When Amaya Allen graduates in May with her Bachelor of Science in Public Health (B.S.P.H.) in Health Services Administration, she will carry with her a clear sense of commitment to improving healthcare systems. 

A native of Suffolk, Virginia, and graduate of Kings Fork High School, Amaya’s path to healthcare administration wasn’t planned. Her Old Dominion University studies began in a different health sciences program, but a life-changing experience shifted her focus. 

In October 2023, her grandfather suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak clearly or live independently[OK1] [MA2] . Living with his wife in New York, Amaya says he struggled to receive consistent and appropriate care. Amaya and other family members often traveled from Virginia to New York in order to help him.

“It was heartbreaking to hear and see,” Amaya said. “My grandmother couldn’t always advocate for him, and our family was concerned about whether he was getting the support he needed.”

When her grandfather returned home from the hospital, Amaya noticed significant gaps in care coordination and training. Amaya says home health attendants were not fully prepared to meet his needs, which left the family frustrated and concerned.

“That was the moment I realized I wanted to make a bigger impact,” Amaya said. “Healthcare administration allows me to focus on systemic change.”

The Joint School of Public Health at Old Dominion University, in partnership with Norfolk State University, has provided Amaya with numerous opportunities to help shape her professional goals and leadership philosophy. She is a member of the Upsilon Phi Delta Honor Society, a recipient of the Concordia Scholarship and a Spring 2026 Ellmer Scholar. She has also been accepted into the University’s MBA program within the Strome College of Business, where she plans to continue building the leadership and management skills needed to pursue her career goals.

“An MBA will help me get into the rooms I want to be in,” Amaya said. “I want to be at the director level and be part of the decisions that improve patient care.”

Amaya strengthened her commitment to service through a work-study position in the University Libraries and later tutoring student-athletes.  She also served as vice president of the Healthcare Services Administration Student Association and worked closely with faculty mentors who guided her academic and professional growth.

Amaya combines impact with in-class learning and inspires other students, said Maria Kronenburg, Ph.D., MBA (Ph.D. ‘00, MBA ‘90), program director and clinical associate professor in the Health Services Administration program.

"Amaya has seamlessly connected her academic learning with meaningful community impact, setting her apart as an emerging leader in healthcare,” Dr. Kronenburg said. “Her dedication inspires others to care, contribute and believe in their own ability to make a difference."

Amaya has also been active in campus and community engagement. As a member of the Kappa Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she helped organize a joint event with the Healthcare Services Administration Student Association called Vote for Your Health, which included interactive stations focused on healthcare myths, facts and community resources.

Her learning experiences have also moved off campus through two internships with the City of Norfolk. Her first internship was in human resources, and she is currently completing a second internship with City Council focused on local government operations and policy.

Through this work, Amaya gained a new appreciation for the role local government plays in shaping community health.

“City Council makes decisions that affect so much, including healthcare,” she said. “It helped me understand how important it is to be informed and engaged in local government.”

Ultimately, Amaya hopes to advance into executive roles, such as a director of operations or chief operating officer, lead major healthcare initiatives or pursue entrepreneurial opportunities in health services. Her long-term goal is to combine management expertise with healthcare knowledge to improve both patient experiences and organizational performance.

Reflecting on her time at Old Dominion University, Amaya credits the supportive environment with helping discover her direction.

“ODU helped me a lot,” she said. “There are so many opportunities here, and sometimes you don’t even have to go looking for them. The support is very personal — I know I can send an email anytime, and I will get the response I’m looking for and more.”

Amaya encourages students interested in healthcare to explore the many career paths available beyond clinical roles.

“Not everyone is meant to be on the clinical side,” she said. “You can still make a big impact in healthcare without working directly with patients.”

With her degree, leadership experience and graduate studies ahead, Amaya is preparing to do exactly that: improving healthcare systems so families, like hers, receive the care they need.