Author: Nick Ballard, 2024-2025 International President
Olyvia Phillips’ path into the world of healthcare innovation is one shaped by early ambition and a spark ignited by HOSA-Future Health Professionals. As Partnerships Manager at MATTER Health, a startup accelerator on a mission to accelerate the pace of change in healthcare, Phillips’ role is as dynamic as her story–one defined by a lifelong commitment to advancing healthcare and empowering the next generation of innovators.
Phillips was introduced to HOSA during her junior year of high school, when she enrolled in a vocational healthcare program focused on becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). “Our teacher introduced us to HOSA as part of that program,” Phillips recalls. “She emphasized that it would be a great opportunity to explore the world of healthcare.” From practicing handwashing techniques and CPR compressions to learning manual blood pressure readings, HOSA’s class-to-community programming quickly became a hands-on training ground.
But it was more than technical skills that left an impression. Phillips fondly remembers her HOSA advisor; “I saw her passion in wanting to support her students and get them engaged in healthcare,” Phillips reflects. “It was a big job.”
One of Phillips’ most memorable experiences was fundraising to ensure classmates could attend HOSA conferences. “We designed merchandise and raised money for students to participate in competitions and get the equipment they needed,” she shared. The collaborative nature of these efforts not only brought her classmates together but also laid the foundation for her understanding of leadership and teamwork—skills that she carries into her work at MATTER Health today.
At MATTER Health, Phillips channels her HOSA-learned leadership qualities into creating meaningful partnerships. MATTER collaborates with over 60 corporate partners, including health systems, payors, and academic institutions, tailoring programs to address pressing issues in healthcare. “Recently, we collaborated with the American Heart Association to launch the inaugural Heart of Innovation HBCU Challenge focused on supporting HBCU students and alum who are developing novel solutions to improve social drivers of health, cardiovascular health, or promoting healthy environments,” Phillips explained. “We’re constantly adapting to the needs of our partners and of the healthcare industry at large, because we know that it changes.”
As with many HOSA alumni, the paths to a fulfilling career are never straightforward. However, early in her undergraduate studies, Phillips planned to pursue medicine but later pivoted to focus on the external factors influencing health outcomes. “HOSA introduced me to the full picture of healthcare,” she said. “From technical skills like patient care to leadership and collaboration, it all shaped how I think about solving healthcare challenges today.”
Her advice to current HOSA members? “Internships are critical. I am a huge fan of trying to get experience, even if it’s just reaching out or having a conversation with someone. People are often willing to help,” she said. “And remember, school provides frameworks, but applying them comes through real-world experiences.”
Looking back, Phillips credits HOSA for giving her the foundation to thrive in a career at the intersection of healthcare and entrepreneurship. “The leadership skills, technical knowledge, and collaboration I developed through HOSA continue to guide me,” she said.
As HOSA’s alumni network grows, Olyvia’s journey is a testament to the organization’s power to inspire and prepare students for impactful careers. Whether it’s working in patient care or fostering innovation on a global scale, HOSA equips its members to lead the charge in transforming healthcare.
Interested in joining HOSA’s alumni network? Visit hosa.org/alumni today to register at no cost!
