Meet the 2026 scholarship recipients — and the stories behind them

“This scholarship eases my financial burden and motivates me to continue working hard toward my goal of becoming a compassionate and skilled nurse.”

Ozioma was born in rural Nigeria, and her passion for care was born from watching her neighbors, friends, and family suffer unnecessarily due to delayed or inaccurate care. Ozioma lost her own father due to a misdiagnosis and committed herself to providing care for marginalized communities.

Ozioma has demonstrated courage and commitment, from her work as a health officer during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to working as a CNA while pursuing her degree and volunteering with seniors in long-term care. We are proud to recognize Ozioma with a 2026 WSNF scholarship.

“I will strive to make the most of this opportunity through my care, challenging systemic barriers while providing a healing hand. Thank you.”

As the daughter of immigrants who spoke little English, Maria began advocating for her parents at a young age. This is a passion she has carried forward, from her time as a sitter in a Level II Trauma unit to her extensive volunteer work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maria hopes to eventually earn her master’s degree and become a family nurse practitioner, where her bilingual skills will allow her to provide patients from diverse backgrounds with culturally sensitive care and compassion. Her ongoing leadership in her student clubs, including her student nurses association, demonstrates her commitment to her community and her fellow nurses. We are proud to award Maria a 2026 WSNF scholarship and the Deo Little scholarship, awarded in recognition of BSN student excellence.

“As an international student studying far from home, it has taken a lot of courage, sacrifice and faith to keep up with this journey. This scholarship has lifted a burden that I was quietly carrying and has reduced my financial worries allowing me to concentrate on my studies.”

Magdalene was inspired to pursue a nursing education in the United States when she witnessed healthcare disparities and the consequences of lack of access to qualified care in Africa. As an international student, her experiences navigating the educational and healthcare systems in a foreign country have strengthened her commitment to serving those who feel left behind, unheard, or misunderstood.

Magdalene plans to pursue an advanced degree with a long-term goal of serving diverse and underserved populations in a public health role. As a student, she has taken on leadership in her student nurses association and has volunteered to support vulnerable seniors in her community. Magdalene has demonstrated commitment and compassion, and we are proud to award her a 2026 WSNF scholarship.

Helen was drawn to nursing because of her passion for service, human connection, and meaningful impact, and her desire to help “care for the whole person — not just the diagnosis.” Her call to serve led her to pediatric oncology, where she supports children and families facing childhood cancers.

Helen’s long-term goal is to continue providing care for patients while also contributing to system-level improvements in care, so health systems better support kids and families. We are proud to support her journey with a 2026 WSNF scholarship.

“As a full-time nursing student balancing school, work, and financial responsibilities independently, this support significantly helps reduce the pressure of educational expenses and allows me to stay focused on my education.”

Netsanet Gebreyohannes is studying at Renton Technical College while working as a nurse tech at Harborview Medical Center. Her long-term goal is to earn an advanced degree as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

Netsanet is active in her community. She is a leader in her church and is a volunteer through the Renton Technical College nursing club where she provides community outreach, health education, and blood pressure screenings.

Netsanet has demonstrated commitment to her patients and her community. We are proud to support her with a WSNF scholarship.

“I am grateful for the ability to fund my educational costs as I pursue my degree. This scholarship will alleviate some of the stress that comes from funding my college tuition this fall.”

Landon was inspired to enter healthcare by his father, an EMT. Hearing his dad’s stories made Landon realize how important it was to be there for someone on their worst day. After earning his ADN and beginning work as a CNA, Landon’s interest shifted to nursing. He hopes to continue his education to earn a master’s degree and work in neonatal care.

WSNF is proud to support Landon’s education and career with a 2026 scholarship.

“I am so incredibly proud to be a nurse and to be a part of WSNA. I can't begin to tell you what this scholarship award means to me and my family.”

Chanelle’s journey in nursing began when she met a NICU nurse who invited Chanelle to shadow her. What started as a chance encounter inspired Chanelle, who now serves in a medical/neuro ICU. Chanelle is now pursuing advanced certification and hopes to open her own practice as a family nurse practitioner.

Chanelle has demonstrated leadership in her community and commitment to her patients through her advocacy on the job and her volunteer work off the job. We are proud to support her education with a 2026 WSNF scholarship.

“I am incredibly grateful and honored to be a recipient of this scholarship.”

Not many 7-year-old birthday parties feature doll hospitals and IV bags full of ketchup, but nursing has been Aleah’s dream since childhood. As an adult, Aleah has followed that calling by serving as a travel nurse in Washington state and volunteering in Africa and South America.

Aleah is inspired by her faith to provide compassionate care to those who need it most. She is pursuing her degree as a family nurse practitioner with a dream of opening a clinic in a community where medical care is difficult to access. We are proud to support her journey with a 2026 WSNF scholarship.

