Above: Kayla Morris, supervisor of community-based services at St. Peter's Health, receives the Woman of the Future award during the YWCA Helena Empowered luncheon on April 16 at the Helena Civic Center. Photo by Thom Bridge, Helena Independent Record
Health Sciences Grad Kayla Morris Honored at YWCA Empowered Awards
Congratulations to to 2021 Carroll College graduate, Kayla Morris, who was awarded the Woman of the Future at the YWCA Empowered Awards for her outstanding leadership and dedication to addressing community needs. Kayla is a Carroll Public Health and Health Sciences graduate and currently works as supervisor of community-based services at St. Peter's Health.
Associate Professor and chair of the Health Sciences Department Kelly Parsley shared that Kayla excelled as a leader in health sciences and public health during her time at Carroll, significantly impacting academic and community realms. She took on roles beyond typical course expectations, including serving as a teaching assistant and leading a student research team on women's health and safety. Her team completed a comprehensive project on sexual violence awareness, which they presented to key stakeholders including the county's Healthy Community’s Coalition and Carroll's senior leadership. Leveraging this experience, Kayla founded the Empowerment Center, a student-led victim services program, quickly securing institutional support and establishing its framework.
Outside the classroom, Kayla contributed to local health initiatives, volunteering for the concussion screening program "Save the Brain," the Head Start Program, and the county’s humane society. She also volunteered in Uganda, delivering healthcare services through the Kigezi Healthcare Foundation, all while working as a CNA, maintaining excellent grades, and exemplifying strong leadership, diligence, compassion, and kindness. Kayla’s contributions continue to benefit the Carroll College community even after her graduation.
Congratulations, Kayla! You make Carroll and our Health Sciences Department very proud!
Kayla is the embodiment of the Carroll spirit: she sees a community need and then creatively searches for solutions. ~ Kelly Parsley, Associate Professor, Health Sciences