Meet the 2024 scholarship recipients

ADN candidate
Everett Community College

“This scholarship represents more than financial assistance; it signifies a profound opportunity for me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies without the burden of financial worries.”

Casey has worked as a lead certified nursing assistant in long-term care and a CNA/health unit coordinator in the operating room on weekends. She also volunteers in the recovery community and initiated a campaign to improve access to mental health resources in underserved communities. She collaborated with local organizations to raise awareness about disparities in mental health support. The efforts resulted in increased community engagement, leading to improved access to mental health services.

MSN candidate
Gonzaga University

“This funding provides me the opportunity to expand my knowledge into the role of a nurse practitioner, and I am eternally grateful that some of the financial burden will be alleviated from my tuition expenses.”

As a pediatric operating room nurse, Melissa is driven to be a voice advocating for patients and families who are unable to express their needs during the surgical procedure. She has always been drawn to a field that provided a way to create positive change within our world.
Eventually, she hopes to become a dermatology or aesthetic nurse practitioner. “Human beings are often judged based off their first physical appearance, and I am passionate about helping others to feel comfortable in their own skin as this can improve a person’s self-worth and emotional well-being,” she said.

Doctoral candidate
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Population Health & Systems Leadership

“This WSNF Scholarship Award means that I can continue my advanced nursing education with reduced stress and renewed energy toward achieving my academic and career goals.”

Madelyn is pursuing a DNP in population health and systems leadership because she wants to improve health systems through community programs, policy change, payment reform, and innovation. Early in her nursing career she saw how health systems both meet and fail the needs of those they serve. She has seen patients suffer from acute complications of largely preventable chronic illnesses. She has seen patients struggle to afford their medications and has been told she could not provide a service to a patient because it was not billable. She wants to explore upstream causes of health disparities and the nurse’s role in being part of the solution.

MSN candidate
University of Washington
Doctor of Nursing Practice

“As a first-generation college student, this scholarship enables me to pursue my doctorate in nursing with renewed determination.”

When she was 4 years old, Teresia witnessed her father's battle with lung cancer. She knew then that she wanted to be able to give the same compassionate care provided by nurses during his treatment. Theresia cared for patients for seven years as a registered nurse in acute critical care, emphasizing the significance of preventive care. Long-term, she hopes to become a family nurse practitioner to underserved areas, addressing healthcare needs and social determinants of health for diverse populations. 

BSN candidate
Pacific Lutheran University

“I am honored and grateful that I was awarded the WSNF scholarship. This scholarship will help pay for my tuition and books, so I can pursue my passion for nursing.”

In high school, Elena volunteered at the front desk at Evergreen Hospital. That’s where she first learned about the many healthcare professional roles. She has since worked as a newborn hearing technician, and she has worked to help people struggling with homelessness access healthcare and housing.

She is currently pursuing a BSN with the goal of working in labor and delivery and perinatal care. Eventually, she would like to be a nurse midwife so that she can help women feel empowered in their healthcare journey.

Doctoral candidate
Washington State University
Doctor of Nursing Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

“I am deeply grateful for your generosity and investment in my future. This award is a reminder of the crucial role that financial support plays in enabling students to achieve their educational goals.”

Throughout her nursing career, Carol’s primary focus has been on the provision of care to vulnerable adults, including those in nursing homes, psychiatric inpatient facilities, and victims of elder abuse and neglect. For the past three years, she worked as a psychiatric registered nurse with patients who have mental health disorders and substance-use disorders. This experience shaped her decision to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

She aims to work in low-income community settings providing care to marginalized populations. She also hopes to raise awareness, provide mental health education, and dispel the continued stigma associated with mental and psychiatric disorders.

BSN candidate
Wenatchee Valley College

“I was drawn to nursing because I wanted to work in a career that helped people in a tangible way.”

Emily is working as a nurse in labor and delivery while she pursues her bachelor’s degree through an RN-to-BSN program. Her altruistic personality and background in microbiology drew her to nursing as a career, and through nursing she developed a passion for maternal and newborn health. She wants to empower individuals to advocate for themselves and their desires, while also helping them navigate the decisions patients must make when things do not go according to plan. Ultimately, she would like to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in midwifery.

ADN candidate
Bellingham Technical College

“This scholarship not only alleviates the financial burden of my education but also inspires me to strive to be the best nurse I can possibly be and give back to the community in the future.”