“Thank you for selecting me as a recipient for this award. It will not only help me continue my goal of becoming a nurse practitioner but also ease the financial burden on my family as they support me on my journey.”

Early in her medical career, Malina worked as an intraoperative neuromonitor but quickly realized she wanted to play a more active role in her patients’ healing. She now works as a nurse in a progressive care unit and serves as a preceptor for student nurses while pursuing her degree to become a family nurse practitioner.

Malina serves as a delegate for her school in the Student Nurses Association. She is also highly active in her community, volunteering at the Seattle/King County Clinic to help those in need access care. We are proud to support Malina on her journey to achieve her goals.

“This award will allow me to focus more fully on my education and clinical experiences during my final year of the nursing program. Thank you for investing in nursing students and supporting the next generation of nurses. I am sincerely appreciative of this opportunity.”

Alyssa has been a caregiver for nine years, helping those with physical, cognitive, and social challenges receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve. Alyssa was inspired to become a nurse by seeing the impact that nurses have had on the individuals in her care. Alyssa hopes to work with vulnerable populations as an RN to provide both care and patient education.

Alyssa is active in her student nurses association, where she’s learned the value of collective power and advocacy. She is especially excited to become a WSNA member and contribute to advocacy efforts for health equity. WSNF is proud to support Alyssa’s journey in nursing with a 2026 scholarship.

“This award represents not only financial support, but also encouragement, recognition, and an investment in my future. Because of this scholarship, I will be able to reduce my work hours and dedicate more time and energy to my education and growth as a future nurse.”

Ariel has a deep passion for mental health care. Her long-term goal is to earn an advanced degree and work as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in her hometown. Through her work as a juvenile probation counselor, Ariel saw firsthand how unaddressed mental health challenges and gaps in the mental healthcare system harm individuals and communities.

Ariel volunteers with her local behavioral health coalition to address systemic inequities and identify solutions. She also volunteers in her local hospital’s NICU. We are proud to support Ariel’s exemplary work with a 2026 WSNF scholarship.

“Balancing graduate school, clinical practice, and personal responsibilities requires dedication, and this award helps ease that burden while reminding me that my goals are valued and supported.”

Kathryn is motivated by a deep passion for trauma-informed care. Throughout her nursing career, she has worked to help improve and implement trauma-informed practices in her workplaces to support the social and emotional needs of patients.

Kathryn hopes to use her advanced degree to continue serving patients and help expand the use of trauma-informed practices across healthcare systems and with individual nurses. Kathryn has demonstrated leadership and commitment, and we are proud to support her with a 2026 WSNF scholarship.

“Nursing has been a journey of growth, resilience, and purpose for me, and I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and support from the Washington State Nurses Foundation.”

As a CNA at Western State, Glory was inspired to pursue nursing through the examples of compassionate, skilled nurses there. She continues to work as a CNA while pursuing her degree and takes pride in helping her patients and their families during their healing journeys.

Glory has demonstrated commitment to her patients through her work and in her community through volunteer work with blood drives in Pierce and King Counties. Over the last three years, she has organized events and assisted with community outreach and education to help meet the needs of local blood banks. Glory’s dedication to patient care and community health shines through, and WSNF is proud to award her a 2026 scholarship.

“Moments like this serve as a meaningful reminder that the hard work and sacrifices are worth it. I am truly grateful for this generosity and encouragement as I continue working toward becoming the best provider I can be.”

Julianna’s path to nursing began with the loss of her father when she was a child. The compassionate care he and her entire family received during his chronic illness inspired Julianna to provide that care for others. Julianna plans to serve high-acuity patients and help patients through complex treatments with care.

Julianna has been active in her community. She participated as a volunteer to support children facing the loss of a parent and helped at vaccine clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are proud to support Julianna with a 2026 WSNF scholarship.

“Your generosity encourages me to continue my lifelong journey into service, leadership and lifelong learning in healthcare.”

Vivian’s journey to healthcare began after witnessing the huge gaps in care in her community in the developing world. This contributed to her commitment to ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and advocating for vulnerable individuals in her work as a caregiver with Home Care Aide certification.

Vivian has demonstrated tremendous commitment, working as a caregiver, studying for her license, and raising a child as a single parent. She has taken on leadership roles in the classroom, serving as a mentor and team leader for her fellow students. We are proud to help her on her journey with a 2026 WSNF scholarship.

“Above all, this award reinforces that someone else believes in my goals and shares my vision for a better tomorrow.”

Danna was first inspired to pursue nursing by the compassion she saw from nurses who cared for her sister with Down Syndrome. She learned from their example that care extends beyond the physical needs of the patient.

Danna hopes to work as a pediatric nurse while pursuing her long-term goal of earning an advanced degree and becoming a nurse educator. She hopes to contribute to nursing practice by building programs that support first-generation students, undocumented students, and adults reentering education. Her dedication and leadership shine through, and we are proud to support Danna with a WSNF 2026 scholarship.

