For Leah Warren, attending an HBCU was about more than earning a degree. It was about stepping into an environment where Black excellence wasn’t an exception, but the expectation.
A native of Chester, Pennsylvania, Warren graduated from Howard University with a degree in Health Science and is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health (MPH). Alongside her academic achievements, she has built a reputation as a dancer, choreographer, and advocate for health equity, combining creativity and service in a way that reflects her commitment to uplifting her community.
Like many HBCU graduates, Warren credits her college experience with helping shape not only her career path but also her confidence, identity, and vision for the future.
Finding Community Through Black Excellence
One of the things Warren appreciated most about attending Howard University was being surrounded by students who shared similar ambitions and aspirations.
“One of my favorite parts was being surrounded by people who looked like me and were working hard to create successful futures for themselves,” she shared. “It was inspiring to be in an environment where excellence was expected and encouraged.”
That sense of community played a major role in her personal growth. While her mother encouraged her and her siblings to pursue whatever college path felt right for them, she also instilled a deep appreciation for the historical significance of HBCUs and their role in educating and empowering Black students. Social media further exposed Warren to the traditions, culture, and pride that define the HBCU experience, ultimately influencing her decision to attend Howard.
Once on campus, she found herself immersed in an environment that celebrated Black achievement across every discipline.
Learning What Black Excellence Really Looks Like
For Warren, Howard’s impact extended beyond the classroom.
The university introduced her to generations of influential leaders, innovators, scholars, and changemakers whose legacies continue to shape the institution today. Through coursework that highlighted Black authors, researchers, and the experiences of people across the African diaspora, she gained a deeper understanding of the power of representation.
“Being surrounded by so much Black excellence every day does something powerful for your identity,” Warren said. “It builds confidence, pride, and a belief that there are no limits to what you can achieve.”
That confidence continues to guide her as she works toward a career focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities.
Turning Education Into Impact
Today, Warren’s passion lies in public health and health equity.
As an MPH candidate, she hopes to develop and manage programs that address healthcare disparities while improving access for low-income and underserved populations. Her interests include health policy, program development, and identifying sustainable solutions to systemic barriers that affect community health.
Rather than viewing education as a personal achievement alone, Warren sees it as a tool for creating meaningful change.
“My goal is to help develop and manage programs that improve health outcomes in underserved and low-income communities,” she explained. “I hope to contribute to meaningful policy changes and create programs that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Building a Legacy Beyond the Classroom
Looking ahead, Warren envisions herself leading healthcare initiatives while continuing to explore entrepreneurship within the healthcare space. She credits Howard University for helping build the foundation that will support those ambitions.
Through coursework, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences, she developed the critical thinking skills necessary to address complex healthcare challenges and become part of the solution.
For students considering an HBCU, Warren believes the experience offers something that extends far beyond academics.
“We live in a world where Black students are often underrepresented,” she said. “For four years, I got to experience what it felt like to be in a space where Black excellence wasn’t the exception, it was the norm.”
Defining Her SwagHer
Whether she’s advocating for public health, choreographing a performance, pursuing graduate studies, or investing in her community, Warren remains grounded in the values that shaped her from an early age.
Raised in a household that emphasized service, advocacy, and pride in Black identity, she hopes her journey encourages other young women to embrace who they are, pursue their goals with confidence, and create lasting change wherever they go.
For Warren, that’s what SwagHer is all about: showing up authentically, leading with purpose, and using your gifts to make a difference.