Satone was inspired to become a nurse during a hospital stay for acute kidney disease and ovarian cancer when she was 13 years old. “As a very sick 13-year-old, I still distinctly remember the moment I promised myself this is the way I want to save people when I grow up,” she said. Her passion and appreciation for nursing has been constant since then.
Ultimately, she would like to help people as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

ADN candidate
Whatcom Community College

“Being the daughter of Russian refugees, acting as a bridge between the Slavic community and healthcare has been an honor as many Slavic individuals distrust the medical establishment. Providing culturally competent care is valuable and needed in a diverse community such as Whatcom and Skagit County.”

Angelika was inspired to become a nurse after she moved in with her sister, an ICU nurse, during the pandemic. As the months went on, Angelika’s sister started sharing stories from work. Rather than being scared, Angelika was drawn in. She wanted to be there to help. “I don’t believe I chose the nursing profession. I was pulled into it,” Angelika said.

BSN candidate
Eastern Washington University

“I have two daughters who will also be attending college this next academic year 2024/25, so any extra financial help is so helpful.”

Cindy worked as a dental hygienist for more than 20 years before she made the decision to pursue a career in nursing. Her greatest joy is helping others, and she is eager to expand her healthcare knowledge. Many nurses have touched her in her own life and made very impactful impressions. She wants to be that compassionate nurse for others. Cindy is currently working as a nurse tech as she pursues her BSN. Once she becomes an RN, she would like to gain the certification to become a critical care nurse.

ADN candidate
Lake Washington Institute of Technology

“This scholarship means a lot to me because it gives me a chance to achieve my dreams. It not just about money; it shows that someone believes in me and my abilities.”

Aden was inspired to become a nurse after her father’s illness and subsequent death. Through that experience, she saw the significant influence healthcare providers can have on people and their families. Aden’s long-term objective is to become a specialist in palliative care, drawing on the emotional experience she had with her father. Her goal is to make a difference in the comfort and dignity of those who are suffering from terminal illnesses.

BSN candidate
Gonzaga University

“This scholarship helps me focus on school and not have to worry about the financial burden of paying for school.” 

Riley volunteered three times a week at one of the most diverse elementary schools in the country, which also had a large percentage of students who struggle with poverty. She became aware that people who are already struggling have fewer education opportunities and tend to have worse healthcare outcomes, often due to the cost. She also saw that she could make a difference. She is pursing nursing so that she can advocate for patients in need and help improve their health. “Often, people just need someone who is there to advocate for them and offer support,” she said.

ADN candidate
Clark College

“This scholarship allows me to focus more intently on my studies and clinical training, paving the way for a fulfilling and rewarding nursing career.”

Nikolai’s ultimate goal is to work in the post anesthesia care unit, helping patients coming out of anesthesia, comforting and caring for them. He is drawn to this role based on his experience witnessing his grandfather, who had dementia, coming out of anesthesia and seeing how disorienting it was. He wants to help patients have a comfortable and caring experience, providing the care and orientation back to reality they need.

Doctoral candidate
University of Washington
Doctor of Nursing Practice

“In an era when nurses and nurse practitioners are more important than ever, the generosity of your organization allows me to pursue more education to help more people.”

In her position in a neurosurgery unit, Victoria meets people from all backgrounds who are learning to regain simple mental and physical functions. It’s a familiar struggle for her. Shortly after she completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology, she had a life-changing physical injury that meant she had to learn how to walk normally again. It also made her want to become a nurse. Victoria’s passion lies in community involvement and leadership. As a nurse practitioner, she intends to use her nursing lens while also being an integral piece of a multidisciplinary care team. 

BSN candidate
Seattle University

“This scholarship will help relieve some financial stress for me and my family. It will allow me to better allocate my time in advancing my nursing career.” 

Hanna’s career planning in high school showed that what she valued most was the ability to use her critical thinking skills, connect with others, and do some good in the world. Nursing was a perfect fit. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives and feels good knowing that she can bring understanding and peace to others in difficult times. After graduation, she plans to work for a couple of years before deciding on an area of specialty. In the future she would like to earn a DNP.

BSN candidate
University of Washington

“This award will enable me to finish out my accelerated BSN program at the University of Washington without having to take out further loans which is something I am so grateful for.” 

Luna already has a degree in public health, where she learned a great deal about social determinants of health and health disparities. She saw how people of color and low-income individuals are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to accessing quality healthcare. She chose to pursue nursing in the hopes of leveraging this knowledge in her nursing practice to identify gaps in the quality of care provided and ensure access to resources for those who would otherwise not have access. She is passionate about Black maternal mortality rates in the United States and hopes to pursue labor and delivery nursing in an underserved population after she graduates.

