Non-Profit Inspiring Minds helping students find career paths

The non-profit Inspiring Minds is helping Mahoning Valley kids figure out their path to adulthood. With an unlimited amount of jobs to pick from, a hands-on internship through the organization is getting kids their experience early.

One of the program's success stories is Choniece Phillips. 

“I love it. I love being able to give back to my community, give back to the Mahoning Valley,” Phillips said about her job as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Emergency Medicine for Mercy Health. 

Philips started as a student in the Inspiring Minds program in middle school, eventually working her way up to the summer internship program that puts those interested in health care right into the real world.

“A lot of it is just to expose them to that workforce that work experience in the healthcare field, build confidence and competence with the team,” Angela Massacci, the Director of Perioperative Services at Mercy Health said. 

Since 2019, two students like Philips work in a Mercy Health hospital over the summer, figuring out their path into one of the most crucial careers in the community.

“It's just being able to motivate our students to do whatever you want, put your mind to it, get it done then also still come home and take care of your community that took care of you,” Jalaya Provitt, the High School Program Coordinator for Inspiring Minds said. 

Getting back to community just like Philips who now spends her time at the bedside helping patients get the medications they need while giving all the credit to her start in the program.

“[Choniece] to me defines the definition of opportunity…anything that you can do to make yourself better make sure you take that path,” Matthew Tricomi, the Clinical Pharmacy Manager at St. Elizabeth Hospital said. 

“[Inspiring Minds is] always there to support you so I always encourage a student to do it,” Phillips said.