In November of 2020, Greater Gift established its first scholarship to honor Mary Hoffman Murphy to address the lack of diversity among leaders in the clinical trial industry. This scholarship was named in honor of Mary Hofmann Murphy for her passion for improving diversity and the need for the research industry to be reflective of the populations that research aims to serve.
Greater Gift's first scholarship supports a minority clinical research professional enrolled in Wake Forest Master’s in Clinical Research Management Program.
From generous donations to the scholarship, we were able to provide a second scholarship through the North Carolina Triad Hispanic League a student pursuing their academic health care degrees.
Greater Gift strives for diverse leadership in research. We know when we have different experiences and perspectives at the table, we have better representative research.
When we have leaders that reflect our communities, we achieve better health!
For there to be more equity in clinical research, we must take steps to empower leaders in the industry from a variety of backgrounds. Our hope is that Greater Gift's scholarship programs will inspire leaders across the country to strive for a better future.
The lack of diversity in clinical research is not a challenge just for patient volunteers, there is a significant disparity in the number of minorities holding leadership roles in the research and life science industry. Supporting minorities through scholarships at various points in their education expedites to more diverse leadership which in turn increases diverse patient populations.
Meet our Scholarship Recipients
Darius Ford,
Raleigh, NC
Darius is a graduate of Wake Forest School of Medicine’s Clinical Research Management Program and was the first recipient of the Mary Hofmann Murphy Scholarship for Clinical Research Leadership
Lavenia Jaz T. Favor (LJ),
Charlotte, NC
LJ is a student in the Master's to Clinical Research Management Program at Wake Forest University. She is a determined student who comes to this industry in the pursuit of better health solutions for her community and family.
Mariakarina Martinez
Winston-Salem, NC
Mariakarina is a student at Winston-Salem State University pursuing a degree in Nursing. "This scholarship is especially important to me because it would be an amazing opportunity to become a nurse and help the Hispanic community.”