Loyola Medicine Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award 2025 Award Winners
January 29, 2025Categories: Awards & Recognitions
Award Criteria
Loyola Medicine's Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award is presented annually as a tribute to Dr. King. This award honors Loyola Medicine colleagues who consistently demonstrate the virtues of peace, goodness, inspirational service, and respect for others by going above and beyond their professional role in service to marginalized communities.
Shawnda Morris, MBA, PHR
Senior Workforce Development Partner
Workforce Development
Loyola University Medical Center
Loyola University Medical Center is proud to honor Shawnda Morris with Loyola Medicine's Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award, given to an individual who embodies the principles of peace, goodness, inspirational service and respect for others. Shawnda’s unwavering dedication to serving marginalized communities exemplifies these virtues and reflects the profound impact that one individual can have on the lives of many.
From 2017 to 2022, as the Director of the Bloom Ministry at Victory Apostolic Church, Shawnda devoted herself to mentoring young women aged 11–18. Through her compassionate guidance, she provided these women with vital spiritual support, social skills and life preparation. Under her leadership, the ministry flourished, organizing impactful community service projects, conferences and educational activities that promoted personal growth and empowerment for young women on their journey to adulthood.
Shawnda’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and nurturing relationships has been instrumental in creating a safe environment for spiritual and social development. Her efforts extend beyond her church, emphasizing her dedication to empowering underserved populations. Since 2023, Shawnda has been involved in the Map the Gap Program at Indiana University South Bend, mentoring young women during their gap year as they explore career options and personal development. This initiative speaks to her integrity and reverence for every individual's potential, helping young women navigate critical transitions in their lives.
Additionally, Shawnda has volunteered as a Career Advisor for Loyola Medicine’s School at Work program, demonstrating her commitment to justice and equity. By equipping entry-level health care colleagues with the confidence and skills necessary for career advancement, she ensures that they have access to sustainable career opportunities.
Shawnda Morris embodies the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through her tireless efforts in mentorship, advocacy and community service. Her inspiring work not only uplifts individuals but also strengthens our community as a whole. Thank you, Shawnda, for your selfless gifts in service of others.
Amy Blair, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Assistant Dean for Health Advocacy and Medical Education
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School Medicine
Dr. Amy Blair exemplifies the spirit of service and compassion that the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award embodies. This prestigious honor, awarded annually by Loyola Medicine, pays tribute to Dr. King’s legacy by recognizing those who consistently display virtues of peace, goodness and respect for others, particularly in their dedication to marginalized communities.
Throughout her career, Dr. Blair has gone above and beyond her responsibilities as a family physician and educator, showcasing a profound commitment to the well-being of those who are underserved. Her work during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies this devotion; she played a pivotal role in establishing the COVID-19 Equity Response Collaborative: Loyola (CERCL). This initiative aimed to address health inequities by providing free COVID testing to primarily Black and Latinx communities, delivering vital resources and training community members in contact tracing and outreach.
CERCL provided free and accessible COVID testing to more than 1,500 community residents in West Suburban Cook County, trained over 80 students and community residents on contact tracing, screened approximately 1,100 people for social and legal influencers of health and provided tailored support, distributing more than 5,000 PPE/resource bags, implemented 20 virtual, live-streamed and interactive sessions—in both English and Spanish—on COVID-19-related topics in partnership with experts and a local media outlet and co-hosted at least 19 vaccine clinics at various community events.
Dr. Blair’s commitment did not end with pandemic-related efforts. She recognized the need for legal support in the Maywood community and successfully collaborated with representatives of the Health Justice Project at the Loyola University School of Law to create only the second Medical-Legal Partnership in Chicago's Western suburbs. This initiative empowers patients by addressing the health-harming social and legal challenges they face, helping them access crucial benefits and services. In the first three years of the Maywood MLP, 275 patients were referred to the program.
Additionally, her work with immigrant populations reflects her unwavering dedication to health equity. By offering forensic evaluations for those seeking asylum and founding the Loyola Medicine Asylum Clinic, she has been a lifeline for many in vulnerable situations. Dr. Blair has also made significant strides in medical education, founding and directing the Center for Community and Global Health, and advocating for the inclusion of health equity in the curriculum at the Stritch School of Medicine.
Dr. Amy Blair’s tireless efforts and inspirational service truly honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Her work has improved countless lives and has set a powerful example for her colleagues and the community alike, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Stella Akello
Chaplain, Spiritual Care
MacNeal Hospital
It is with great admiration that we honor Chaplain Stella Akello for her remarkable commitment to the values that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. exemplified. This annual award pays tribute to individuals at Loyola Medicine who embody the principles of peace, goodness, inspirational service and respect for others, consistently going above and beyond their professional responsibilities in support of marginalized communities.
For over five years, Chaplain Stella has provided unwavering support to MacNeal's patients, families and colleagues, demonstrating a compassionate heart and a peaceful presence. Her empathetic listening and authentic kindness have made a profound impact on those she serves. Fluent in five languages, including Spanish, Stella’s ability to communicate with diverse populations reflects her dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that every individual feels heard and valued.
Stella's work extends beyond the walls of MacNeal Hospital. Through her role at Bethany House of Hospitality, she has been a vital resource for immigrant and refugee women and children, offering them housing, food, education and a sense of community as they navigate the challenges of starting anew in the United States. Her commitment to empowering young migrants showcases her deep understanding of their struggles and her unwavering resolve to help them find a place to belong.
Stella grew up in Uganda and she started her vocation as an elementary school teacher in Spain. She then completed her clinical pastoral education in chaplaincy in the U.S. where she worked with refugees at Catholic Theological Union. For the past eight years, she has been a house mother and mentor to about a dozen 18- to 25-year-old women at Bethany House, where she provides guidance, support and a nurturing environment for those seeking refuge from violence and hardship. Through her exceptional service and tireless advocacy for the most vulnerable members of society, Chaplain Stella Akello exemplifies the spirit of Dr. King. We celebrate her invaluable contributions and the profound impact she continues to make in the lives of so many.
Carole Robinson
Phlebotomy Leader
Gottlieb Memorial Hospital
We are proud to honor Carole Robinson with the Loyola Medicine Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award, a prestigious recognition presented annually in tribute to Dr. King’s legacy. This award celebrates Loyola Medicine colleagues who exemplify the virtues of peace, goodness, inspirational service and respect for others. Carole embodies these values, consistently going above and beyond her professional duties in service to marginalized communities.
Carole is an active participant in our colleague recognition program, both within the hospital and within the lab. She enthusiastically collaborates with various groups to rally support and spark innovative community service opportunities. As a dedicated leader, Carole prioritizes the well-being and work-life balance of her colleagues, fostering an environment of support and camaraderie. Leading by example, she treats every colleague and patient with deep respect and genuine care, setting a standard for others to follow.
In her role, Carole frequently engages in service recovery, and patients who have faced challenges often express heartfelt gratitude for her compassion and unwavering support. Carole truly embodies the essence of working in healthcare and exemplifies the qualities of a servant leader. Her commitment to the well-being of everyone she interacts with is evident, making her a cherished asset to our team and an inspiration in our community.
Carole’s unwavering commitment to her colleagues and patients reflects the compassionate spirit that Dr. King championed, making her a true testament to the ideals of this award.