In today’s moment in Women's History, we will highlight Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett-Helaire, born January 26, 1986, in Hurdle Mills, North Carolina.
This brilliant viral immunologist led the team at NIH’s Vaccine Research Center that designed the Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine…the one that reached millions of arms in record time and helped turn the tide of the global pandemic.
Raised in a rural town, Dr. Corbett earned her biology degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, then a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from UNC Chapel Hill. By her late twenties she was already the scientific lead on coronavirus vaccines, working alongside mentors to crack the spike protein code that made mRNA shots possible.
Put some respect on her name…because if it wasn’t for her…many of us wouldn’t be alive today.
Today she’s an assistant professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, still chasing vaccines for the next outbreak while mentoring young scientists who look like her. Her daily affirmation rings true today: "Yes, I'm strong, I'm beautiful...I have a voice..." Take note, as she is greatness among the greats!
Fun fact: As a little girl she told her mom she planned to become the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Medicine…and she’s still on that path.
Remember…Education is FREEdom of mind and never should be colorblind.
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