Kionna Bush de Amaya (31), is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Services at Trinity Washington University. She is a mother of three and very motivated to work in the healthcare sector. Growing up she lacked encouragement and positive guidance from her family and community. Thankfully, she was able to find inner strength to do well in her studies. She also grew more confident about her abilities. This lonely but steadfast journey led Kionna to academic success in early schooling and high school.

There was a break from education while Kionna started a family but that did not stop her from yearning to go back. She found that it was important to set a model for her children, so she enrolled in certificate programs. During this time, Kionna worked in a healthcare center as a patient technician where she discovered her interest in patient care, particularly for women and children. She wants to advocate for better communication between patients and their health care practitioners.

Kionna also believes that healthcare of mothers is important but that the knowledge for it is often lacking. She wants to ensure healthcare services and health education is available for women so they can better take care of themselves and their families.

Elisia George (51), is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Medicine with a major in Nursing at Trinity Washington University.

Elisia grew up in the Caribbean island of St. Lucia where her parents instilled in her the value of education and community service. Her mother spends her time aiding people in their community with healthcare needs. She had no formal education or training, but she nursed many community members during various illnesses. Elisia was inspired by her mother’s incredible work and vouched to become a trained nurse so that she could give back to her community and her family.

Elisia intended to study nursing when she came to America, but several personal circumstances kept her from achieving that goal at the time. However, after raising her children she is now ready to pursue her dream to become a certified registered nurse practitioner. She understands how the degree and professional role will give her the qualification and stature she needs to make the most impact.

She is also interested in empowering women to understand the significance of their influence on children and families. She aspires to create a foundation in her community where women can receive education and information to help them better their own lives and thus improve the future of their families.