Scholarship Program Recipients

Mishele Bang is working toward a master’s degree in Family Practice Mental Health; her passion is in working with low-income and homeless populations with mental health issues and co-occurring substance use disorders. Mishele has worked as a staff nurse in addiction recovery and at a behavioral health hospital. As a volunteer, she worked with the Downtown Emergency Services Center in 2014–15. She is a member of the Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses.

The greater Seattle area has always been my home, and I

am drawn to its diversity. It is time we use the diversity in its

fullest to have an equitable distribution of services. As a nurse

practitioner, it will be my responsibility to practice with social

justice as a guiding principle. Witnessing injustice over the

years has only strengthened my belief that the best way to solve

a problem is for many types of people to come together and

tackle it, each bringing his or her own unique perspective.

Prabina Dahal is pursuing a master’s degree in nursing at the University of Washington, Bothell. Prabina hails from a remote village in Nepal, received her nursing education

in the US, and has worked professionally in both the US and Canada. In addition to working full time as an RN, she has worked as a clinical instructor, volunteered in earthquake-affected Nepal, and participated with high school AVID students to promote nursing as a career. Currently, Prabina works on a library development project to educate Nepalese women and girls about health care.

Besides health disparities I have seen in developing

countries, health-related problems are evident even

in developed economies such as the US and Canada.

Today, being in the Master’s Program, I am filled with

relief as I confidently pave my path toward my goal of

helping to minimize health disparities—especially among

women—in settings ranging from Nepal to the US.

Jingyi “Cindy” Dong is studying toward a DNP in Adult Gerontology-Primary Care at University of Washington, where she is co-chair of the Network of Doctoral Nursing Students, which brings DNP and PhD students together to share expertise. She also holds a BSN with honors from the UW. Cindy works as Clinic

This year, King County Nurses Association awards 18 scholarships of $3,000 each to deserving nursing students from King County. Recipients include students seeking initial licensure as RNs or in graduate entry programs, as well as registered nurses returning to earn BSNs or advanced degrees. Students receiving scholarships demonstrate an understanding of equity and social justice through creative ideas to improve health disparities in our community. They embody the values of collaboration, compassion, innovation and community wellness. Since 1993, KCNA has awarded $443,750 to 233 deserving students.

2018

Mishele Bang Prabina Dahal Jingyi “Cindy” Dong Lindsey Foley Jane Kim Marit Knutson Katelyn Powell

Valerie Weiss AwardAwarded to RNs working toward advanced degrees in nursing or a related field. The award is made as a legacy to Valerie Weiss, ARNP, MN, MA, whose professional commitment was an inspiration to her colleagues and patients alike.

Kathryn Stanley

RN at Swedish Family Medicine Clinic and previously worked as a Neuro and Transplant RN at Virginia Mason. She is a co-founder of the Pacific Northwest Chinese Nurses Association, open to RNs who share Chinese heritage or are interested in Chinese culture.

I have discovered my longing for the longitudinal

relationship with my patients, rather than just a shift at

a time. I chose gerontology to be my specialty because

I look forward to journeying life together and growing

old with my patients. I cherish the deep-rooted bond

that is based in medical and emotional care.

Lindsey Foley is earning a DNP at the University of Washington, and holds a BS in Biochemistry from Western Washington University. She is passionate about the importance of palliative care, and hopes to work as a nurse practitioner on an inpatient palliative care team. She currently works in the ICU at Swedish Medical Center and has worked previously as a Clinical Instructor for the University of Washington and part-time faculty at Shoreline Community College. As a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Lindsey has volunteered for many years to organize the annual powwow.

Though I plan to stay in the Seattle area once I have

completed school rather than moving to Clark County where

my tribe is located, I know that I can use my knowledge and

experience to have a positive impact on the health of members

of my tribe, as well as others, as a nurse practitioner.

Jane Kim is working toward a DNP in Family Nursing at University of Washington. She previously earned a BS in biology from Ursinus College in Pennsylvania. As the daughter of immigrants from South Korea, Jane was the first in her immediate family to earn a college degree. Currently, Jane participates in the KCNA Neighborhood Health Special Interest Group and Program Committee, and she has recently been elected to the KCNA Board of Directors.

I am committed to continuing my work in a primary

care setting, serving those who are underserved and

marginalized. I am attracted to several specialties, including

gerontology, global and addiction medicine. I hope that

with strong clinical skills training I will be competent to

focus on ways to engage and partner with patients and

accompany them throughout their medical journey.

Marit Knutson is a Family NP-MSN candidate at Seattle Pacific University, and holds a BSN from the University of Pennsylvania. She is deeply committed to comprehensive gynecological care, sexual health and family planning, especially for women-identified and gender non-conforming individuals. Raised in a working-class, union community, Marit is a first-generation college student. She is active in WSNA as a unit representative

for her floor, and is a representative to UWMC’s Staffing Committee. Marit is a member of Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Clinicians for Choice, and is passionate about expanding scope of practice for advanced practice clinicians in reproductive health care.

