Elevating Diversity & Guiding Employment
Student Spotlight
Jaden Armond
Executive Director of The Medica Zone
We recently spoke with University of Southern California student and Executive Director, Jaden Armond, to learn about her nonprofit, The Medica Zone. Read our full interview below or click here to watch the video version.
TNPA: Hi Jaden! Can you first tell us about yourself and what causes you’re passionate about?
Jaden: My name is Jaden Armond, and I’m a rising junior at the University of Southern California majoring in Law, History, and Culture with a minor in Nonprofits, Philanthropy and Volunteerism. On campus, I’ve been deeply involved in mentorship and leadership initiatives, both within student organizations and through academic programs. I’m especially passionate about educational equity, racial justice, and accessible healthcare. These values have shaped the work I do both in and outside the classroom, and they are what drew me to nonprofit leadership..
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TNPA: Love that! Can you tell us more about your nonprofit, The Medica Zone, and how you got involved?
Jaden: The Medica Zone is a student-led nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to healthcare knowledge and pre-medical mentorship, particularly for students from historically underrepresented and underserved communities. We serve high school, college, and medical students across the country by offering internship programs, workshops, mentorship pairings, and educational resources that demystify medical careers and equip students with the tools to pursue them.
I first joined as a graphic design media intern in 2020 and gradually took on more leadership responsibilities. Although I’m not a pre-med student myself, I saw the value in our mission early on. I was inspired to get involved and eventually lead because I witnessed the powerful ways our work supported and empowered aspiring healthcare professionals who might otherwise have been left out of those pathways.
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TNPA: Sounds like a great cause. What are some things your organization has done so far?
Jaden: Over the past few years, The Medica Zone has grown into a national organization with over 5,000 members and student-led chapters across the United States. We’ve awarded thousands of community service hours, hosted about 40 interns per cycle, and raised funds for a range of healthcare initiatives. Our programming includes medical school panels, mentorship pairings, academic workshops, MCAT prep, and awareness campaigns focused on equity in healthcare. One of the things we’re most proud of is creating a platform where students can gain leadership experience while directly contributing to their communities, whether through health education, outreach, or service.
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TNPA: So, what is it like to run your own nonprofit organization?
Jaden: It’s a mix of rewarding, humbling, and nonstop learning. As an Executive Director, I primarily oversee internal operations and administration, so much of my role involves making sure our systems run smoothly and our team has the support they need. I’m always on the lookout for people who bring passion for nonprofit work and a drive for change.
Even though I’m not a pre-med student myself, leading this organization has shown me just how transformative access, mentorship, and leadership opportunities can be. One of the most fulfilling parts of this work has been watching our members and interns grow, seeing students start out as shy high schoolers and transform into confident graduates and driven college students has been incredibly inspiring.
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TNPA: What advice would you give anyone thinking about starting their organization?
Jaden: To start your own organization, you need a clear vision of what you want the world to look like. Nonprofits exist to bridge gaps in our society, which means your work can focus on one issue, multiple issues, or take on many different forms. A great idea or mission can come from thinking outside the box or building on existing systems to better address a need.
What matters most is that your mission remains clear and driven. Make sure you also consider long-term sustainability such as how you’ll fund the work, build a team, and grow. Never be afraid to be creative or open-minded, and stay grounded in the purpose behind your work. Even when things get difficult, always return to the reason you started: to help people and create change.
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TNPA: Before you go, why should others get involved in the nonprofit sector, too?
Jaden: The nonprofit sector is one of the most direct ways to create meaningful impact. You get to work on real problems, connect with people on a human level, and build solutions that prioritize service over profit. For students especially, it’s a powerful space to learn leadership, empathy, and innovation. I’ve seen how nonprofits like The Medica Zone can shift narratives, open doors, and build confidence, and I think more students should experience that kind of transformation, both for themselves and for others.
Nonprofit work is beautiful work. Leading The Medica Zone and collaborating with other nonprofits has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life. It feels deeply meaningful to know that the work we do is helping real people in tangible, realistic ways. I’m constantly inspired by the like-minded individuals I meet, people who are equally committed to living a life of service and driving positive change. That shared purpose is what keeps me motivated every day.
Are you a student who is making a difference in the nonprofit community?
Or do you know someone else who is making a difference?
If so, email Shelby Truxon at struxon@tnpa.org to be featured in a future issue of the Leading EDGE Quarterly Newsletter.
Contact Jaden
Website: https://themedicazone.info
