Difference Makers
UM-Dearborn Difference Makers are at the forefront of their fields. They’re improving the lives of others and making an impact on campus and in our local communities.
A Healthcare Lawyer and Consultant at a Chicago Healthcare Consulting Firm. Since graduating law school, I frequently mentor current minority law students and I am involved in several Illinois and Chicago Bar Associations.
Some people are born leaders. Amanda Ray is one of those people.
“Amanda Ray is someone I knew would be a leader the moment I met her,” said Amy Karaban Finley, assistant director for civic engagement. “What sets Amanda apart is that she is not afraid to ask the difficult questions or critically analyze something even if the answer might not be in her favor.”
Amanda is deeply involved with numerous student organizations, projects and initiatives on campus. She currently serves as the director of internal relations for Student Government, served as a site leader for Alternative Spring Break, participated in the Blueprints leadership program and is active in the Black Student Union.
“I am extremely active in my community. I have worked to develop my own initiatives and accomplish them, such as improving African American student retention percentages.”
Her work with UM-Dearborn’s Alternative Spring Break as a Certified Application Counselor helped uninsured individuals gain access to health care through the Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid’s Healthy Michigan Program.
“I am committed to improving health care access,” she said.
What’s next for Amanda?
Continuing to help others is her dream career and she plans to become a health law attorney and draft policies that will make health care accessible and affordable to all.
“I believe that access to health care will improve life for all individuals, regardless of having the ability to pay for it,” Amanda said. “Accessible health care will benefit the entire nation, and I hope to be the voice to spread that mission during my law school career.”
