The Mary Mahoney Professional Nursing Organization (MMPNO) will present scholarships to 12 Seattle area nursing students of African descent at their 75th Annual MMPNO Scholarship Celebration on April 13, 2024, at the Doubletree Suites Southcenter.
Recognizing the importance of nursing students concentrating on their studies rather than trying to earn money for tuition and living expenses, many of the scholarships offered by MMPNO are significant enough to allow the students to focus on their education by assisting them with their tuition. Having either personal or community experience with the inequities in health care in the community, each of this year’s scholarship recipients are committed to serving underserved communities and volunteering at community health events for the low-income and/or homeless with MMPNO members.
The 2024 MMPNO scholarship recipients are:
Maryan S. Ali is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in August 2025. Her desire to become a nurse is attributed to her feelings about the loss of her grandmother. Ali is described as consistent, reliable, conscientious, and dedicated, possessing all the essential qualities of a good nurse.
Nasro Ahmed is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in August 2025. Inspired to become a nurse after losing her baby brother to a serious health condition, Ahmed began taking college classes during her senior year. Ahmed’s personal goal is to advocate for those who are underrepresented in the community by helping them navigate the healthcare system for better health outcomes.
Lochelle Cox is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in June 2025. Cox’s goal is to improve the overall well-being of individuals and communities and has been observed as providing outstanding care with empathy, dignity, and respect to patients, often underserved, with complex medical and mental health needs.
Heremela Y. Gebrehiwot is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in August 2025. Gebrehiwot’s goal is to research chronic conditions and medications. Aiming for excellence, Gebrehiwot is recognized for her academic and community service and selected to participate in the Alfie Scholars Program.
Michael Yosief Ghebremariam is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in August 2025. His interest in nursing was influenced by his grandmother, who was his role model. During his journey to the United States, Ghebremariam gained insight into various cultures, which assisted him in his decision to become a nurse.
Lekashia Riley is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in June 2025. Riley’s desire to become a nurse stems from her journey as a patient since she was 13 months old, and her care has ranged from mediocre to exceptional. Riley’s goal is to provide outstanding care to patients, be their advocate, and guide them through the complexities of the healthcare system.
Sonia Edwidge Tchamba Leckeu is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in June 2025. Since childhood, Leckeu has shared that she always knew she wanted to be a healthcare professional. Experiencing being very sick as a child and caring for her mother, Leckeu spent a lot of time in hospitals, which influenced her desire to become a nurse.
Brittany Wambui Tellis is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in June 2025. Throughout her life, Tellis states that her mother was a large influence on why she desires to become a nurse. Tellis’s personal experiences with the dismissal of health care for serious health issues have also influenced her passion for delivering healthcare for African Americans.
Chukwudi Okeke is enrolled at the University of Washington, Bothell campus, and will graduate in August 2024. Okeke shared that he was driven to become a nurse because he wanted a career that would help him live his life purpose and fulfill his desire to continue meeting the needs of the most vulnerable. Passionate about serving members of the unsheltered community, Okeke has volunteered and partnered with police officers who provide shelter and handouts to individuals who are a part of the unsheltered community.
Ahmed Jama is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in June 2025. After observing his mother work as a nursing assistant, Jama chose nursing as his career. Jama’s future goal is to inspire African males and youth to become nurses and educate the community about health and wellness.
Stephen Nderitu Mwangi is enrolled at the University of Washington and will graduate in June 2025. Mwangi has worked with the homeless, in hospitals, and family homes with an emphasis on understanding cultural differences. A long-term goal for Mwangi is to become involved in leadership roles to establish healthcare policies that involve equal access to quality care for all.
Sara Mulugeta Nemera is enrolled at Seattle Pacific University and will graduate in June 2025. Currently, as a certified nursing assistant, Nemera’s core values are listening to the patient and showing compassion during the worst times in their lives. She shares that her future goal is to become a Nurse Anesthetist to treat marginalized patients.
There is no cost to attend the April 13, 2024, celebration, but registration is required at marymahoney.org, and donations are always appreciated and tax-deductible.