Twin Doctors Break Barriers, Earn PhDs, and Inspire the Next Generation

Sponsored by Zip | Identical twin sisters Dr. Semaj Campbell-Blakes and Dr. Symone Campbell are proof of what can happen when education, determination, and community come together.

Growing up in an under-resourced community in Syracuse, New York, the sisters credit their mother and mentors with teaching them the importance of education. They took advantage of nearly every college-prep and mentorship program available, eventually becoming the first in their family to graduate from college.

But they didn’t stop there. Semaj and Symone both went on to earn doctoral degrees on full-ride scholarships, overcoming moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome along the way.

“We wanted to be all that we can be,” the sisters shared.

Despite their demanding careers, the sisters continue to pour back into the Syracuse community that helped shape them, mentoring young Black and Brown girls, offering guidance, encouragement, and even helping cover necessities like meals, transportation, and hygiene products.

Semaj and Symone visited “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” where Jennifer surprised them from the audience and celebrated the incredible difference they continue to make in the lives of young women.

As part of “The Everyday Difference,” Jennifer shared that Zip wanted to help the sisters continue focusing on what matters most. Zip, a flexible payment platform that helps people manage everyday expenses on their own terms, surprised Semaj and Symone with $2,500 each to give them more flexibility with everyday expenses as they continue traveling home, mentoring young women, and giving back to their community.

For Semaj and Symone, their accomplishments aren’t only about how far they’ve come. They’re about making sure the next generation can see just how far they can go.

For more information about Zip, visit https://www.Zip.co. Eligibility criteria apply. Learn More: https://zip.co/us/loan-terms-of-service