Felicia Crawford has combined her education and passion to be able to make a difference by helping students find their way and realize that the possibility of their dreams about going to medical school can be achieved. Described as a mentor, a fierce advocate, and a friend, Felicia continues to volunteer her time in several ways. One of note is her efforts toward diversity, equity, and inclusion for people of color–not only in areas of academia but also in rural, underserved spaces in North Carolina where individuals seek medical providers who look like them and can best serve their needs as it relates to the consideration of overall health.
A North Carolina native, Felicia understands the value of education. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education with a concentration in Community College and University Leadership from Appalachian State University. Prior to receiving her master’s degree, Felicia obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, a Post Baccalaureate Paralegal Certificate from Meredith College, and a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Workplace from the University of South Florida, Muma School of Business.
As Program Coordinator, Office of Rural Initiatives, at the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Felicia assists in facilitating pipeline programs at K-12 and undergraduate levels to medical school students and primary care providers. There she oversees programs such as RMSA (Rural Medicine Summer Academy), which creates opportunities for rising high school seniors in predominantly rural North Carolina to learn about various specialties across primary care. She also oversees the Rural Fellowship, which aids current providers in the state’s rural counties through preceptor development and community engagement through community needs assessments or initiatives. She conducts training and workshops across the state on DEI and advancing equity and inclusion. She works to promote the mission of the School of Medicine while focusing on diversity efforts for students across the state of North Carolina who reside in rural areas.
Holding a full-time job has not slowed down this go-getter. As one supporter stated, “Service is always close to Felicia’s heart and her work”. As a member of the Burlington Junior Women’s Club, Felicia chairs the Project Shoes Committee which raises funds and partners with the community to purchase shoes for children and their school-aged siblings in need. She has served on the Civic Engagement and Outreach Committee, the Health and Wellness Committee, the Arts and Culture Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee. She is currently serving in the role of First Vice President. Other projects for which she has been involved include the Woman-to-Woman Project (Feminine Hygiene drive and distribution), blanket collection for the unhoused, participated in the Tata Trot (Breast Cancer fundraiser), assisted with interviews for the Sallie Southall Cotten Scholarship, and more.
Felicia’s membership in the Burlington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. offered her more opportunities to serve her local community. She has served in multiple leadership roles, including the Corresponding Secretary and Chair of the Delta Academy Program, a mentorship initiative focused on self-esteem and academics.
In 2022 Felicia partnered with other concerned members of the Alamance community to create and implement one of the county’s first mental health community resource fairs that focused on the needs and resources for Historically Marginalized peoples.
When asked how she would advise her younger self, Felicia responded, I would have said, “Don’t worry. There’s no need to stress yourself out and everything’s going to be okay, no matter how things may look at the current moment. Just know that all things are working together for your good and that there is a purpose for these circumstances. You are deserving and worthy of anything that is set before you. You’re beautiful and special. Make sure to remind yourself of that daily. You’re a wonderful person and others will recognize it in due time.”
