Ami Ra Bevel (34) is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Trinity Washington University. She comes from a family which did not have support higher education for women and became a mother at the age of 19. After having three children and two unsuccessful marriages, Ami decided that she had to take action to provide a better future for her children.

She worked hard to establish her independence and stabilize her family . She secured housing and then enrolled in college to pursue her education. Since then she has continuously made progress, taking major steps toward becoming a doctor and providing a stronger and economically-vibrant foundation for her children.

Ami aspires to become a family doctor to provide genuine healthcare services for vulnerable and at=risk populations to prevent them from falling victim to influences that can have a harsher impacts on their health. She received the Trinity Aspiring Leaders Award and was on the Dean’s list in the fall of 2018.

Maria Vigil Ramos (29) is studying for her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She was born and raised in El Salvador and then came to the US as an immigrant at the age of 15. Although Maria initially struggled due to her unfamiliarity with the language and culture in the U.S., she managed to graduate from high school with honors. Due to her immigration status, however, she couldn’t enroll in college until 2012, when she received her green card. Maria began her studies at a community college before transferring to Trinity Washington University where she made the Dean’s list by the spring of 2017.

Maria’s goal has always been to become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner. She wants to provide compassionate and patient-centered care to every woman and child regardless of their race, religion, social class or economic status.