ABOUT THY GIFTED NEIGHBOR

Welcome to Thy Gifted Neighbor

Empowering Minorities and Disadvantaged Individuals in STEM and Medicine

International Reach Across Multiple Continents

500+

Students Mentored

15+

Years Experience

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Students Learning

501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Committed to Excellence

OUR MISSION

Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

At Thy Gifted Neighbor, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are dedicated to empowering minorities, underrepresented, and disadvantaged individuals by providing the mentorship, support, and resources necessary to excel in STEM and medicine.

We recognize that systemic barriers, such as limited access to role models, career guidance, quality education, and financial constraints among other obstacles can hinder talented individuals from reaching their full potential. Our mission is to dismantle these obstacles through personalized mentorship, workshops, tutoring, and scholarships, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.

Personalized Mentorship

One-on-one guidance tailored to your journey

Workshops & Tutoring

Hands-on learning and skill development

Scholarships

Financial support to pursue your dreams

OUR VISION

Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders

Our initiatives not only provide the technical skills and knowledge essential for achievement but also the inspiration and confidence gained from seeing diverse role models in STEM and medicine. We are committed to helping individuals succeed and inspiring them to become future leaders who will drive innovation, champion diversity, and spark progress, making a lasting impact on their communities and the world.

Drive Innovation

Empowering creative solutions and breakthrough discoveries

Champion Diversity

Creating inclusive opportunities for all backgrounds

Spark Progress

Transforming communities through education and mentorship

OUR STORY

The Origin of "Thy Gifted Neighbor"

Inspired by the Parable of the Talents

The name Thy Gifted Neighbor is inspired by the biblical Parable of the Talents. In the story, a master entrusts three servants with a number of "talents"—a form of currency—and departs for a time. When he returns, two of the servants have invested what they were given and multiplied it, while one hid his talent in the ground, returning only what he was given.

The master praises those who nurtured and grew their gifts, and rebukes the one who buried his. The moral is timeless: the gifts we are given—whether knowledge, wisdom, or skill—are meant to be cultivated and shared, not hidden away.

Seeds of Growth

At TGN, we believe that every gift is like a seed. When planted in good soil, nurtured with care, and shared generously, it can grow into something far greater than itself—bearing fruit that nourishes others and inspires new growth in return.

Our mission is to take the talents we've been given and sow them into our communities through mentorship, education, and support. As those seeds take root in our neighbors, they too become gifted neighbors, ready to invest their own gifts and help the next generation grow.

"When one seed flourishes, the whole garden thrives—a garden of potential, purpose, and hope."

Meet the Gifted Neighbors

Thank you for your interest in mentorship and guidance. We truly appreciate and respect your enthusiasm and resilience in pursuing a career in STEM and medicine.

For over a decade, we at TGN have had the privilege of mentoring individuals at all stages of their journey—from aspiring students to seasoned medical professionals. Our mentorship efforts have spanned some of the nation's most respected institutions and organizations, including:

  • University of Notre Dame
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA)
  • Distinguished Nigerian Physicians of Tomorrow (DNPT)
  • Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
  • National Medical Association (NMA)
  • And more
FOUNDERS OF TGN

The Heart Behind the Mission

At the heart of TGN are two passionate individuals who believe deeply in the power of mentorship and representation.

Dr. Adebola Giwa and Cindy Giwa

Dr. Adebola Giwa, MD

Physician-Scientist Philanthropist Mentor Co-Founder

Dr. Adebola Giwa was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He began his academic journey at the University of Notre Dame, majoring in Pre-Med and Spanish, then earned his MD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He completed his Pediatrics residency at the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital and later specialized in Pediatric Endocrinology at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

Today, he serves as a Senior Medical Director, leading international clinical trials for rare and endocrine diseases.

With over 15 years of experience in diversity recruitment, student mentorship, and professional selection committees, Dr. Giwa brings a wide lens and deep empathy to the challenges facing aspiring medical professionals. He has mentored students across the spectrum—from top-performing medical candidates to those facing academic and systemic barriers—maintaining a high matriculation rate into competitive programs.

Leadership at TGN

Dr. Giwa helps to set the vision and leads mentorship strategy. He develops programming that demystifies the medical field, opens doors for underrepresented students, and creates long-term support systems. His leadership ensures TGN remains grounded in both excellence and equity.

Cindy Giwa, BS, BSN, RN

Critical Care Nurse Advocate Co-Founder

Cindy Giwa was born and raised in Houston, TX. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Texas State University and a second Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Baylor University, where she completed a rigorous post-baccalaureate program.

Her professional path led her to critical care, where she has served as a Registered Nurse in high-intensity ICU environments, gaining firsthand insight into the realities and rewards of clinical medicine.

With deep compassion and a background in both science and patient care, Cindy brings a unique perspective to mentorship in healthcare. Her experiences navigating complex medical settings and educational pathways make her especially attuned to the obstacles faced by aspiring professionals—particularly those from underserved backgrounds.

Leadership at TGN

Cindy co-leads organizational development and mentorship design. She builds peer support systems, guides mentees through the early stages of healthcare careers, and ensures that TGN's environment is as inclusive as it is empowering. Her role is rooted in advocacy, empathy, and creating space for transformation.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Join hundreds of successful students who have transformed their dreams into reality with TGN's mentorship and guidance.