Xavier University Alum Named 2009 Barbara Jordan Scholar

Trevonne Walford, a 2009 Xavier University honor graduate

was named a 2009 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholar by

the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation. She is serving a nine-week

(through July 27) position as staff to a congressional office

and learn first-hand about health policy and the

policymaking process.

Walford was one of 12 students selected nationwide, chosen

from among more than 200 applicants.  The Scholars have an

opportunity to learn first-hand about health policy and the

policymaking process as staff to a congressional office.

While at Xavier Walford, a native of  Pikesville, Maryland,

was a biology major with a double minor in Spanish and

Chemistry. She is a graduate of Notre Dame High School.

The Foundation established the Barbara Jordan Scholars 
Program in memory of former U.S. Congresswoman

Barbara Jordan – the first African American woman elected

to Congress from Texas and a deeply respected member of

the Foundation’s board of trustees.

“With health reform on the national agenda, this year’s

Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars will have a window

on an historic debate and an opportunity to gain practical

health policy experience,” said Foundation President and

CEO Drew Altman.  “This program honors Barbara’s legacy,

and she would be proud to see these talented and motivated

students accomplishing her goals while achieving theirs.”  

The program is designed to introduce students with an

interest in issues affecting racial and ethnic minority and

underserved communities to the federal legislative process

and current issues in health policy. In addition to working on

Capitol Hill, Scholars participate in seminars and site visits

organized by the Foundation to broaden their knowledge of

health policy issues.  Under the guidance of the Foundation’s

staff, the Scholars also complete an in-depth analysis of a

health policy issue and produce a policy memo. 

Cara James, Ph.D., is the Director of the Barbara

Jordan Scholars Program at the Foundation.

The program operates in partnership with

Howard University.