Alumni Spotlight: Maria Gaytan, ’18 BSN, ’20 MSN
A two-time Charles R. Drew University graduate and proud South Los Angeles native, Maria Gaytan has spent more than two decades on the front lines of healthcare.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2018 and her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner in 2020 from the Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing, Gaytan continues to serve her community with unwavering dedication as a nurse at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital.
“Since I was a little girl, I just always wanted to help take care of people,” Gaytan shared. “I always wanted to take care of my dogs, and then growing up, anytime I saw something or someone sick, I wanted to help them.”
That early sense of compassion evolved into a lifelong career. With 21 years of experience as an emergency room nurse, Gaytan has earned a reputation as both a skilled clinician and a dedicated mentor. During her time at CDU, she served as one of the first tutors in the College of Nursing and later returned as an instructor, investing in the next generation of health professionals. Today, she continues that commitment through Urgencias Tutoring Services, a business she founded to support nursing students with academic preparation and personalized guidance.
“My whole experience at Charles R. Drew was nothing but positive,” she said. “It helped me grow professionally and prepared me for the next steps in my career. I learned about leadership, how to be a resource for the communities we serve, and the importance of social equity and cultural diversity. I also had the opportunity to engage directly with the community through events with students.”
A first-generation college graduate, Gaytan now holds the highest academic degree in her immediate family. Her passion for education and service is a legacy that extends to the next generation—her daughter is also a proud CDU alumna, making their connection to the University a true family tradition.
Gaytan’s achievements reflect the mission of CDU to cultivate diverse health leaders dedicated to social justice and health equity. To students who come from similar backgrounds, she offers heartfelt encouragement:
“Take the advantage of going through college, even if the investment seems daunting. Just take the opportunity and make the best of it that you can—because you will be a leader for more people in your family to follow your path.”