RELEASE: UNAC/UHCP Awards Scholarships for Healthcare Careers

The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) is proud to announce the 2024 winners of the Alexis G. Philius Scholarship, introduced to provide resources and support to students of Black/African descent pursuing education toward a career in healthcare.

Mohamed Ahmed is a first-generation Somali college student studying Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience for a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology. He loves cardiovascular research and wants to fight heart disease in Somalia’s underserved areas. Despite financial hardships, Mohamed gained healthcare experience as a medical scribe and pharmacy technician. He is driven to improve healthcare access and outcomes because of his grandmother’s heart disease.

Morgan Berry is an outstanding high school senior with a 4.0 GPA who will study health sciences at Spelman College before attending medical school. As an Afro-Latina, Morgan wants to reduce maternal health disparities and diversify medicine. Morgan champions education and equity by mentoring youth, teaching violin, and co-leading her school’s Black Student Union. She wants to become a doctor and improve healthcare for all.

Tia Harris, certified nursing assistant, is pursuing her master’s degree in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies master’s and focuses on culturally competent healthcare. She saw firsthand how a lack of diverse medical professionals affects patient care while growing up in an underserved community. She dedicated herself to mentoring pre-PA students and volunteering with Toys for Tots and the Epworth Foundation to close that gap. Tia wants to increase healthcare representation and make patients feel heard.

Shiria Hicks, a high school senior and certified nursing assistant, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is determined to provide compassionate care to low-income patients despite personal hardships. Shiria has tutored Black students and helped people facing housing issues. Her experiences motivate her to promote healthcare accessibility and inspire future Black nurses.

Oluchukwu Okwu, a first-generation Nigerian-American registered nurse, is pursuing a Master of Science in nursing at UCSF to become a family nurse practitioner. Oluchukwu has led community health assessments and blood donation drives to promote health equity in underserved communities. She advocates for policy changes, mentors healthcare professionals, and expands access to quality care.

Congratulations to our Delima MacDonald Community Scholarship recipients

The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) is proud to announce the 2024 Delima MacDonald Community Scholarship winners, recognizing their dedication to health care and community service.

Lynette Jurczyk is pursuing a doctorate in Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California, where she is committed to holistic health care and improving patient well-being through occupational therapy.

Jailyn Riddick is a Criminology and Forensic Psychology major who will soon begin her master’s degree in psychology. She is dedicated to mental health advocacy and aims to make a lasting impact in her community.

Mohamed Salem is a Bachelor of Science in Psychology student on the pre-medical track. His resilience and passion for healthcare accessibility drive his mission to improve patient care and promote medical equity.

Martin Vazquez is currently in medical school and is dedicated to addressing health care disparities in underrepresented communities. He envisions becoming a physician advocate for underserved populations.

Angie Wang is enrolled in a dual Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She is passionate about public health, community service, and advancing health care equity.

Congratulations to our Kathy J. Sackman Member Scholarship recipients

The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) is proud to recognize five outstanding UNAC/UHCP union members as the Kathy J. Sackman Member Scholarship recipients. This scholarship honors their dedication to advancing health care, advocating for their profession, and serving their communities.

Alice Cho is pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner while working at UC San Diego Health. As a mother of two, she is committed to expanding access to mental health care and improving patient outcomes.  Alice, a registered nurse, is a member of UNAC/UHCP affiliate Sharp Professional Nurses Network (SPNN).

Rafael Lopez, RN, is dedicated to improving patient care while pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. Working at Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills, Rafael strives to enhance holistic, patient-centered care and promote health equity.  He is a member of UNAC/UHCP affiliate Kaiser Woodland Hills Registered Nurses Association (KWHRNA).

Lauren Nichol Moran, RN, a UNAC/UHCP union member of the Kaiser Riverside Registered Nurses-Union of Healthcare Professionals (KRRN-UHCP) affiliate, is advancing her career by pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Nurse Anesthesia concentration. A dedicated healthcare professional and mother of three, she is passionate about safe anesthesia practices, patient advocacy, and supporting fellow nurses.

Francis Omelu, RN, is a member of UNAC/UHCP affiliate Kaiser Ontario Vineyard Health Care Professionals Association (KOVHCPA). Francis is currently enrolled in a Doctor of Nursing Practice program while continuing his work at Ontario Medical Center. His leadership in healthcare is driven by a commitment to improving patient access and advancing nursing excellence.

Alexander Renteria, RN, is furthering his education with a Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practice. Working as a Case Manager at Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center, he is committed to expanding access to mental health services and advocating for patient-centered treatment. He is a member of UNAC/UHCP affiliate Specialty Care Nurses of Southern California (SCNSC).

Congratulations to Our Sonia Moseley Family Scholarship Recipients

The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) is honored to award the Sonia Moseley Family Scholarship to five outstanding students, all children of dedicated UNAC/UHCP union members. This scholarship supports their commitment to education and honors the sacrifices of their parents, who are devoted healthcare professionals and union advocates.

Jason Chau is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with plans to attend pharmacy school. As the son of Carol Ly, RN, a UNAC/UHCP member at Kaiser Orange County, Jason is inspired by his mother’s dedication to patient care and advocacy, motivating him to pursue a career in healthcare. Carol is a member of the UNAC/UHCP affiliate Kaiser Orange County Professionals Association.

Hannah Suree Hawkins is earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, following in the footsteps of her mother, Tiffany Baker, RN, a member of Kaiser Baldwin Park Registered Nurses Association (KBPRNA), a UNAC/UHCP affiliate. Her goal is to continue the family legacy of compassionate and equitable healthcare while advocating for diversity in nursing.

Alisella Bernice Hernandez, a dedicated student at Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy, is committed to academic excellence and service. As the child of Mayra Hernandez — a member of the UNAC/UHCP Specialty Care Nurses of Southern California affiliate (SCNSC) — Alisella aspires to contribute to the healthcare field while honoring her mother’s sacrifices.

Ethan Hung is completing a Bachelor of Science in Computational and Systems Biology and plans to pursue an MD-PhD program to bridge the gap between research and patient care. As the son of  Jenny Mach-Hung, Doctor of Optometry, and a member of the UNAC/UHCP Kaiser Permanente Association of Southern CA Optometrists (KPASCO) affiliate, Ethan is inspired by the power of healthcare advocacy and innovation.

Jesna Maria Thomas is enrolled in a five-year accelerated Bachelor of Science/Master of Science Physician Assistant program, driven by her passion for patient care. Jesna is inspired by the commitment shown by her mother Sheeba Thomas, RN, a member of the UNAC/UHCP Kaiser Woodland Hills Registered Nurses Association (KWHRNA) affiliate. Jesna is dedicated to making healthcare accessible to all communities.

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Apply for the 2025 Scholarships!

If you or someone you know is pursuing a career in healthcare, don’t miss this opportunity!
Deadline: May 15, 2025
Apply at: scholarship.unacuhcp.org
For inquiries, contact: scholarship@unacuhcp.org