Growing up in Ibadan, Nigeria, Jemilat Badamas, always knew she was bound to study in America. At age 18, she moved to the U.S. to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor, first as an undergraduate in Baltimore and then at the VCU School of Medicine.

Her four years have been distinguished by her course work – in her third year she was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society – as well as by her commitment to the community. Volunteering at Richmond homeless and remote-area clinics and mentoring high school students interested in medical careers are just some of the things she has made time to do.