Shades of Divinity
2024 Scholarship Recipients
Roseana Camacho
I have been a registered nurse since 2011, beginning my career as a bedside RN in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at a local hospital in Tacoma. After several years of caring for critically ill patients, became a Nurse Manager of the ICU at a government hospital. This role highlighted the critical importance of healthcare in our communities and inspired me to help level the playing field for our most vulnerable populations.
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As a nurse leader and while working as an adjunct nursing instructor at a local community college, I encouraged others to view nursing not only as a profession but as a means to advance humanity to elevate others through our nursing skills, knowledge, and compassion. I then transitioned to a hospital supervisor role, which allowed me to care for my ill father until his passing. With the grace and gratitude I felt from being able to care for my father, I pursued other leadership positions and also advocated within community volunteer roles to be able to make impactful changes from an educational, social, and service-orientated platform. I became a board member of the Pierce County Human Services Advisory Board and a school district board member, using my experiences to bring essential services to populations such as children, the elderly, veterans, the homeless, domestic violence victims, the LGBTQIA+ community, those struggling with mental illness, and the impoverished. My work is not done. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctorate in Nursing Practice at PLU, with an expected graduation date of May 2025. Upon licensure, I hope to work with women and children from disadvantaged communities, young children struggling with mental illness, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Congratulations!!
Megan Bland
"Great job, Megan! Your mom and I are thrilled," my dad exclaimed after I earned my MSN degree. He urged me to pursue a doctorate, and I replied, "Dad, I'll never do that," rolling my eyes. Now, in my final year of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at Pacific Lutheran University, I see how it's preparing me to become a family nurse practitioner in Clallam County. Growing up in Valdez, Alaska, I witnessed my father's struggles navigating the healthcare system with his complex medical conditions, including a below-knee amputation due to delayed care. This fueled my passion for advocating for rural healthcare needs and serving underserved areas.
I've been asked to teach at Pacific Lutheran University, allowing me to educate future nurses about underserved healthcare needs. I recently joined Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), a prestigious nursing honor society, aligning with my mission to influence nursing and healthcare systems in underserved communities. Receiving this scholarship is vital for my journey, alleviating the financial burden of my education and allowing me to focus on honing my skills. Motivated by personal experiences, I advocate for compassionate, evidence-based care, and this support empowers me to address healthcare needs in Clallam County and inspire future healthcare professionals.
Congratulations!!
Hibaq Ibrahim
Hello! My name is Hibaq Ibrahim and I am a third-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Seattle University. I am deeply committed to advancing health equity, through nursing. Coming from an immigrant Somali background and being a first-generation college student, I have witnessed firsthand the disparities that marginalized communities face in healthcare. These experiences have fueled my passion for advocating for equitable healthcare access and outcomes. In my career as a nurse, I aim to bridge the gap in health disparities by providing compassionate, culturally competent care and working to implement policies that ensure all individuals, regardless of their background, receive the quality care they deserve. My goal is to be a catalyst for change, promoting health equity and justice within the healthcare system.
Congratulations!!
Anahi Hernandez
I am a first-generation Mexican American and transgender individual, and my personal experiences have deeply influenced my path towards a career in healthcare. Growing up, I saw the disparities in healthcare access and treatment faced by marginalized communities, including immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals, which inspired me to pursue this field. My background has fueled my passion to advocate for equitable care and serve as a voice for those who are often overlooked or underserved.
Academically, I am working towards becoming a nurse, driven by a sense of responsibility to make a positive impact on my community. Despite facing numerous challenges as a first-generation college student, I remain determined to achieve my goals and pave the way for others from similar backgrounds. My experiences working in a memory care facility have solidified my commitment to compassionate care and highlighted the importance of culturally competent and inclusive healthcare practices.
My commitment to health equity is rooted in my desire to advocate for the rights and dignity of all patients, especially those from marginalized communities. I plan to support policy and advocacy efforts aimed at addressing systemic inequities within the healthcare system. This may include advocating for policies that promote health equity, allocate resources to underserved communities, and eliminate barriers to healthcare access for BIPOC individuals. By participating in policy and advocacy efforts, I aim to contribute to meaningful change at both the local and national levels, ultimately advancing the goal of a more equitable healthcare system for all.
I am committed to contributing to increasing diversity and inclusivity within the healthcare system. Through advocacy, education, community engagement, and policy work, I aim to promote representation, cultural competency, and health equity for BIPOC communities. By taking these specific actions, I hope to contribute to a healthcare system that is more responsive, inclusive, and equitable, where all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to quality care that meets their unique needs.
Congratulations!!
