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Working Women: Toni Aluko

posted 01/08/10 5:45 pm

Working Women: Toni Aluko

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - A Burtonsville woman started the New Year $10,000 richer after winning a scholarship putting her in the national spotlight. Working Woman Toni Aluko has plans to become a doctor dedicated to helping low-income families.

Aluko says she learned of the honor from her sister.

"'You got the Ambi Scholarship!'" Aluko recalled her sister exclaiming. "I was like, 'Oh my gosh!' I was so excited and I was so thankful because it's really a blessing and I couldn't have asked for anything better."

Ambi Skincare awarded Aluko the $10,000 as she pursues a career in public health and medicine.

"I would like to work with people who typically wouldn't have access to great facilities or great physicians," Aluko said. "That's honestly what would make me happy at the end of the day."

Aluko already has a bachelors degree from the University of Maryland. She's now working toward a Masters in Public Health, another bachelors in sports medicine and eventually a medical degree. She shadows a doctor at Howard University, is an active volunteer, and was captain of the varsity track and field team at Maryland.

Aluko is also a freelance photographer -- its a lot for a 23-year-old to juggle.

"I really make sure that I just take time when I need to to focus on my studies and then have time to play some," she said. "Not too stressed out!"

Her new scholarship is even more encouragement to achieve her goals, she says.

"A little bit of pressure is good because if we didn't have pressure then what would really motivate us to reach to the top?" she asked.

Aluko comes from a family of seven. Her parents are in education, one brother is a lawyer, and another brother is an engineer. She is the first in her family to enter the field of medicine.