FAMU MADE: Amaiya Brown Finds Purpose and Community at FAMU
When Amaiya Brown arrived at Florida A&M University, she was searching for a new experience. Instead, she also discovered a community that challenged her to grow personally, professionally and academically.
“I chose FAMU because it was the only public HBCU in Florida, and I knew I wanted to experience a culture outside of one that I’ve experienced back home,” she said.
As a Summer 2026 graduate with a degree in health informatics and information management, Brown leaves FAMU prepared to continue her work in public health, carrying with her the experiences and relationships that shaped her undergraduate journey.
Brown entered college knowing she wanted a career in health care but hoped to make an impact in a way that aligned with her interests. That led her to health informatics, a field where technology, data and health care intersect.
“What excites me the most about health informatics is how broad of a field it is,” Brown said. “You don’t have to just choose to do one thing. You can do research, coding, compliance and data analytics. There are plenty of options within the field, so you aren’t limited to choosing a job or a role.”
While her academic journey introduced her to new career possibilities, Brown’s involvement outside the classroom helped her discover confidence and connection.
As a freshman, Brown often kept to herself. That began to change during FAMU’s 2023 Homecoming celebration, when she experienced a sense of belonging that encouraged her to become more involved on campus.
“That was the first experience that I had being surrounded with people who actually cared about me,” Brown said. “It showed me that I wouldn’t have to spend my college journey by myself.”
That moment became a turning point for the Miami native, who later became involved in multiple organizations and found additional opportunities to grow as a leader.
One of those experiences came through her membership in the Gamma Alpha Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Brown said joining the organization challenged her to collaborate with others, consider different perspectives and strengthen her leadership skills.
“Becoming a member of my organization changed me as a leader and a person by showing me what it takes to work with other people,” Brown said. “There are other opinions and voices that matter, along with my own.”
Brown’s academic journey was also shaped by mentorship from Takiyah Mitchell, assistant professor, Division of Health Informatics, who introduced her to research opportunities that deepened her interest in health informatics and encouraged her to continue exploring the field.
As Brown prepares for her next chapter, she plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in public health before earning a doctorate in epidemiology. Her goal is to use research to contribute to the future of public health.
“Stay motivated, definitely don’t give up, because hardship will come at any time,” Brown said. “You just have to learn to keep going.”
Brown arrived at FAMU searching for something different. She leaves prepared to make an impact in public health, carrying with her the confidence, relationships and purpose she found along the way.
“Going to FAMU had to be one of the best decisions that I made for myself,” Brown said.
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
