Alyssa Richardson: Uplifting Through Medicine, Sisterhood, and Purpose

At Spelman College, excellence is not just encouraged – it’s expected. Among the many students striving to “Make a Choice to Change the World” is Alyssa Richardson, a junior majoring in Biochemistry from Washington, D.C. With a clear vision for the future and an unwavering commitment to service, Richardson is making a significant impact on Spelman’s campus and beyond. 

Richardson’s passion for medicine and reproductive health has shaped her academic journey at Spelman. Actively involved with the Health Careers Office, she has already secured early admission to the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, where she conducted research last summer and is looking forward to returning again this summer. Her aspirations extend beyond simply practicing medicine. Richardson hopes to specialize in maternal medicine, concentrating in fertility and reproductive health, ultimately aiming to become a reproductive endocrinologist. It is her hope to create “so many different families and new people in the world who can go on and make their own impact.” 

Receiving The Spotlight Award, which is peer-nominated, holds great importance for Richardson. She sees it as a reflection of the strong support and encouragement that characterizes the Spelman experience. “We need to continue cheering for one another even after we leave the gates,” Richardson emphasizes. 

This recognition is not solely about individual achievements; it is about uplifting others and promoting a culture of mutual celebration. Richardson’s commitment to public service shines through in her approach to medicine and community involvement. She hopes her work will inspire others, especially in the African American community. “I want my patients to see themselves in me and feel comfortable,” she explains. “I strive to be a doctor who listens–someone who is truly ‘down for the people.’” Her motivation stems from growing up in Washington D.C., where she witnessed the disparities within communities. She insists that it is crucial for the fight against medical racism to continue. 

Richardson combines wisdom with encouragement. She emphasizes the importance of relaxing and taking time to appreciate life’s moments, advising others to “chill out,” and “take time to smell the roses.” While she acknowledges the significance of planning for the future, she also advises those following in her footsteps to be present and intentional in their daily lives. Her journey has been shaped by seizing opportunities, including conducting research at the National Institutes of Health, Howard University and Morehouse School of Medicine – all of which she discovered through Spelman’s Health Careers Office. She inspires others to “take the time to be intentional about creating experiences that you will look back on with pride.”

Richardson hopes her legacy at Spelman will be one of kindness, advocacy, and sisterhood. “I want people to remember me as someone who was an amazing sister,” she says. “Someone who walked through campus spreading kindness and being a light.” Her leadership roles reflect this commitment. As the Health and Wellness Chair for Spelman’s NAACP chapter, she has organized events focusing on heart health and maternal justice. As Co-Community Service Club Chair for the Chemistry Club, she has planned activities that foster bonding while giving back. Additionally, as the National Liaison for My Sister’s Keeper, she has raised awareness about reproductive health issues affecting Black women. Richardson’s guiding lesson is simple: “What God has for you, God has for you.” She encourages others to embrace their journeys without fear of rejection or comparison, stating, “We don’t have to have a scarcity mindset when it comes to opportunities. Someone else’s win if not a loss to you.” 

One of Richardson’s most cherished memories from her time at Spelman is singing a rendition of “A House Is Not a Home” by Luther Vandross at her freshman induction ceremony. “It took a lot of courage,” she recalls. This moment marked the beginning of her journey at Spelman, and she still remembers the standing ovation and support she received from her Spelman sisters, before everyone truly knew each other. As she continues her path, Richardson is focused on building upon her achievements, creating a lasting legacy, and keeping doors open for those who come after her. She praises the strong support system that Spelman students offer each other and emphasizes the importance of individual interactions – being a good sister to someone so that they can be a good sister to someone else. This goal will always be a priority for her.