February 8, 2023

Matijanay Tiggle is familiar with a busy schedule. A graduate of the West Philadelphia Palumbo High School, Tiggle served in student government before coming to Drexel where she is a rising junior in the five-year nursing co-op program, as well as a Drexel Liberty Scholar, recipient of the Drexel Dave Goldberg Scholarship for Entrepreneurship and a Drexel THRIVE mentor. Tiggle says that family support has been crucial to pursuing her passions with ambition.

As a nursing student, Tiggle is committed to addressing health care gaps, health disparities and health inequities. To do so, she plans to specialize in bedside nursing for marginalized populations. Tiggle joined the Stephen and Sandra Sheller 11th Street Family Health Services during her co-op rotation, a community-based health services center that pays special attention to vulnerable people and residents of public housing unit in the 11th Street Corridor. This experience has inspired Tiggle to continue work with community-based health organizations after graduation. “My dream is to open up my own clinic that emphasizes health and preventative care for children in Black and brown neighborhoods,” Tiggle shares.

While Tiggle describes herself as shy, she is a highly involved Drexel community member who can be found supporting her fellow peers and volunteering in the Philadelphia area. Tiggle shares that she has enjoyed her Drexel experience so far as she has found belonging in her many activities on campus. When she isn’t studying, in class or volunteering, Tiggle can be found resting, hanging out with friends and reading for fun. These practices help her feel grounded and restored for the next day of learning, caring and shaping the future of health equity and inclusive care.