BSN candidate
University of Washington

“With this scholarship, I am one step closer to achieving my goal of an RN-BSN degree which will prepare me to provide high-quality patient/family care, leadership, and ethics training...”

In high school, Mamusu served as a student body head of infirmary, which inspired her interest in nursing. Being able to assist individuals with health concerns and seeing health workers at the clinic attend to patients inspired her to do more to care for individuals with healthcare needs.
Once she earns her BSN, Mamusu hopes to work in med-surg to hone her skills and ultimately to share her experience and knowledge with future nurses in the United States and her home country of Sierra Leone. 

ADN candidate
Yakima Valley College

“The passing of my fiancé on January 14, 2024, has turned our lives upside down, leaving me to support our two young boys on my own. Balancing the immense responsibilities of being both the sole provider and a dedicated full-time nursing student has been incredibly challenging. This scholarship is a lifeline, offering us not only financial relief but also hope and encouragement as we strive to rebuild our lives.” 

Working as a medical assistant in the corrections and addiction field instilled in Brittney a strong sense of dedication to patient advocacy and support. She is often called on to take swift and decisive actions in emergency situations. She was instrumental in improving mental health services – and reducing behavioral incidents – for incarcerated individuals.
Volunteering with the local health department exposed her to the unique healthcare needs of vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless and drug-addicted.

She hopes one day to become a nurse practitioner.

MSN candidate
Pacific Lutheran University

“This scholarship is a vote of confidence in my nursing journey… Moving to nursing from a career in engineering while supporting a family has brought many hurdles, but here I am, graduating in August 2024.”

Obed was inspired to go into nursing because of the profound impact a nurse had on him when he saw his mother go through terminal cancer. He saw that nurses do so much more than simply fill doctor’s orders. “They impact the very souls of the people they serve,” he said. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Obed reconsidered his career direction. He wanted a career that would allow him to show human kindness, to be a lifelong learner, and to be physically active. “Nursing fits all these dreams of mine and more,” he said.

BSN candidate
Washington State University Tri-Cities

“Coming from a low-income family, I don’t count on financial support from my parents. The stress of having enough money for college is often a worry I carry on my shoulders. Therefore, I am extremely thankful for all the help I receive.”

Julissa was 14 years old the first time she worked in the orchards with her parents. She quickly learned how exhausting that work is. She also learned that although agricultural labor jobs are extremely high risk, health insurance or other benefits are rarely offered to workers. This disparity fueled her passion to pursue a career in healthcare. This passion was cemented when she volunteered at a Casa Latina clinic, interpreting medical information to non-English speaking migrants. She plans to work as an RN in her hometown of Mattawa or another underserved community.

BSN candidate
Washington State University Spokane

“I am beyond grateful for the donors of this scholarship who are willing and able to invest in the future of nursing by providing educational resource funds.”

As both a CNA and caregiver, Lindsey was able to provide one-on-one care to the elderly, a severely overlooked and growing population. The gratitude she felt from the patients for assisting them to the dining room, helping them get dressed for the day, or even asking them about their day, stuck with her. As a nurse, she wants to provide holistic patient-centered care to people of diverse backgrounds so that healthcare is seen as the promotion of wellness. She wants to positively impact the lives of her patients.

BSN candidate
Gonzaga University

“With this scholarship, I am able to not worry as much about the expenses of my education and instead focus on my experience and prepare myself to make an impact on as many people as possible as a pediatric nurse in the future.”

Sadly, Ashleigh’s desire to pursue nursing was influenced by a bad experience her mother had with a nurse when she was in the hospital. Ashleigh became more interested in the medical field and wants to be a different kind of nurse. “I want to be the change and do better than the first nurse I was familiar with,” Ashleigh said. She wants to form meaningful relationships with patients and make an impact on as many lives as she can. She would like to specialize in pediatrics or pediatric oncology and eventually work in a children’s hospital. 

ADN candidate
Clark College

“I'm grateful to the Washington State Nurses Foundation for investing in my nursing career. Your support in my endeavors also aids in the well-being of every patient I encounter.”

April switched her career to nursing because she wanted to be in an industry that centers caring for other human beings. As the first in her family to pursue healthcare, she was intimidated to make the move, but nurses she met over the years motivated and inspired her.
April got a taste of healthcare when she volunteered at Oregon Health & Science University, helping patients with basic needs, delivering water and snacks, and making sure the blanket warming machines were well-stocked. She hopes to continue her nursing education and achieve a doctorate degree one day.

BSN candidate
Washington State University Spokane

“I have thousands in debt regardless of payments I have been able to make over the years from working. This scholarship means so much to me and has given me confidence to keep working hard and follow my nursing dreams.”  

