Jessica Ang is a DNP student at Seattle University.

Jessica serves as a psychiatric registered nurse at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital, supporting often vulnerable adolescents and adults. Prior to beginning her nursing career, she worked in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) leadership.

“Whether I was responding to pandemic threats or implementing site-wide safety interventions,” she wrote, “the mission was always the same: protect people.”

As the daughter of a psychiatrist who served immigrant and low-income communities, Jessica witnessed the transformative power of culturally responsive care. That experience inspired her to “promote healing through inclusion, advocacy, and evidence-based practice.”

A faculty member wrote, “Jessica is an advocate for her patients, believing in the importance of meeting patients where they are and assessing their needs through a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive perspective that acknowledges the systemic challenges and barriers they face in our society.”

Habibo Bario is a DNP student at the University of Washington.

In addition to her studies, Habibo works as an RN in the acute medical-surgical unit at Harborview Medical Center, where she also serves as a union delegate.

Habibo came to Seattle from Samalia through a refugee resettlement program. Today, she gives back by volunteering at a resettlement office, providing mental health talks in Somali and Swahili at mosques and community centers, and helping elders navigate the complex health care system.

“I believe healthcare must extend beyond hospital walls and be guided by public health and social justice values,” she wrote.

“One of Habibo’s attributes is her commitment to advocacy and work with stigmatized populations,” wrote a faculty member. “In our clinical seminar, Habibo brought a thoughtful and trauma informed approach to our discussions of substance use disorders, providing insights into her clinical setting.”

Christina Buckles is a DNP student at Washington State University, Tri-Cities.

Christine wants to serve communities in Eastern Washington as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Her appreciation for the needs of rural communities stems from her work as a WSU mental health clinical instructor, commuting to four rural psychiatric clinical sites, a daily drive of 250 miles.

Christina’s volunteer experience reaches as far as the Ukraine, where she volunteered in an orphanage. She has also volunteered at a community free clinic and as a school nurse.

She strives to “make a positive healthcare impact on issues surrounding mental and emotional wellbeing.”

“Christina has the passion and drive that we look for in future providers,” wrote a faculty member. “She has a passion for suicide prevention and traumatic brain injury recovery, with a very holistic view of recovery that includes social support, access to resources, and individualized treatment strategies.”

Gabriela Cunanan is a DNP student at the University of Washington.

As she learns her profession while serving rural and urban underserved populations, Gabriela has a dream “to bring knowledge and healing back to my parents’ homelands: the Philippines and Mexico.”

Her experience growing up in Manila and witnessing the health care challenges in the U.S. drives her in her class and volunteer work, whether organizing mobile clinics through the Red Cross Youth Council in the Philippines, providing acute psychiatric care in Seattle, or participating in Puget Sound Medic Collective.

She hopes to bring that experience into her practice.

“Gabriela brings a valuable blend of bedside experience and leadership insight into her work,” wrote a faculty member. “[She] understands that public health is not confined by borders - it is a shared calling, rooted in justice.”

Michelle Martinez is a DNP student at Washington State University, Tri-Cities.

Michelle’s childhood experience growing up in a low-income household as one of six children to two migrant parents shaped her commitment to serve those in need.

She seeks to work as a PMHNP in Eastern Washington, providing trauma-informed, culturally competent mental health care, particularly to incarcerated individuals.

“I believe in the transformative power of mental health care for those whose lives have been shaped by systemic disadvantage,” she wrote. Michelle lives this commitment as an RN at a critical access hospital in Pasco, serving a primarily Hispanic, low-income, and Spanish-speaking population.

A faculty member wrote that Michelle “would be the pride and joy of your foundation, as she is to our college and our university.”

Ezinne Ndibeshe is a DNP student at Seattle University.

In addition to her studies, Ezinne serves as a peer mentor for incoming students and as a member of the student DEI advisory board.

Her volunteer work reflects her personal journey as a daughter of Nigerian immigrants, which shaped her understanding of cultural identity, stigma, and access to care. “Mental health was rarely named in my community, though its presence was deeply felt.”

“I am committed to reimagining mental health care through an equity lens,” Ezinne wrote, “one that centers community, honors lived experience, and uplifts voices historically silenced by medical systems.”

A faculty member noted Ezinne’s dual-degree pursuit as a Certified Nurse Midwife and PMHNP as exemplary of “her dedication to serving immigrant, BIPOC, and perinatal populations.”

Alicia Schwandt is a DNP student at the University of Washington.

Alicia’s career aspirations are tied to patient advocacy, patient-centered care, and fight for initiatives that help level the playing field of social determinants of health.

“As a woman of color, it is vital that I blaze a trail of success and set an example for those who wish to see mentors that truly represent their identity,” she wrote.

Her actions include participating on quality improvement projects on issues such as operating room workflow, trauma-informed care education, and patient safety.

A faculty member wrote that Alicia’s work “reflects a deep commitment to patient-centered care, clinical excellence, and continuous learning. Alicia is a compassionate, intelligent, and driven individual who brings integrity and empathy to every aspect of her work.”

Thanks to our Scholarship Committee members for reviewing applications and selecting our scholars: Elaine Walsh (Chair), Christina Chacon, Laura Frantz, and Carol Kottwitz.