Our Vision & Mission
Helping Hands in Healthcare is dedicated to empowering students to create positive changes in healthcare by addressing critical issues through innovative solutions. We believe in fostering a passion for healthcare advocacy and providing students with the platform to make a lasting impact.
Meet The Team
Student-driven aid for a healthier world
Cora Shields
Founder and Executive Director
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*Intern at BSL-II Medical Research Lab, studying Proteomics and endometriosis
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*SCA Vice President of Service, founder of Medical Careers Club
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*Volunteer at local hospital in ER and Acute Care
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*Self-led Period Poverty Project on a medical mission to Peru
Valentina Phan
Director of Impact
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*Over 2,000 hours of service with community partners
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*President French Honor Society
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*Rho Kappa, NEHS, NHS
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*Trained in naloxone, wound packing, and tourniquet care.
Griffin Williford
Director of Community Outreach ​​
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*Peer mentor with a passion for leadership and service
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*Multi-sport athlete and engaged in student organizations​
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*Engaged in service with multiple community partners
Deven Jani
Vice President
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*SCA Vice President of Leadership
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*Trained and Certified in CPR, Stroke Prevention, Naloxone, and Wound Packing
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*Organized disaster relief community events with local charities
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*VP of RHO Kappa, NHS Executive Board
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Eva Nix
Volunteer Director
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*Vice President of HOSA--Riverbend High School
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*Certified medical administrative assistant with training in naloxone, CPR, and wound packing/tourniquets
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*Student-led research projects on Celiac disease, psychopathology from a neurological perspective, etc.
Jack Mills
Director of Events
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*Medical externship at Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital
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*Youth tennis facilitator at local YMCA
Sarah Lapier
Mental Health Liaison​
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*Represented Riverbend High School at the Youth Mental Health Conference by Mental Health America
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*Captain of varsity tennis team
About Us
We began as a ragtag group of students in rural Virginia, united by a shared passion for healthcare and a desire to serve. Volunteering in local hospitals and community health programs, many of us recognized healthcare needs in our communities—but we lacked the resources, networks, and sometimes even the knowledge to take action.
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Helping Hands in Healthcare was born from that frustration. We chose to band together—combining our skills, energy, and ideas to empower ourselves and others to address the healthcare issues we care deeply about. What started as a small effort has grown into a collective force for change, driven by young people determined to make a real, tangible impact.