To move the profession forward, it is essential that

nurses and clinicians see themselves as leaders in their

practice settings and in organizations locally, statewide and

nationally. This connects us to our purpose and keeps us

going when days are challenging, helping us to remember

why we provide the care we do. I am grateful that the

basis of my career is rooted in community organizing, and

I look forward to continuing to build the profession of

nursing and increase access to healthcare services for all.

Katelyn Powell is studying to become a pediatric nurse practitioner at the University of Washington, and holds a BSN from Montana State University. She is passionate about pediatric asthma management, and plans to dedicate her career to being a change agent in that field. Katelyn has worked as an RN on the Medical Unit at Seattle Children’s Hospital, and as a school nurse in Seattle Public Schools. She served as a College of Nursing senator for Associated Students of Montana State, and has joined the interdisciplinary team at the Tribal Healthy Homes Network in order to explore the issue of pediatric asthma in the Tulalip community.

I can advocate for health policies that address social justice.

I can diligently advocate for high-quality universal health care

and clean air standards. The reality is that there are countless

ways that health care providers can advocate, and I believe that

advocacy should be considered an essential part of our jobs.

Kathryn Stanley is earning a DNP at Seattle University. She holds an MPH from Oregon Health Sciences University and an MSN from University of California/San Francisco. Currently an ARNP at Country Doctor Community Health Center, Kathryn is dedicated to providing as much care as possible within primary care. She is also interested in the public health issue of Hepatitis C. As a member of the LGBT community, Kathryn adds diversity to the nursing community and hopes to support transgender patients who struggle to find welcoming providers. She is credentialed as an HIV Specialist.

I am pursuing my DNP to develop as a nurse leader

and better be able to institute and manage programs

to provide access to all patients, and to improve my

knowledge of healthcare systems and work more efficiently

in my role. I feel strongly that involvement in the nursing

community should be multifaceted, and I am committed

to participating in teaching, clinical work and advocacy.

Habibo Bario Joshua Carter Bridgett Chandler Sophia Cima Danica Kleweno Amanda Kovecs Brooklyn Leick

Basic AwardGeneral scholarship awarded to students enrolled in associate or baccalaureate degree programs preparing for careers as a registered nurses.

Nina Mei Maria Salguero Carolyn Wortham

Habibo Bario attended Seattle Central College before transferring to pursue her BSN at the University of Washington. Habibo’s family fled from Somalia to Kenya when she was 5, and she remembers that the first person who gave her hope in the refugee camp was a nurse. Currently, Habibo volunteers by speaking at high schools with large minority populations about careers in nursing, and by conducting health workshops for refugees. She is a member of Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization and Somali and African student organizations at UW. As a bilingual nurse who has experienced war trauma, Habibo plans to work with refugees to address barriers that prevent them from seeking quality health services.

I hope to address the issues of equity and justice by helping

to increase workforce diversity in nursing. I have a dream

of going into research and closing the health disparity gap

and encouraging nurses of color to become involved.

Joshua Carter is pursuing an ADN from Shoreline Community College, and plans to go on to earn his BSN and eventually become a nurse practitioner. His own life experiences have informed his desire to aid those struggling with homelessness, poverty, chronic illness and disparities in access to health care. Prior to nursing school, Josh had a thriving career as a stage actor and musician, including stints on Broadway. Today, he volunteers—including conducting fundraising concerts—for food banks and shelters. He plans one day to run for office or find other ways to advocate for legislation that closes as many gaps as possible in society’s safety nets.

Men fill an important gap in health care. While one

would hope that identifiers such as gender, race and

social class would not make a difference in how we talk

to each other, the fact remains that some discussions

become easier when talking with someone who comes

from a similar background or life experience.

Bridgett Chandler (Graduate Entry) is pursuing a DNP at Seattle University; she previously studied Foreign Language, Comparative Literature and International Political Economy. Bridgett has a wealth of work experience, including as CEO of The Linehan Institute/Behavioral Tech and Camp Fire Seattle, VP of Regional Affairs at UW, and Communications Director for Seattle Public Schools. She became interested in nursing after a devastating period of time during which she lost her sister, husband and father. Currently, Bridgett volunteers as cohort representative in her SU DNP program. She is studying Arabic in hopes of creating a more humane environment for Arab refugees and immigrants in America.

I spoke with the amazing nurses I met about their work

in the world, and I found myself drawn by their stories of

conducting scientific research, working as a team in an ever-

evolving field, and being a partner with patients and families to

ease suffering, help heal and prevent future disease and injury.