“It is an amazing feeling to know that my hard work and passion for the field of nursing has not gone unnoticed, and that I have support from the nursing community outside of my small, rural hometown.”

Ashleigh was inspired to pursue nursing after a negative experience in a healthcare setting left her mother with sepsis. Ashleigh entered the field with a passion for ensuring that no patient suffers unnecessarily because of a provider’s lack of attention.

Ashleigh has consistently gone above and beyond to help others. She has volunteered to support previously unhoused children in her community, is active in numerous on-campus student clubs and organizations and has served in multiple roles in her student nurses association, including community outreach, president, and mentor-mentee coordinator. Ashleigh’s dedication to lifting up her community and advancing nursing practice makes her a deserving recipient of the 2026 WSNF scholarship.

“Becoming a nurse has been a dream of mine for a long time. WSNF has contributed greatly in my journey to becoming a nurse.”

Paige hopes to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a registered nurse. Her long-term goal is to work in pediatrics, supporting children and families. Paige is thrilled to enter Carroll College’s Direct Admit program where she will also pursue a Spanish for healthcare minor.

Throughout high school, Paige has been active in making her community better and stronger. She has served in a program to mentor underclassmen and volunteered on major school events. Paige is especially proud of having developed, planned, and executed her school’s first “Fall Fest,” an integrated activity day to bring together general education students and students with special needs for social and emotional bonding through shared activities. We are proud to support Paige’s educational journey with a 2026 WSNF scholarship.

“This financial support eases the financial burden of nursing school and allows me to dedicate more time and energy to my education and clinical training. Thank you for your support and belief in my future as a nurse.”

Emily’s journey to nursing was inspired by her own experiences navigating the healthcare system with her four children and a husband who suffers from chronic conditions. The experience highlighted the importance of nurses being able to actively listen, validate patient concerns, and serve as an effective bridge between patients and providers. That is the kind of nurse Emily wants to be.

Emily’s long-term goal is to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist and provide compassionate care for patients. Emily’s commitment to her goals is clear. She continues to make exemplary progress through her program while raising four children, volunteering in her community, and continuing to support her husband’s medical needs. We are proud to support Emily with a 2026 WSNF scholarship.

“Receiving the WSNA scholarship is a huge honor, and I am deeply appreciative to those who fund and organize it. This scholarship reduces the financial burden of nursing school, allowing me to pursue additional experiences that will shape my clinical practice.”

After working in academic research settings, including as a clinical research coordinator at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Karyn’s deep passion for working directly with vulnerable people led her to pursue nursing. Her long-term goal is to earn an advanced degree and work as a nurse practitioner in adult-gerontology and specialize in hospice care.

Karyn has been active in her student nurses association, helping organize blood drives, community health activities, and work with her local food bank. Her commitment to her community and patients shines through in all she does. We are proud to support Karyn with a 2026 WSNF scholarship.

“Having the ability to focus more fully on my coursework, clinical experiences, and preparation for practice will make a meaningful difference in my education and confidence as I transition into nursing. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity.”

Christina has more than 10 years of experience as a medical assistant, and has taken on leadership roles in the workplace and in her community. Christina is a committed advocate for patients and helped shape new approaches in her workplace to ensure senior patients received support to fully access services without suffering from digital barriers.

Christina plans to earn her ADN and then her BSN. Her passion for serving her community and advocating for vulnerable patients will make for an excellent nurse. We are proud to award Christina a 2026 WSNF scholarship.

“I am a single mother with a 7-year-old daughter at home and trying to fund the rest of my nursing program has been slightly more challenging than originally anticipated. This award means I can continue to the finish line and get even closer to my goal of Hospice Nursing.”

Kellie was inspired to pursue hospice nursing after watching multiple family members go through hospice. She hopes to provide care for her patients and their families with the compassion and dignity that her own family received.

As the department lead and certified medical assistant on her unit, Kellie has demonstrated leadership and commitment to patients, while also studying full time and raising her daughter. She still finds time to support her community food bank and local schools as a volunteer. Kellie has demonstrated commitment and leadership, and WSNF is proud to award her a 2026 scholarship.

“Since the closure of our Yakima campus, I now commute approximately 1.5 hours each way to attend classes and clinicals, making this support even more meaningful. This scholarship allows me to focus on my education and my goal of becoming a compassionate and skilled nurse.”

Jennifer’s experience as a caregiver for her grandmother inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. She first became a CNA, then began her journey to become a nurse. Jennifer’s long-term goal is to serve as a critical care nurse.

Throughout her RN program, Jennifer has demonstrated leadership in her classes by supporting and encouraging her peers while also working as a CNA. We are proud to support Jennifer’s journey with a 2026 WSNF scholarship.