Selected medical students — including Kambrea Soltero — attend the ElevateMeD Scholars Summit.

The organization seeks to alleviate the financial burden of medical education’s rising cost and support students from underrepresented backgrounds

Empowering the next generation of physicians from a range of backgrounds is imperative for the health and livelihood of all communities. 

This year, three students from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix were named recipients of ElevateMeD’s prestigious scholarship. Blessing Atanmo, Kambrea Soltero and Kristie Nonyelu each received the scholarship as a recognition for the hard work they have contributed toward their future careers.

Since its establishment in 2019, ElevateMeD has provided scholarships, mentorship and professional development to its recipients. With the goal of having medicine mirroring the communities it serves, the organization aims to alleviate the financial burden of medical education’s rising cost.

Founded by Alyx Porter Umphrey, MD, FAAN, and Gregory Umphrey, MD, ElevateMeD has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships — seeking to support medical students from underrepresented backgrounds. 

Blessing Atanmo

Blessing Atanmo’s interest in medicine first stemmed from the experiences she witnessed growing up. Watching her mother work as a nurse — dedicating herself to each of her patients — made Atanmo appreciate the power of healthcare.

Atanmo heard about ElevateMeD through a mentor who encouraged her to attend an information session. She became interested in the program’s focus on supporting students who are committed to becoming physicians and serving their communities.

Being awarded the scholarship from ElevateMeD means more than financial support; it allows her to maintain more focus on her education and the type of physician she wants to become.

“It represents an investment in my future and in the communities I hope to serve,” Atanmo said. “I was grateful to be recognized alongside so many other talented students who are working toward making an impact in their communities.”

Her family and the areas that have invested in her are a big component of what keeps Atanmo going in her pursuit of her career in medicine. She ultimately hopes to be a doctor who will help her community and guide the next generation of physician and researchers.

“I think about everything my mom sacrificed to give me and my siblings opportunities she didn’t have, and I want to make that sacrifice meaningful,” Atanmo said. “I’m inspired by the students I’ve had the opportunity to mentor and the patients I’ve met throughout medical school.”

Kambrea Soltero

Growing up with an unconventional childhood, Kambrea Soltero’s focus is on addressing social determinants of health. Rather than concentrate on the hurt and suffering, she hopes to turn that energy into making a difference in the world as a physician for others.

Soltero was inspired to apply for the ElevateMeD scholarship after one of her friends, Abigail Solorio, MD — a member of the college’s Class of 2023 — received the scholarship and progressed through the program in 2022.

Upon learning she would receive it, Soltero was able to reflect on how all the hard work she has put in paid off. Instead of feeling like she is not doing enough, the accomplishment allowed her to acknowledge how far she has come in her pursuit of an MD.

“I’m the first in my family to go to college and go into medicine, and so I think, especially being Hispanic and Native, it extends beyond my family to the community,” Soltero said. “You sort of become the community doctor. Knowing that people finally have someone to go that they trust is honorable.”

With graduation and residency on the horizon, she wants to become a physician who serves vulnerable populations.

“Hopefully, once I’m more established and using what I see on the front lines of medicine, I can help try to make some changes that not only affect patients but also some of the training that happens in medical school and residency.”

Kristie Nonyelu

An Arizona native, Kristie Nonyelu attended the University of Arizona where she studied biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology. Before embarking on medical school, Nonyelu completed her master’s degree in physiology, got married and gave birth to her first child.

Nonyelu’s first inspiration to pursue a career in medicine was her pediatrician, who allowed Nonyelu to feel safe in their one-on-one interactions.

Receiving the ElevateMeD scholarship has encouraged her to continue raising the bar for herself.

“As I go forward, I have to think of people behind me,” Nonyelu said. “I have to make it to that level so that I can also invest in other people.”

As she continues her journey in medical school, she remains interested and open to several options for specialties. Overall, she hopes to become a physician who creates the same safe space that her childhood pediatrician created for her.

“I don’t want anybody to feel neglected, unheard or there’s something weird with their symptoms,” Nonyelu said. “As long as you’re in the room with me, you can cry, yell and do whatever you have to do. I am here for your health and benefit.”

By Chade Congleton | October 22, 2026 | Original Post