My name is Nadia Williams, and my story is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. I am a 32-year-old African American woman with proud Caribbean roots from St. Vincent & the Grenadines. I am also a single mother, raising my daughter while pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Long Island University, with graduation set for December 2025. My path has not been a straight line, but every detour, challenge, and triumph has shaped the woman I am becoming—and the nurse I aspire to be. I began my academic journey in fashion, earning a degree in Fashion Merchandising from the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in 2018. At the time, I was drawn to the creativity, business, and artistry of the industry. But over time, I realized that while fashion was something I enjoyed, it wasn’t the work that fulfilled me. I longed for something deeper—something where I could use my strengths to make a difference in people’s lives. That realization, combined with my personal experiences as a mother, led me to nursing. As I raised my daughter, I became acutely aware of the healthcare challenges women—especially Black women—face. The reality that Black mothers in the United States are three to four times more likely to die from childbirth-related causes than white mothers is not just a statistic to me; it is a call to action. As a mother and as a Black woman, I know what it feels like to want to be heard, respected, and cared for during vulnerable moments. That awareness ignited my passion for maternal health and inspired me to pursue a career in Labor & Delivery nursing. My vision is to be a nurse who provides not just medical care, but also advocacy, compassion, and dignity for every mother. Along my journey, I’ve also discovered the importance of community. I am a proud member of the Greater New York City Black Nurses Association, where I have participated in maternal mortality health conferences, community outreach events, and health equity initiatives. These experiences taught me that nursing is not only about the bedside—it is also about standing up for justice, educating families, and bridging the gaps in healthcare access. This community involvement reinforced my belief that my purpose as a nurse extends beyond caring for patients; it is also about being a voice for change. Balancing motherhood, school, and work has been one of the hardest challenges of my life. There have been moments of exhaustion, financial stress, and doubt. Yet through it all, my daughter has been my anchor and my motivation. She reminds me why I cannot give up. I want her to grow up knowing that no matter how difficult the journey, perseverance and faith can carry you through. More importantly, I want her to see that education and purpose can transform lives. My aspirations are clear: to become a Labor & Delivery nurse who not only saves lives, but also works to eliminate the disparities that put Black mothers at risk. Long-term, I hope to expand my role into creating community-based maternal health programs and mentoring the next generation of nurses, especially women of color. My story is not perfect—it is filled with challenges, sacrifices, and lessons. But it is also filled with resilience, love, and vision. Every experience has led me here: to nursing, to advocacy, and to the unwavering belief that I can create change for mothers, families, and communities.

My name is Nadia Williams, and I am a 32-year-old African American woman with Caribbean roots from St. Vincent & the Grenadines. I am also a proud single mother to a beautiful daughter who inspires me every day to pursue my dreams. My journey has been far from traditional. I began my academic career in the world of fashion, earning a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in 2018. While I value the creativity and experiences that degree gave me, my true calling revealed itself in healthcare. Today, I am a nursing student at Long Island University, on track to graduate in December 2025 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Nursing is deeply personal to me. I have chosen to pursue a career as a Labor & Delivery nurse because of the staggering disparities that exist in maternal healthcare, particularly for Black women. In the United States, Black mothers are three to four times more likely to die during childbirth than white mothers. This is not just a statistic—it is a reality that affects families and communities like mine. As a Black woman and a mother, I feel called to be part of the solution by advocating for equity, safety, and compassion in maternal health. My goal is to be a nurse who not only provides excellent bedside care, but who also listens, uplifts, and protects mothers during one of the most vulnerable yet powerful moments of their lives. My vision for the future extends beyond bedside nursing. I aspire to build community-based programs that provide education, advocacy, and support to mothers and families, especially in underserved areas. These programs would focus on prenatal education, postpartum care, and creating partnerships with doulas and midwives to ensure that women of color have the culturally competent care they deserve. Long-term, I hope to mentor young women of color who are interested in nursing, showing them that their presence and voices are needed in healthcare. Representation matters, and I want to inspire the next generation of nurses the way I have been inspired. My path to this point has not been easy. Balancing motherhood, school, and work has been one of the greatest challenges of my life, but it has also been one of the most rewarding. I am determined to show my daughter that perseverance and purpose can create opportunities and change lives. She is my greatest motivation, and I want her to see that no matter what obstacles she faces, she can achieve her dreams. This scholarship would have a profound impact on my journey. Nursing school is demanding, both academically and financially. Reducing my student loan burden would allow me to focus more fully on my clinical training and preparation for the NCLEX exam, without the constant stress of financial strain. It would also give me the flexibility to continue engaging in community service through organizations like the Greater New York City Black Nurses Association, where I have already been involved in maternal mortality health conferences and health equity outreach. By easing my financial challenges, this scholarship would empower me to pour more of my energy into becoming the best nurse, advocate, and leader I can be. Ultimately, I want to dedicate my nursing career to saving lives, improving maternal outcomes for Black women, and creating a legacy of compassion and justice in healthcare. With your support, I will be one step closer to making that vision a reality—for myself, for my daughter, and for the communities I will serve.