Sophia Cima is a junior in nursing at Seattle University, where she is a Sue Naef Scholar. She has earned honors in many areas of study, including math, theology, English, Science and Italian. As a nursing student, her greatest passion is in caring for those with mental illness and disorders, and she currently volunteers at St. James Cathedral Mental Health and Wellness, to provide support for parishioners struggling with mental, physical and spiritual challenges. Sophia is proud of her Spanish heritage and dedicated to living by her grandfather’s valiant example of persistence, dedication and fortitude.

Because healthcare professionals thoughtfully cared for

my grandfather in his time of greatest need, I recognized my

inner desire to support and assist other patients, families and

communities. As a nurse, I will be a source of encouragement,

empathy and guidance to those encountering difficult

challenges; I will positively impact the lives of others and

treat them with compassion, respect and kindness.

Danica Kleweno is working toward her ADN at Shoreline Community College, and holds a previous degree in hospitality and business management from Washington State University. After her mom passed away from pneumonia, Danica decided to follow her childhood dream of working in health care. Passionate about the mentally ill, developmentally disabled and those suffering from substance abuse, she has pursued volunteer opportunities with these populations. Her plan upon graduation is to work with these disenfranchised populations and to continue her study of the Spanish language.

Being a nurse means putting personal bias aside, being

self aware of automatic discriminations, and treating each

patient equally… I plan to volunteer at homeless shelters

and other health groups that cater to the disenfranchised.

Everyone has a voice that needs to be heard. I hope I

can make a difference; I may be one person, but I might

be able to change a life—one day at a time.

Amanda Kovecs, a junior in nursing at Seattle University, plans to practice in pediatrics. Her volunteer work includes tutoring students in various subjects and facilitating weekly study groups in biology and anatomy. She has also tutored young people at Neighborhood House. One passion for Amanda is learning ways to help mitigate the chronic abuse of opioids, particularly among teens. She hopes to work for a nonprofit or public organization.

There is a critical need for treatment options for those

whose financial capacities do not allow for emergencies

or expensive necessities. I recognize that my role as a

nurse is to advocate for the needs of my patients and also

educate and empower them to be their own advocates. I

believe that as a nurse it is my duty to insist on equitable

care, and I plan to be active in social justice issues.

Brooklyn Leick is pursuing her BSN at Seattle University; she holds a degree in psychology from University of Washington. She is interested in working with infants and children, focusing on communication between the patient’s parents and the healthcare provider. Brooklyn is currently working as a nurse’s aide in the nursery at Pediatric Interim Care Center, and she has volunteered at Ronald McDonald House and Seattle Children’s Hospital. This summer, she will volunteer her skills in Nicaragua. After graduation, Brooklyn plans to practice for a couple years before returning for a master’s degree.

As nurses, it is our responsibility to listen to all concerns that

parents have, and understand that although they may not have

medical experience, they have intuition—something that should

be listened to and trusted. I hope to work with future colleagues

to address a potential protocol for communication to guarantee

that mistakes are not made that could have been avoided. I

believe that nursing is a continuous learning experience.

Nina Mei is pursuing a BSN at Seattle University, where she works in the Office of Graduate Admissions. She has volunteered at Hilltop House, Jewish Family Services, Peace for the Streets, Harborview and Veterans Administration Hospital, and she is active with the Tennis Club and Japanese Student Association at SU. Nina is bilingual in English and Chinese. In her practice, she hopes to address issues of language barriers, medical errors and nurse bullying.

With my understanding of the underlying circumstances for

health disparities, I hope to incorporate practices that provide

solutions for communities. With patient-centered care, nurses

will view patients as whole persons, considering all factors that

may impact health care… The approach of kindness, asking

permission, giving patients control and keeping trauma in

mind will prepare nurses to provide care in an informed way.

Maria Salguero is a junior in nursing at Seattle Pacific University. As a DACA student, she hopes as a nurse to increase resources for first-generation students who want to become health professionals. Maria is from Guatemala, where she played as her parents ran a pharmacy. Here, she is active with the leadership team of the Food Recovery Network, a campus club that distributes food to the homeless, and has worked as social media intern at the UW’s Department of Global Health, researching how Ethiopian women seek medical care during pregnancy and for delivery. As a nurse, Maria plans to work in public health and to assist other first-generation healthcare students to succeed.

Guatemala is the reason I want to study nursing. My mind

and personality developed in an environment dedicated to

analyzing others’ wellbeing. My parents’ pharmacy showed

me the consequences of a lack of medicine, knowledge and

limited uptake of health care typical of a third-world country.

Carolyn Wortham (graduate entry) is pursuing a DNP at Seattle University. She holds a BS in community health from Western Washington University, and is trained as a CNA, health education specialist and doula. After graduating, her goal is to specialize in reproductive health care. Carolyn has worked as a health promotion specialist in Nepal and with the HIV/AIDS community in Botswana.

Holistic health cannot be achieved without

acknowledging and addressing inequity. Through

constant appraisal and informed augmentation of my

approach to nursing practice, I aim to marry the concepts

of social justice and population health in the care of

marginalized individuals as a nurse practitioner.