Charly was inspired to go into nursing when she saw the uplifting and inspiring care her mother received when she was undergoing reconstructive surgery. Charly was only 5 years old at the time, but she knew that she wanted to help people someday just like the nurses and doctors helped her mom. She works both as a CNA and nurse technician, which has helped her learn to care for patients and their families. In the long-term, she hopes to become a family nurse practitioner working with families that have experienced adversity.

BSN candidate
Seattle University

“This scholarship demonstrates that there are people who believe in my goal and are committed to supporting my journey toward earning my nursing degree.”

Lekasia wants to become a NICU, labor and delivery, or kidney transplant nurse. Her desire to become a nurse comes from her own healthcare journey. She has been hospitalized numerous times for a condition discovered when she was 13 months old: cystinosis, a rare disease characterized by an abnormal accumulation of the amino acid cystine. She has experienced both exceptional and mediocre healthcare and is driven to become a nurse to provide outstanding care, advocate for patients, and guide them through the healthcare system. 

ADN candidate
Whatcom Community College

“This scholarship allows me to go to school with less financial stress on my family. It allows me to be able to go to nursing school full time while still being able to be present in my children's lives through the process.”

In 2019, Jacqueline’s youngest child was rushed to the emergency department and diagnosed with cancer. Through surgeries and a year of ongoing treatments, she was supported by the many caring nurses she encountered and decided nursing was her calling.
Jacqueline works at United General Hospital as a CNA, which has given her insight into what a nurse’s role looks like. Her goal is to eventually work in the pediatric oncology unit as a nurse.

MSN candidate
Bradley University Family Nurse Practitioner Program

“This support boosts my confidence and motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my field.”

Tookata currently works as a nurse in jail health services, where she provides empathetic and compassionate care to a diverse range of patients. Her advocacy for these patients includes pushing for handouts in lay language to help patients better understand their medical diagnoses. She is also a breast cancer survivor, which sparked her desire to continue her professional development in oncology. Her goal is to learn more about treatment policies and programs so that she can support breast cancer awareness, education, and treatment of patients, particularly underserved populations.

ADN candidate
Everett Community College

“I know that this career was made for me, and I cannot wait to enter the workforce as an RN.” 

Kaitlynde knew nursing was a wise career choice for financial reasons, but after she started working as a nurse tech at the ER at Swedish Edmonds, she fell in love with nursing. She says her 12-hour shifts in the ER don’t feel like 12 hours – she looks forward to them.

Kaitlynde was on course to graduate from her ADN program this year and hopes to transfer to University of Washington Bothell to get her BSN. Ultimately, she would like to be a nurse practitioner anesthesiologist.

Doctoral candidate
University of Washington
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing + Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Midwifery

“I am deeply grateful to the WSNF for their generous scholarship, which is instrumental in helping me fund my education and fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse midwife.”

Before moving to Washington state, Sarah volunteered in a neonatal intensive care unit at Walter Reed Hospital and as an abortion doula with the D.C. Doula Collective. These experiences shaped her understanding of nursing's unique role in holistic patient care and the importance of providing nonjudgmental support and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Her ultimate goal as a nurse midwife is to foster a culture of patient-centered care, where each individual is valued and supported in their reproductive healthcare journey.

BSN candidate
Gonzaga University

“As someone who lives with medical complexities, I have experienced the kindness and care of wonderful nurses who have touched my life, and I can’t wait to follow in their footsteps.”

Lily says advocacy can be a terrifying act of courage. She has shown that courage in her work to bring awareness and hope to those impacted by VACTERL association, a disease that affects many body systems and stands for verterbral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities.

As a co-host of her own podcast, she works to normalize and open dialogue about conditions of the bowel, bladder, and reproductive organs.
Lily hopes to eventually work in a colorectal or reconstructive pelvic medicine clinic where she would have the opportunity to care for children and families impacted by anorectal malformations and other pelvic conditions. 

ADN candidate
Everett Community College

“Thank you for supporting my dream of becoming a labor and delivery nurse who aims to reduce the maternal mortality rate within the Black and people-of-color populations by advocating for patients’ concerns during their pregnancy and postpartum phase.”

Lucy became interested in the healthcare field following her volunteer work in marginalized areas in Kenya. The group she was working with rescued more than 2,000 girls from female general mutilation and encountered many women experiencing health issues due to being victims of female genital mutilation. Her long-term goal is to reduce the maternal mortality rate within the Black and people-of-color populations by advocating for patients’ concerns and educating them regarding early warning signs during their pregnancy and postpartum phase.