My vision for myself as a nurse is to merge compassion, advocacy, and purpose into a career that transforms the lives of mothers and families. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Long Island University, with graduation set for December 2025. As I step into this next chapter of my life, I see myself not just as a nurse at the bedside, but as an advocate, leader, and mentor committed to reshaping maternal health particularly for Black women, who face one of the greatest health disparities in this country. As a single mother and African American woman of Caribbean descent, this vision is personal. Black mothers are three to four times more likely to die during childbirth compared to white mothers, even when controlling for income and education. This reality is unacceptable, and it motivates me every day to push through the challenges of nursing school. My long-term vision is to work in Labor & Delivery, where I can provide compassionate, culturally competent care that helps mothers feel safe, supported, and respected during one of the most vulnerable yet powerful moments of their lives. I want to be the nurse who notices what others overlook, who listens when others rush, and who speaks up when others remain silent. Beyond bedside nursing, I see myself developing and leading community-based initiatives that address the root causes of maternal mortality and poor birth outcomes. I want to create programs that combine education, advocacy, and holistic support for mothers and families. These programs would include prenatal workshops, postpartum home visits, mental health resources, and partnerships with doulas and midwives. My goal is to build a model of care that doesn’t just treat emergencies but prevents them by empowering women with knowledge, support, and access to culturally sensitive providers. Mentorship will also play a key role in my vision as a nurse. Representation matters, and I want young women of color to see someone who looks like them thriving in nursing. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to believe in yourself when opportunities feel limited, and I want to inspire the next generation of nurses to see that their voices are needed in healthcare. Whether through formal teaching in academic settings or mentorship in community organizations, I want to pour into others the way mentors have poured into me. My community involvement through the Greater New York City Black Nurses Association has already given me a glimpse of this future. I have participated in maternal mortality health conferences, health equity initiatives, toy drives, and back-to-school events. These experiences taught me that nursing goes far beyond the hospital it extends into the very fabric of the community. Nurses are leaders, educators, and advocates who bridge the gap between healthcare systems and the people they serve. Being part of this association reinforced my belief that my calling is not just to provide care, but to fight for change. On a personal level, my vision for myself as a nurse also includes creating stability and legacy for my daughter. She is my greatest motivation. Raising her while pursuing a second degree has been one of the hardest yet most rewarding challenges of my life. I want her to see that perseverance, education, and purpose can transform your path no matter the obstacles. My nursing career will not only provide financial stability for our family, but it will also serve as a living example of resilience and determination for her future. In the long run, I envision advancing my career to take on leadership roles where I can influence policy, train new nurses, and advocate for systemic changes in maternal health. I want to stand on the frontlines of health equity, using my voice to demand better standards of care for Black women and underserved communities. My ultimate goal is to be remembered not only as a skilled nurse, but as a nurse who transformed lives, empowered mothers, and left a legacy of compassion and justice in healthcare. To me, nursing is more than a profession, it is a calling to serve, protect, and heal. My vision is to embody that calling fully, combining clinical excellence with advocacy, mentorship, and community impact. I want to be the nurse who makes mothers feel safe, who saves lives in delivery rooms, who inspires other women of color to pursue healthcare careers, and who helps shift the narrative of what Black maternal health can and should look like in this country.

