Meet: Nicole Stoney, Medical Doctor & Aleto Alumni since 2023

Born into an environment that offered limited exposure to high-achievers and good role models, Nicole initially struggled to envision herself beyond the confines of her community. Her early schooling did not prioritise career aspirations or university pathways, and it wasn’t until she switched to a more career-focused sixth form that she truly understood the breadth of possibilities available to her.

However, her transition to this new environment wasn’t seamless. The shift came with feelings of insecurity and imposter syndrome. Nicole found herself in a setting where students spoke differently, grew up in wealthier areas, and were accustomed to pursuing ambitious goals. She often compared herself to her peers and felt out of place. Despite these challenges, she worked hard, driven by the desire to prove herself, and succeeded academically. Yet, the lack of role models who looked like her left her questioning what she could truly achieve.

Nicole’s passion for medicine was clear, and she pursued her goal of becoming a doctor with determination. But there was a persistent sense that she wanted more than just a conventional career in healthcare. She felt drawn to leadership and impact beyond the hospital walls, craving a deeper understanding of management and corporate environments. It was during a search for internships that Nicole stumbled upon the Aleto Foundation's Summer Leadership Programme. Intrigued by the prospect of expanding her skills, she applied, marking the start of a transformative journey.

The Aleto Programme became a turning point for Nicole. For the first time, she was immersed in a network of high-achieving peers, many of whom were also from underrepresented backgrounds. This sense of belonging, of meeting people who were not only driven but also supportive, was a revelation. “The network I built was invaluable,” Nicole reflects. “I had never had the opportunity to connect with people my age doing such incredible things. They opened me up to their networks, and it created a domino effect.”

Beyond the connections, the programme empowered Nicole to step out of her comfort zone. She began mentoring others, recognising the value of giving back and providing the guidance she had longed for in her earlier years. Nicole became a buddy for both the Aleto Summer Leadership Programme and the Johnson & Johnson STEM Scholars programme, helping younger students navigate their own journeys.

Nicole’s greatest transformation came in her self-confidence. Through workshops, leadership talks, and networking events, she began to accept herself fully—her background, the way she spoke, and her unique journey. “Before Aleto, I always felt like I didn’t quite fit in. But seeing people like David and Ken, with their own personalities, being unapologetically themselves while succeeding—it made me realise that I didn’t have to change who I am to be successful,” she says.

Aleto also opened Nicole’s eyes to the wider possibilities available to her. Her initial goals of working in healthcare broadened to include interests in finance, pharmaceuticals, and med-tech. “I realised I didn’t have to stay in one lane. Aleto helped me envision a career where I could merge my medical expertise with corporate leadership, opening doors I hadn’t considered.”

Today, Nicole is not only a newly graduated medical doctor but also a leader with her eyes set on making an impact beyond the hospital walls.

Her advice to others? “Give your all to opportunities like Aleto. Push through the discomfort, speak to everyone, and ask questions. The more you engage, the more you’ll grow. It’s worth every moment.”