Deacon Spotlight: Drew Nwokeafor-Laz

Drew Nwokeafor-Laz (2022, BS in Health and Exercise Science, Minor in Bioethics, Humanities, and Medicine)

Healthcare Consultant at Premier Inc, Houston, TX

Tell us about your current job role and employer. What are you currently working on?

I joined Premier Inc. as a Consultant for Performance Excellence, where I work with hospitals across the country to improve clinical outcomes and operational efficiency. Premier is a healthcare improvement company that uses data, technology, and analytics to help hospitals deliver better care at lower costs.

In my role, I partner with hospital leaders to analyze performance data, identify areas for improvement, and guide teams in implementing strategies that make a measurable impact. Ultimately, it’s a blend of analytics, consulting, and hands-on collaboration with healthcare professionals.

Right now, I’m focused on a few projects, but one that I am most excited about is aimed at reducing patient mortality from sepsis, which remains one of the leading causes of hospital deaths in the U.S. In this project, I analyze hospital data to pinpoint where sepsis cases are originating or escalating within a facility. From there, I then work with teams to develop targeted interventions that improve early detection and treatment.

What key personal and/or career experiences led you to where you are today?

My journey really began at Wake Forest, where my interest in public health took shape during my senior year. Under the mentorship of Dr. Allison Caban-Holt at the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, I led an independent project on transportation disparities in Winston-Salem, examining how travel times to the hospital varied across different zip codes and socioeconomic backgrounds. Dr. Caban-Holt entrusted me with this major project and gave me the freedom to design it from the ground up, confident in my ability to excel. I ultimately presented my findings to a combination of staff members related to Wake Forest University administration, Wake Forest Baptist Hospital doctors, and Winston-Salem transportation officials in a joint session, as collaboration across all three was essential to addressing the issue effectively.

That experience sparked my passion for hospital efficiency and health equity, which grew even stronger when my professor, Dr. Ana Iltis, Director, Center for Bioethics, Health and Society, permitted me to complete my final minor credit requirements through an independent study capstone focused on healthcare disparities and the role of social determinants of health.

After graduation, I began my career in healthcare consulting within the financial revenue cycle sector, working to bridge hospitals and insurance providers. I later earned my master’s in physiology, which deepened my understanding of the clinical side of healthcare and prepared me to transition into client-facing performance improvement consulting.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job? How do you navigate that challenge?

One of the most challenging aspects of my role is the sheer amount of information and data available at Premier. There are so many tools and analytics designed to help our hospital clients improve outcomes, and just when you think you’ve mastered everything, a client will have a new question or request that requires an even deeper dive into the data. On one hand, that’s exciting because no two days are ever the same, and I’m constantly learning—something I truly enjoy. On the other hand, it can feel like a lot to keep up with at times.

I navigate that challenge by consistently using our internal learning resources and guides to strengthen my technical proficiency, while also leaning on my senior team members, who are incredibly supportive and generous with their knowledge. Over time, that combination of continuous learning and collaboration has helped me feel more confident and efficient when addressing complex client needs.

What advice would you give to Wake Forest graduates about developing their personal life habits after college (finances, health, values, work/life balance)?

Start by getting your finances in order early—set aside money for rent, savings, retirement, and emergencies, but don’t forget a category for fun, like vacations, shopping, or dining out. Balance responsibility with enjoyment.

Build daily routines and small habits that keep life manageable—making your bed, working out, meal prepping, journaling—so each day ends with small wins.

Finally, set boundaries to avoid burnout. If you work late one day, stop earlier the next, or take a mental health day when needed. Remember, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional well-being is just as important as building your career.

We know that relationships are important for any kind of development. How do you build and maintain your network?

Professionally, I’ve built my network by taking advantage of the resources my schools provide, such as alumni networks, as well as platforms like LinkedIn. Connecting with current or soon-to-be alumni in my area or field of interest has been invaluable. Many have generously offered guidance and support through virtual or in-person conversations, and without that, I’m confident I wouldn’t be in the career I’m in today.

Personally, I maintain relationships by making an effort to respond to emails or messages from former professors or current students seeking advice. For example, about a year after graduating, I was contacted by Dr. Ana Iltis and Dr. Allison Caban-Holt to assist a student in the ENGAGED research program who was interested in the same topic I had explored in my senior capstone project. I was able to connect with the student, provide resources, and help propel research on a critical healthcare topic—an incredibly rewarding experience.

Building these relationships in college also led to lasting mentorships and recommendations. I received a glowing recommendation from Dr. Caban-Holt for grad school and continue to stay in touch with Dr. Iltis for guidance and advice about life after Wake Forest.

Tell us about your mentoring relationships. What impact have these relationships had on your career and life?

I’ve learned that mentorship can come from anyone at any age or stage of life—it’s not just about having someone senior guide you. What’s important is seeking valuable insights and support. One person I really look up to followed a path very similar to mine, and even though she’s only a few years older, she has been a constant source of encouragement, guidance, and advice about how to be successful on a rather strenuous path.

Another important mentor for me is a close friend I met at Wake Forest. When we were both on the pre-medical track, he often helped me academically, and we supported each other through difficult courses. Even though we’re now in completely different fields, as he has gone into finance, I still talk to him regularly about my career choices and life decisions, and I greatly value and respect his perspective.

Professionally, my company hosts a monthly event called “Coffee and Connections,” which allows employees to meet colleagues across departments. These conversations have been invaluable in helping me learn from people with similar backgrounds and identities, gain guidance on professional growth, and build a supportive network I might not otherwise have access to.

What advice would you give to current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni who are interested in working in your industry?

Start early! Take advantage of every opportunity Wake Forest offers—attend recruitment events, use the Office of Professional, Career, and Development, and seek guidance on resumes and potential career paths.

I also recommend pursuing summer internships during undergrad and doing your best while there. Build strong relationships with senior-level professionals—they can become excellent mentors and provide strong recommendations, and sometimes these internships can even lead to a job offer. From my experience, applying for roles while still in school is often much easier than navigating the job market after graduation.

Finally, networking is key. Use Wake Forest’s alumni network and LinkedIn to connect with people in your desired field. Building relationships early gives you a foot in the door, and in today’s competitive job market, every connection helps.

What’s next in your career?

Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what’s next for my career—and I say that confidently! I’ve spent a lot of time on education and building work experience to get to a role where my passion aligns with my pursuits. Right now, I want to take the time to relish in that moment and enjoy the opportunities and growth my company provides, without feeling pressured to plan too far ahead.

Looking forward, I hope to expand my knowledge across different areas of healthcare consulting. It’s such a broad field with many directions, and I’m excited to explore what the future may hold and continue learning, growing, and making an impact along the way.

Story published in October 2025. For current updates about Drew, visit her LinkedIn profile.