Kelli Thomas-Drake

About

I am a healthcare innovator and Executive Master of Science in Health Administration candidate at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). My career bridges hospital operations and health technology, with a passion for reimagining how patients experience care before, during, and after their hospital visit. Through my work with Baylor Scott & White Health, I’m developing real-world solutions to improve access, reduce emergency department overcrowding, and strengthen community-based care. My mission is simple: to humanize healthcare through empathy, innovation, and data-driven design.

Education

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Matter of Science in Healthcare Administration

2025 – Present
Dallas College

Associates Of Science

2021 – 2023

Honors and awards

Dean’s List & Academic Excellence Recognition, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Awarded for maintaining a 4.0 GPA and demonstrating leadership, creativity, and commitment to healthcare innovation.
Healthcare Innovation Project – Pre-ED Screening Initiative, Baylor Scott & White Health

Designed and led a multidisciplinary project to reduce emergency department overcrowding through mobile pre-ED screening, predictive analytics, and triage redesign. Recognized by clinical leadership for creativity and measurable operational impact.
National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) Invitation

Selected for demonstrated academic performance and leadership potential in healthcare administration and innovation.
UAB Team 5 Capstone Collaboration – “Humanizing Healthcare Through Innovation”

Served as team leader for a graduate-level project integrating behavioral science, operations management, and technology-driven solutions to improve patient experience and staff engagement.

Goals and interests

Career goal: Healthcare Executive | Innovation Strategist | Hospital or Health System Administrator | Founder, My Purple Folder™ – a healthcare innovation and consulting platform focused on equitable access and patient engagement.
Graduate school interests: Currently pursuing my Executive Master of Science in Health Administration (EMSHA) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Future interests include advanced study in healthcare transformation, digital health leadership, and policy innovation. I’m particularly drawn to programs at UAB Medical School and Harvard Medical School Executive Education and other institutions that emphasize the intersection of technology, equity, and leadership in healthcare.
Outside the classroom: I love combining creativity and strategy—whether it’s designing healthcare pitch decks, mentoring emerging leaders, or writing about innovation. Outside of work, I enjoy equestrian sports (inspired by Seabiscuit!), spending time with my rescue Chihuahua, and exploring wellness and mindfulness practices. I’m also passionate about community outreach, scholarships for underrepresented students, and helping others find their “Purple Folder” of purpose and potential.

Volunteering

Health Equity Project Contributor - Collaborated with graduate classmates on a pro-bono research and service project addressing healthcare disparities in underserved populations. Conducted community assessments, developed educational materials, and presented recommendations to improve equitable access.

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) EMSHA Team 5

Aug 2025 – Nov 2025
Health & Wellness Volunteer - Supported community health fairs and blood pressure screenings focused on heart-health education for women and minority populations. Encouraged preventive health habits and connected participants with local clinics and wellness resources.

American Heart Association – Dallas Chapter

May 2021 – Aug 2023
Community Health Advocate - Volunteer liaison assisting underserved patients with access to preventive screenings and resources during mobile health events. Collaborated with clinicians and community partners to provide education, navigation, and follow-up support. Helped bridge gaps in care by connecting patients with primary care and specialty services.

Baylor Scott & White Health - BUMC Dallas, TX

Mar 2021 – Dec 2025
Patient Companion & Comfort Volunteer - Provided emotional support and comfort to patients and families during hospital visits. Assisted with patient rounding, delivering care packages, and creating a welcoming environment that reflected dignity and compassion in care.

Baylor University Medical Center – Volunteer Services

Feb 2021 – Oct 2023
Event Volunteer – Mental Health Awareness Walk - Helped organize and staff annual NAMIWalks events promoting mental-health awareness and community engagement. Served on the outreach team to share resources and encourage participants to seek help without stigma.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) North Texas

Sep 2020 – May 2022
Scholarship Mentor & Essay Coach - Founded and led a volunteer mentorship program helping first-generation and underrepresented students secure scholarships and college admission. Provided essay feedback, application strategy, and empowerment coaching to help students tell their stories with confidence. Helped mentees win awards totaling over $25,000.

My Purple Folder™ Community Initiative

Jan 2020 – Nov 2025
Food Distribution Volunteer - Assisted with packaging and distributing meals for families facing food insecurity. Helped streamline logistics and implemented efficient check-in processes to reduce wait times for community members in need.

North Texas Food Bank

Apr 2019 – Dec 2022

Languages

English (US) Advanced
Spanish Fluent

Additional information

Organizations

About

Education

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Dallas College

Honors and awards

Dean’s List & Academic Excellence Recognition, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Healthcare Innovation Project – Pre-ED Screening Initiative, Baylor Scott & White Health

National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) Invitation

UAB Team 5 Capstone Collaboration – “Humanizing Healthcare Through Innovation”

Goals and interests

Volunteering

Health & Wellness Volunteer - Supported community health fairs and blood pressure screenings focused on heart-health education for women and minority populations. Encouraged preventive health habits and connected participants with local clinics and wellness resources.

Patient Companion & Comfort Volunteer - Provided emotional support and comfort to patients and families during hospital visits. Assisted with patient rounding, delivering care packages, and creating a welcoming environment that reflected dignity and compassion in care.

Event Volunteer – Mental Health Awareness Walk - Helped organize and staff annual NAMIWalks events promoting mental-health awareness and community engagement. Served on the outreach team to share resources and encourage participants to seek help without stigma.

Food Distribution Volunteer - Assisted with packaging and distributing meals for families facing food insecurity. Helped streamline logistics and implemented efficient check-in processes to reduce wait times for community members in need.

Languages

Additional information

Baylor Scott & White Health – Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC) (opens in a new tab)

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) – Executive Master of Science in Health Administration (EMSHA) Program (opens in a new tab)

My Purple Folder™ (Founder & CEO) (opens in a new tab)

RealTime Clinic (opens in a new tab)

American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) – Student Associate Member (opens in a new tab)

Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) (opens in a new tab)

DFW Minority Supplier Development Council (DFWMSDC) (opens in a new tab)

National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) (opens in a new tab)