For Taveion Mickens, health care leadership isn’t just a career path—it’s a calling. His visit to Inova Fairfax’s trauma center offered powerful affirmation of his mission to lead health care systems that serve both the head and the heart.
“At Inova, I saw that the best leaders aren’t just strategic—they’re empathetic. They lead with purpose and compassion, especially under pressure,” Mickens reflected.
Mickens’s passion is rooted in his commitment to addressing health care disparities and strengthening infrastructure in underserved communities. His experience during the trauma center visit didn’t just affirm his goals—it deepened them, inspiring him to push for greater equity, innovation, and resilience in health care.
Through George Mason’s MHA program, Taveion is gaining the tools and real-world experience to turn those goals into action. As a United States Marine, Taveion brings discipline, resilience, and a deep sense of service to his leadership journey. Receiving the GMU ERPI Scholarship has not only alleviated financial burdens but has also empowered him to focus on uplifting underserved communities. He is committed to using this opportunity to help underinsured individuals access the care they deserve and to drive meaningful change where it’s needed most. His future plans include shaping policies and leading organizations that prioritize not only operational excellence but also dignity, access, and fairness in patient care. His future plans include shaping policies and leading organizations that prioritize not only operational excellence but also dignity, access, and fairness in patient care.