Dr. Karen Finklea Miller
Growing up in Monroe County and Mobile, Alabama, Karen Finklea Miller, DMSc, PA-C, is a trailblazing leader with a spirit for giving back to her community. She graduated from the University of South Alabama's Physician Assistant Program in 2018 and the University of Lynchburg, where she earned her Doctor of Medical Science degree in 2022. Dr. Finklea Miller currently works as a PA in Albany, NY. In addition to Dr. Finklea Miller's clinical work, she serves on the New York State Society of PA’s (NYSSPA) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to provide awareness and ensure representation of diverse populations. She has a passion for women's health and ways to address maternal mortality and morbidity within the United States. Dr. Finklea Miller is passionate about volunteerism and serving the Greater Albany community through her civic organizations, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Junior League of Albany. She also serves as a pre-PA and PA mentor to increase minority representation in the profession. She was awarded the 2023 PA Preceptor of the Year through the Association of Physician Assistants in Obstetrics and Gynecology for her continued dedication to PA education. In her personal life, Dr. Finklea Miller is a devoted wife and mother.
Why Invest in Black Girls?
Studies show that by race and gender, black women are enrolled in undergraduate degrees more than any other group. Furthermore, it has been polled that, as a group, black women also hold more degrees than any other group of college-educated individuals. With that, recent polling showed that black women are also the most affected by student debt and the opportunity for debt forgiveness. The disproportionate number of black women affected by student loan predatory lending practices is not talked about enough. Throughout my college journey, student debt was a primary stressor. I am thankful for the many individuals and organizations who were able to steer me in the right direction to eliminate my student loan debt. With their help, I completed all the educational goals I set for myself, including paying off student loans for undergraduate and PA school as well as completing my terminal degree with minimal debt. I realize that my situation is unique to other black women, but it should not be this way when speaking about pursuing your educational journey. It goes without saying that I would like to provide black girls with the same opportunities to complete their educational goals as I have done. I see paying it forward as a moral right to aid other black women in leading accomplished lives without the adversity set by student loans. It is a financial freedom that can potentially lead other educated black women on a path of closing the generational wealth gap caused by decades of systemic inequity.