Second row: Grace Njoki Gitome, Mariya Aydiid, Lydia Gacheru
Bottom row: Mariya Aydiid, Sumaya Uthmaan, LaKenya Charlayne Townsend Brimmer
The Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization (MMPNO) will award scholarships to eleven African heritage nursing students during its annual luncheon on Saturday, April 26, 2025, recognizing their achievements and supporting their future in the nursing profession.
This year’s recipients represent four local nursing programs and demonstrate excellence, dedication, and the financial need common among many nursing students. The 2025 MMPNO scholarship recipients are:
Pacific Lutheran University:
• Ramatoulie Jallow
Seattle University:
• Zulika Musa Ararso
• Mariya Aydiid
• Somoto Obi-Twuagwu
• Maryan S. Ali
• Aster Tesfaldet Gebregergls
University of Washington:
• Lydia Gacheru
• Grace Njuki Gitome
• LaKenya Charlayne Townsend Brimmer
• Sumaya Uthmaan
Washington State University:
• Leslie Gordon
All eleven recipients are currently excelling in their respective nursing programs while navigating the financial challenges that often accompany healthcare education. The MMPNO scholarships offer not only financial relief but also encouragement and a strong show of community support.
Founded to support African American nurses and nursing students, MMPNO has long been a pillar of advocacy, mentorship, and financial aid within the Pacific Northwest nursing community. The annual scholarship luncheon is a hallmark event, celebrating student success and reinforcing the organization’s mission to increase the number of African heritage nurses in the workforce.
Each year, the organization’s scholarships serve as a lifeline for students who might otherwise struggle to afford the rising costs of nursing education. These scholarships not only ease financial burdens but also affirm the recipients’ commitment to entering the nursing field and serving their communities.
Community participation—whether through donations, encouragement, or simply showing up—plays a vital role in continuing MMPNO’s legacy of empowerment through education.
The luncheon will be held at the DoubleTree Suites in Southcenter. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Attendees can register online at www.marymahoney.org. Donations are gratefully accepted to help make nursing education more accessible for these dedicated students.
Source: Seattle Medium
