Diagnostic radiologist. Olympic athlete. Entrepreneur. Motivational speaker. Each of these titles represents a rare accomplishment on its own. To have them all describe the same person is even more phenomenal. And yet, that’s exactly the case with Dr. Una Morris, who has repeatedly overcome the odds to achieve extraordinary success.

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Morris lost her mother to illness when she was 10. At 17, she moved to California to finish high school and pursue a career in science.

“Before my mom died, she made me promise her I would pursue my education,” she says. “And even though I knew it was a very difficult road, I
decided to become a physician.”

After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona in 1970 with a degree in zoology, Morris went on to the University of California, San Francisco to earn her medical degree. She invested another three years to become a diagnostic radiologist and has been practicing in the Pasadena area for the past 32 years. Because the percentage of minority women in the medical field is quite low, Morris finds herself a role model to minority youth everywhere.

“I love the field of radiology because it’s continually changing and adapting to
new technology,” she says. “Plus, this career choice has been very conducive to
being a wife and a mother of three.”

Her love of science, however, is only one of her passions.

About the time her mother died, Morris discovered another skill: running. For the next decade, she honed her natural talent and eventually competed in a number of track events — with very impressive results.

Her laser focus and commitment to hard work helped her compete in the 1964, 1968 and 1972 Olympics, earning fourth place in the 200-meter race in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. She also earned the gold medal in the 200-meter and 4x100-meter relay in the 1966 Caribbean games; a gold medal in the 200-meter race in the 1967 USA Indoor Championship; and a silver medal, along with numerous others.

In addition, she was named Sportswoman of the Year in 1964 and 1965; held the world record for the 300-meter track event in 1966 and 1967; and held Jamaican records in the 200-, 400-, 800-meter and Pentathlon events.

During the course of her life, Morris has also pursued a variety of other interests. She owned and operated a Jamaican restaurant in the Pasadena area for many years, has invested in real estate, served as assistant professor of radiology at Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center and continues to spend her free time motivating the next generation of scientists.

Considering her love of science, it’s no surprise to learn she supports Cal Poly Pomona’s Science Educational Enhancement Services (SEES) program, which promotes diversity among science students. In fact, she gives not only her time but also financial support annually, including a $3,000 gift this past April.

“I often meet with students to encourage them to overcome their personal struggles in order to achieve their goals,” she explains. “When I was their age, I wished I had someone to encourage me to reach my dreams. Many of these students are already highly motivated, but sometimes they need a little extra encouragement.”

Based on a lifelong history of overcoming odds, Morris’ advice to young people is always the same. “I tell them,‘There’s nothing you can’t accomplish if you persevere and really believe in yourself. Nothing should ever prevent you from reaching your goals.’”