Recap: Explosion of a Dream 2025 Annual Scholarship Event
We are ElevateMeD, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2019 who is increasing representation in medicine, closing the gap of financial inequity in medical education, and empowering the next generation of physician leaders!
The 2025 Explosion of a Dream weekend (September 19-21) featured our fifth annual Scholars Summit and our seventh signature fundraising event, Explosion of a Dream in support of the ElevateMeD Scholars Program. Guests and ElevateMeD Scholars gathered from across the country for the second year in a row at the Camby Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona!
On behalf of the ElevateMeD Scholars and our committed Board of Directors and Advisory Board, we are grateful for your ongoing support in elevating the field of medicine!
Please enjoy the official recap of our event FEATURING PHOTO AND VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS.
Thanks to our sponsors and donors the 2025 Explosion of a Dream event was an inspiring and unforgettable success!
We were welcomed by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and our emcee, Arizona’s Family and 3TV host, Susan Casper. Mayor Gallego issued a proclamation declaring September 24 as ElevateMeD Day in the City of Phoenix, a powerful recognition of our mission and impact.
Lisa Cagnolatti, on behalf of her husband Ed and The Cagnolatti Daniels Family Foundation (White Coat Sponsor), underscored the urgent need for culturally competent care and the critical importance of supporting ElevateMeD’s mission.
2022 ElevateMeD Scholar, Dr. Marcus Childs reflected on his journey from medical student to resident and highlighted the importance of giving back to underserved communities. He then introduced ElevateMeD Founder, Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey, who reminded us why ElevateMeD exists and reaffirmed our commitment to building a more representative physician workforce.
ElevateMeD Executive Director, Jeff Armstrong highlighted the organization’s growth through expanded programming, new and strengthened partnerships, and greater opportunities for Scholars and communities.
2023 ElevateMeD Scholar Leonida Radford spoke about the power of community within the Scholars Program and presented the 2025 Breaking Barriers Award to Dr. Victor Waters, honoring his extraordinary leadership in advancing healthcare equity, his advocacy as a national spokesperson for the American Lung Association, and his groundbreaking campaigns.
Rylan and Makena Umphrey presented the Diane Porter Memorial Award to Chikodi Ohaya, celebrating her resilience, leadership, and commitment to uplifting others while pursuing her dream of becoming a physician.
Danielle Frost, Executive Director of The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, presented an additional special scholarship to 2025 ElevateMeD Scholar, Ariel Walker of Wayne State University, honoring her passion for representation in medicine and her commitment to serving her community.
Dr. Nathan Delafield introduced 2025 Trailblazer Award recipient, Marion Kelly, who delivered a powerful message on leadership, resilience, and the responsibility to continue advancing equity and representation in medicine.
Dr. Emily Plumage Boyd, welcomed the 2025 ElevateMeD Explosion of a Dream Keynote Speaker, Dr. Kenneth Clark. Dr. Kenneth Clark is a 2024 ElevateMeD Scholar. He shared a moving testimony of his journey, the challenges of medical training, and the vital importance of representation saving lives.
Finally, our auctioneer Subyn Novelle brought energy and excitement to the room, leading a spirited live auction and Fund-A-Need that inspired guests to give boldly.
Together we were able to raise over $280,000 from Explosion of a Dream weekend, and we’re not going to stop!
*Click on the top right of video to WATCH All (10) Speaker highlight videos from the evening.
*photography courtesy Focus First Photography & The Social Photog
*photobooth courtesy The Turn Up Booth
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN THE CELEBRATION!
If you missed Explosion of a Dream there are multiple ways you can still help support our mission and celebrate six years of elevating medicine with us! Learn more at give.elevatemed.org.
THE EXPLOSION OF A DREAM WAS MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS.
White Coat Sponsors: The Cagnolatti Daniels Family Foundation and Gilead
Stethoscope Sponsors: Love Tito’s, Adelayo Law Firm, OneAZ Community Foundation, Rizing Tide Foundation, Kubodera Family
On-Call Sponsors: Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer, Desert Institute for Spine Care, Adam J. Milam, Blackwell Law Office, Creighton University, Nova Southeastern University, Desert Diamond Casinos
Bar Sponsors: Blackwell Law Office and Tito’s Handmade
And the many auction sponsors that contributed to make Explosion of a Dream 2025 a success.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR 2025 SPONSORS:
White Coat
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Stethoscope
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On Call
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