DEVOTED PARTNERS AND EVENT SPONSORS.
White Coat Sponsors: Truist Bank
Pulse Sponsors: Drs. Shannon Smith and Eric Hamilton
Stethoscope Sponsors: The McCuiston Group, City of Hope, Council & Associates, and LocumTenens
On-Call Sponsors: Morehouse School of Medicine, The Walker Family Fund, Dr. Jeshenna Watkins
Auction Sponsors: Greens Corporate Catering, 831 MinhLe, Southwest Airlines, The Walker Family Fund, and our ElevateMeD Board of Directors
THANK YOU TO ALL SPONSORS:
White Coat
Sponsors
Pulse
Sponsors
Stethoscope
Sponsors
On Call
Sponsors
