10 Within 10 Recognition

2025 10 Within 10: Jasmine Cofield '16

2016, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience

Jasmine is a psychiatric physician assistant and the co-founder of Physician Assistants of Color, a national nonprofit working to advance equity and representation in health care. The organization has supported over 400 students in gaining admission to PA programs across the country. Based in Flint, Jasmine treats patients, mentors students, and creates opportunities for others to rise.

Jasmine has been featured on the cover of a national medical magazine — a moment made even more meaningful because she shared it with her niece, who dressed up and joined the photo shoot. “Representation matters,” she says. “It’s powerful to show the next generation what’s possible.”

As a neuroscience major at CMU, Jasmine’s campus experience was shaped by the MASS Office, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., MAC Scholars and the Volunteer Center. Those spaces helped her lead with purpose and clarity, and showed her the value of lifting others as she climbs. “CMU gave me the confidence to lead,” she says. “And the responsibility to give back.”

In addition to her undergraduate degree in neuroscience from CMU, Jasmine holds a physician assistant master's degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. Currently, she is pursuing a dual degree in Doctor of Medical Science and Master of Business Administration.

We asked our 10 Within 10 honorees to reflect on their time at Central, share some wisdom with current students, and talk about what it means to them to be a CMU Chippewa.

What has been your coolest moment since graduation? One of the coolest moments was being featured on a magazine cover powered by NCCPA, the certifying body for physician assistants (PAs). My niece joined the shoot, got glammed up and played PA for a day. Watching her see herself in that space reminded me why representation matters and how powerful it is to show the next generation what’s possible.

What is your fondest memory of CMU? Receiving a personal welcome message from CMU’s president at the time, Dr. George Ross, because we were both from Flint. It meant so much to be seen. That moment truly reflected my experience at CMU, where student leadership was championed, especially through spaces like the MASS Office and the Volunteer Center. I felt supported, empowered and encouraged to lead in ways that shaped who I am today.

Do you have any advice for students coming to CMU? Come to CMU with an open mind and a bold heart. Be ready to challenge the status quo, ask questions and think critically about the world around you. This is your time to explore, grow and develop into the person you are meant to be. The experiences you have here — inside and outside the classroom — can shape your values, your confidence and your future.

What advice would you give to new graduates? Focus on building transferable skills that stand the test of time. You’ll quickly realize that the economy, industries and even career paths are always shifting. The people who thrive are the ones who keep learning and evolving with it. Invest in your personal and professional development. Be willing to pivot, grow and challenge yourself in new ways. Adaptability, clarity and consistency will help you navigate whatever comes next.

What has your work life taught you? My work life has taught me that the most meaningful impact comes from connecting with people. Whether I’m treating patients or mentoring students, I’ve learned that helping someone move forward makes the work worth it. 

Why should CMU Chippewas dedicate their time and give back to the university? CMU shaped who I am, so giving back feels personal. It’s more than gratitude. It’s about making sure others have access to the same or better opportunities. Your time, guidance or presence can open doors for someone else. When you give back, you strengthen the community and help create the kind of support system that once helped you. That impact lasts far beyond your time on campus.

What has being involved with CMU after graduation meant to you? It has kept me connected to something real. It’s a chance to support students who look like me, who face similar challenges, and who just need someone to see them. It is not about reliving college. It is about helping the university grow in the right direction. CMU gave me the tools. Staying involved lets me make sure those tools reach the hands that need them next.

What connections have you made through CMU? Through CMU, I connected with health care providers who guided me and supported my professional growth. The neuroscience and psychology departments, MASS Office, MAC Scholars community, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Volunteer Center all played a role. Each space offered mentorship, community and direction that helped shape the woman and professional I am today. These connections helped me find clarity in my path and continue to influence how I show up in the world.

What people or experiences at CMU helped you succeed? The neuroscience and psychology departments, MASS Office, MAC Scholars community and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. all helped shape my confidence and discipline. The Volunteer Center was where I became a servant leader and learned the value of social change. It helped me see leadership as action, not just a title. These people and experiences pushed me to grow, stay grounded in purpose and believe in my ability to create impact.

What does being a CMU Chippewa mean to you? Being a CMU Chippewa means standing on values like community, resilience and purpose. It means using your voice, lifting others as you climb, and showing up with integrity in every space you enter. For me, it’s about honoring where I come from, embracing growth and creating change wherever I go. CMU gave me more than an education. It gave me the confidence to lead and the responsibility to give back.