RACHEL L. WILHITE
MISS BLACK ARIZONA USA 2005
Far from my birthplace in Memphis, Tennessee, I have called Arizona home for many years which makes me proud to represent the state as a delegate in the Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant. I am an alumnus of Xavier University of Louisiana where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in statistics and mathematics. Now at age 27, I attend the University of Arizona, Zuckerman College of Public Health, where I received my Master’s degree in Public Health and am now in the 4th year of my doctoral program in Epidemiology. A key aspect of my academic ambition is to be an integral part in cutting edge quantitative epidemiological research within the African-American community.
With my father being from Memphis and my mom from New Orleans, my parents are an interesting combination of southern tradition rooted in the Baptist Church. Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist church in Tucson is my church home, but being the state delegate has given me an opportunity to worship with other church congregations throughout the black community in Tucson and the greater Phoenix area. My worship experiences and growth in faith have been both spiritually fulfilling and personally rewarding.
When I am not dabbling in statistics or epidemiology, I like to indulge in some quality time with the latest fashion magazines! I have always had an interest in the latest fashion trends and timeless styles. I admire styles that are unique and I dare to be a trendsetter. In addition to my favorite pastime, the Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant has opened up many intriguing opportunities for me in volunteerism and charitable fundraising. My charitable fundraising is focused on raising funds for the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals of Arizona. This activity has given me the opportunity to play an active role in ensuring that children throughout our state who seek care through either Phoenix Children’s Hospital or Tucson Medical Center are provided with resources to support the specialized care they need and deserve.
My platform for the national pageant is mentoring African-American females through the promotion of mathematics and science education. I am extremely passionate about serving as a mentor and advocate for the promotion of mathematics and science education. I want to inspire the leadership within academic institutions to enhance existing programs or establish new programs that will push for more African-Americans, specifically females, to pursue careers in areas of mathematics and science. My goal is to open the doors of opportunity for young African-American females throughout our nation to pursue successful careers in mathematics and science by encouraging them to acquire the highest levels of education that can be attained. My life long career goal is to continue the legacy of scientific African-American researchers through the promotion of mathematics and science education, and the mentoring and training of future Black epidemiologists.
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