Toni Aluko

Published on: Tuesday, February 09, 2010

By Hannah Park, Special to The Sentinel

Broad ambitions, a solid work ethic and a passion for community service and leadership provide a glimpse into the multi-dimensional portrait of AMBI Scholarship in Science and Medicine winner, Toni Aluko. The first-year University of Maryland, College Park graduate student was awarded one of five $10,000 AMBI Skincare scholarships in September 2009.

According to AMBI, a skincare line for ethnic women, the program is “designed to recognize, reward and support African-American women who have a genuine desire to make a difference in the fields of science and medicine.” The winnings are geared toward providing the financial resources necessary for recipients to pursue their future career goals.

Aluko’s initial reaction after winning the scholarship was not only excitement, but an indication she was on the right path to success. “I was interning when I received the call from my sister, Jumi,” she said, “and it was really a confirmation to me that this was the direction I needed to go in.” Aluko, who began her undergraduate studies in kinesiology at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Health, is not only pursuing a master’s degree in community health education, but is also working toward a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine from Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Through her diverse educational background, Aluko also plans to attain her ideal career of working with populations at-risk for adverse health conditions, including the elderly, minorities and uninsured, low-income patients. “Ultimately, I could see myself becoming a director of a health organization or clinic because I’ve always enjoyed being a leader,” Aluko said.

To further draw from her public health background, Aluko said she plans to engage in community health advocacy, planning and the promotion of prevention – a crucial issue she deems “the front line defense.” But Aluko’s extensive medical experience hasn’t been the only deciding factor in her career of choice, as she also attributes her devotion to community service.

“The whole idea about volunteering is that you give your time, talents and treasures to serve others,” she said. “That’s essentially what draws me to the fields of public health and primary medicine. They’re both very service-based.”

Aluko has worked in soup kitchens, organized holiday parties with the National Center for Children and Families and read to elementary school children. 

Dr. Sharon Desmond, Chair of the Public and Community Health Department, praised Aluko for her outlook on the field of public health. “Her passion and enthusiasm … is obvious the minute you have a conversation with her,” Desmond said. “She’s articulate, an excellent writer and thoughtful with ideas about how to address critical public health issues.” Aluko said she hopes to inspire students who share similar dreams and aspirations. “Follow your passion, no matter how traditional or off the beaten path it may be,” she said. “Time is going to pass regardless of what you do, so you might as well live your life fulfilled.”