I want to pursue a degree in nursing because nursing combines compassion, advocacy, and science in a way that no other profession does. My journey to this field has been shaped by my experiences as a single mother, an African American woman, and a first-generation Caribbean American. Nursing gives me the opportunity to transform these life experiences into purposeful work that directly impacts others. My passion lies in Labor & Delivery nursing. Far too often, Black women do not receive the care, attention, or respect they deserve during pregnancy and childbirth. Statistics show that Black mothers are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers, even when controlling for income and education. This disparity is unacceptable, and it has fueled my determination to be a part of the solution. By becoming a Labor & Delivery nurse, I will not only support mothers and babies through safe and compassionate care, but also advocate for equity and dignity in maternal health. My nursing education at Long Island University has provided me with strong foundations in medical-surgical, pediatrics, maternity, community, and behavioral health nursing. Beyond clinical skills such as patient assessment, infection control, and medication administration, I have learned the importance of listening, educating, and empowering patients. These lessons reinforce why nursing is the career where I belong—it is not just about treating illness, but about uplifting people during some of their most vulnerable moments. Community involvement is already a central part of my path. As a member of the Greater New York City Black Nurses Association, I have participated in maternal mortality conferences, community outreach programs, and health advocacy events. These experiences opened my eyes to the power of nurses beyond the bedside. Nurses are educators, leaders, and advocates who can close gaps in health access and outcomes. I want to continue this work on a larger scale by mentoring young women of color interested in nursing and helping families in underserved communities feel heard, safe, and supported. Ultimately, nursing is more than a career choice for me—it is my calling. It is the place where my empathy, resilience, and passion for advocacy come together. With this degree, I hope to contribute to my community not only by providing excellent patient care, but also by standing on the frontlines of maternal health equity. I want to be the nurse who changes lives, one mother and one baby at a time.

My decision to pursue nursing has been shaped by my life experiences as an African American woman, a single mother, and a first-generation Caribbean American. Each part of my journey has fueled my passion for healthcare, advocacy, and creating change for women and families who are too often overlooked by the system. As a single mother, I know firsthand the challenges of navigating life while ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of a child. This experience has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of compassionate support during difficult times. I have also experienced the realities of limited resources and the stress that comes with balancing work, school, and parenting. These experiences have made me deeply empathetic to patients and families who face their own hardships, and they have motivated me to become the kind of nurse who provides not just clinical care, but also understanding, advocacy, and encouragement. My cultural background has also strongly influenced my decision. I am proud of my Caribbean roots from St. Vincent & the Grenadines, yet I am also aware of the disparities that exist within the Black community here in the United States. Black mothers are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes than other races, and this injustice weighs heavily on me as both a woman and a mother. I want to be on the frontlines of addressing this crisis as a Labor & Delivery nurse. My goal is to deliver safe, compassionate, and culturally competent care while advocating for better maternal health outcomes, especially for women of color. My involvement with the Greater New York City Black Nurses Association has further shaped my vision for nursing. Through community events, maternal mortality health conferences, and outreach programs, I have seen firsthand the difference that education, advocacy, and presence can make. These experiences showed me that nursing is not just about working at the bedside, it is also about standing up for justice, amplifying the voices of patients, and being a leader in the community. Finally, my journey into nursing is also about legacy. My daughter is watching me, and I want her to see that perseverance and purpose can create transformation. By pursuing nursing, I am showing her that we can overcome challenges and still create meaningful impact in the world. In many ways, nursing chose me as much as I chose it. My life experiences have prepared me to serve with empathy, to advocate fiercely, and to dedicate myself to improving outcomes for mothers, babies, and families. Nursing is not only my career path...it is my calling.

My name is Nadia Williams, and I am a 32 year old African American woman, a proud daughter of Caribbean roots from St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and most importantly, a devoted single mother. My journey has been anything but linear, but every step has shaped the woman and future nurse I am becoming. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising, yet my true calling led me to nursing. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Long Island University with an anticipated graduation date of December 2025. The reason I chose nursing, and specifically Labor & Delivery, is deeply personal. Black mothers are three to four times more likely to die during childbirth compared to white mothers in the United States, and I want to be part of the change to end this crisis. As both a Black woman and a single mother, I understand the importance of having compassionate, culturally competent care in vulnerable moments. My long-term goal is not only to provide excellent bedside care, but also to become an advocate and leader who creates community-based programs that support Black mothers throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I want to be the nurse who not only saves lives but who listens, uplifts, and empowers families. Throughout my nursing education, I have gained extensive clinical experience in areas such as medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, maternity, community health, and behavioral health at hospitals across New York City. Each rotation has strengthened my skills in patient assessment, medication administration, infection control, and advocacy. I am certified in BLS and CPR and have built strong foundations in both technical skills and human connection. Beyond clinical, my work experience in office administration, case management, and direct patient support has equipped me with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in both team and independent settings. Community involvement is central to who I am. I am an active member of the Greater New York City Black Nurses Association, where I have participated in maternal mortality health conferences, health equity outreach events, toy drives, and back-to-school initiatives. Through this work, I have seen firsthand the gaps in healthcare access and education within underserved communities. Being able to contribute, even as a student, has deepened my resolve to become a nurse who not only provides care but also serves as a voice for those who are too often unheard. One of my proudest accomplishments is balancing motherhood and higher education. Raising my daughter while pursuing a second degree has not been easy, but it has been deeply rewarding. She is my greatest motivation to succeed. I want to show her that perseverance, education, and purpose can transform your life no matter the obstacles. Paying down my student loans through scholarship support would give me the freedom to focus more fully on my education and clinical training without the constant stress of financial strain. It would allow me to invest more time in community service, professional development, and preparing for licensure exams such as the NCLEX. Ultimately, the money I save will go toward building the foundation for a nursing career dedicated to saving lives, advocating for Black maternal health, and creating a better future for my daughter and community. I believe nursing is more than a profession it is a calling to serve, protect, and heal. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue on my journey to becoming a Labor & Delivery nurse who changes lives, one mother and one baby at a time.

My name is Nadia Williams. I am a 30-year-old single mother to my beautiful daughter Nahla. I am applying for this scholarship to help me pay for school so I can provide a better life for her. As a mom, I want to be a good example to my daughter and show her what hard work and dedication look like. This journey so far of trying to accomplish my dream of becoming a nurse has had its ups and downs but I’m thankful to finally start this semester. The assistance this scholarship offers would be invaluable as I work towards making my dream of being a nurse a reality. In High School, which seems like years ago, I was in love with Science. But although this subject fed my curiosity, I had a love for Fashion. Needless to say, I opted to study Fashion Merchandising. While in college, my grades began to drop as time passed, which should have been a sign that this major was not for me, but out of fear of disappointing my family and being a new mother, I continued with my Fashion Merchandising Degree. By the time graduation came around, my GPA was nowhere near what I would have liked it to be. After obtaining my Bachelor's Degree, I started my career in various retail companies, which helped me to develop superior interpersonal skills, as well as improve my ability to be perceptive to my customers and their needs. My decision to study Nursing was when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. As a compassionate granddaughter, I assumed command in trying to help her in any way possible. As I sat there striving to increase her spirits as she did for me throughout the years when I spent summers with her, I realized there was no higher personal reward than caring for others. I made it my duty to work along with my aunts in providing direct care for my grandmother, giving her medications, baths, and meals and making sure she was always comfortable. These daily tasks heightened my interest in the field of nursing, as that caring spirit came naturally. I started looking into a prerequisite course to enroll in at my Community College. Taking these classes has been a complete experience, with these courses not only have I realized that this is where my passion lies, but how different I am today from the person I was during my undergrad. This was unlike anything I had ever done at LIM. You may be asking yourself, why does she want to go into Nursing after being in Fashion Merchandising? Well, I honestly can't think of any other career that combines Science and my customer service experience. Nursing is not only helping people, it opens the doors to countless opportunities, growth and career paths. Nurses get to help people from all walks of life, touch their souls and are there for their families and loved ones. All my life I've seen this and now it's my chance to do it in and outside of the community.

In High School, which seems like years ago, I was in love with Science. But although this subject fed my curiosity, I had a love for Fashion. Needless to say, I opted to study Fashion Merchandising. While in college, my grades began to drop as time passed, which should have been a sign that this major was not for me, but out of fear of disappointing my family and being a new mother, I continued with my Fashion Merchandising Degree. By the time graduation came around, my GPA was nowhere near what I would have liked it to be. After obtaining my Bachelor's Degree, I started my career in various retail companies, which helped me to develop superior interpersonal skills, as well as improve my ability to be perceptive to my customers and their needs. My decision to study Nursing was when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. As a compassionate granddaughter, I assumed command in trying to help her in any way possible. As I sat there striving to increase her spirits as she did for me throughout the years when I spent summers with her, I realized there was no higher personal reward than caring for others. I made it my duty to work along with my aunts in providing direct care for my grandmother, giving her medications, baths, and meals and making sure she was always comfortable. These daily tasks heightened my interest in the field of nursing, as that caring spirit came naturally. I started looking into a prerequisite course to enroll in at my Community College. Taking these classes has been a complete experience, with these courses not only have I realized that this is where my passion lies, but how different I am today from the person I was during my undergrad. This was unlike anything I had ever done at LIM. You may be asking yourself, why does she want to go into Nursing after being in Fashion Merchandising? Well, I honestly can't think of any other career that combines Science and my customer service experience. Nursing is not only helping people, it opens the doors to countless opportunities, growth and career paths. Nurses get to help people from all walks of life, touch their souls and are there for their families and loved ones. All my life I've seen this and now it's my chance to do it in and outside of the community.