Scholarship
UNAC/UHCP Scholarships are Back
Deadline May 15, 2025
Apply for the Alexis G. Philius scholarship named after our founder Alexis.
Kathy J. Sackman Member Scholarship The member scholarship was named after our 33-year UNAC/UHCP President Kathy J. Sackman, RN, who grew the union from a handful of women at her kitchen table to 20,000 members all over Southern California when she retired in 2010. • For UNAC/UHCP members in good standing to continue their education in the health care field • Five scholarships of $5,000 each Sonia Moseley Family Scholarship The family scholarship was named for Sonia Moseley, NP, the voice of workers on the job and in the California Legislature and Board of Registered Nursing, as well as countless other U.S. agencies and commissions. • For spouses, registered domestic partners, and dependent children (as defined by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service) of UNAC/UHCP members in good standing • Five scholarships x $5,000 each
Delima MacDonald Community Scholarship The community scholarship was named after Delima MacDonald, RN, 30-year UNAC/UHCP Treasurer, who taught generations of UNAC/UHCP affiliate leaders the value of a dollar, and ensured they spent union dollars wisely. • For community members seeking health care professional degrees at an accredited institution • Five scholarships x $2,000 each
Alexis G. Philius Scholarship Lack of diversity has significant consequences on health outcomes, health equity for patients, and communities of color. UNAC/UHCP has decided to address underrepresentation in health professions with this scholarship. The scholarship is named after Alexis G. Philius, an RN and community leader. • For students of Black/African descent in the health care field • Read more about the Alexis G. Philius Scholarship, inaugurated in 2021 https://unacuhcp.org/…/unac-uhcp-creates…/… • Five scholarships x $2,000 each
ALEXIS G. PHILIUS 2024
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Congratulations to the Winners!
Congratulations to our Alexis G. Philius Scholarship recipients
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.
ALEXIS G. PHILIUS 2023
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Congratulations to the Winners!
Congratulations to these outstanding students:
Alexis G. Philius 2023 Winners:
Martine Emily Belizor, of Windermere, Florida, will be attending the University of Southern California studying global health, eventually pursuing Neonatology studies in medical school.
Gershom Talei Koinei, of Lynnwood, Washington, is attending Edmonds College for an Associate Degree in Pre-Nursing.
Kayla Oriyomi, of Powder Springs, Georgia, is attending Morehouse School of Medicine, earning a Master of Science degree in the Physician Assistant Studies program.
Paige Luke Torres, of Alhambra, California, will be attending California State University-Long Beach to study for her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Nursing.
Evelyn Ukata, of Bellflower, California, is attending Los Angeles Southwest College to study Nursing and Biology.
ALEXIS G. PHILIUS 2022
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
🎓LaRayna LeBlanc of El Cajon, CA is attending @ucsandiego, studying biochemistry in hopes to become an OBGYN.
🎓Daniella Mbabazi of Thousand Oaks, CA will be attending the nursing program at @MoorparkCollegeOfficial to get an associates degree in Nursing.
🎓Mara Smith of San Diego, CA is pursuing her ADN at @sandiegocitycollege and her BSN at California State University, Fullerton.
🎓Lesa R. Felton of Los Angeles, CA will be attending @charlesrdrewuniversity studying Biomedical Sciences to become a physician social scientist.
🎓LaNiya Evans of Gardena, CA will use the scholarship towards the cost of books and room and board at @csulb. LaNiya is majoring in nursing.
Alexis G. Philius Scholarship Recipients 2021
UNAC/UHCP is pleased to announce the first recipients of the Alexis G. Philius Scholarship for students of Black/African descent pursuing health care careers.Five scholarships have been awarded $2,000 each to outstanding individuals with promising futures in health care and social justice.• Alexis Higgins-Williams of South San Francisco—pursuing her Master of Science (MS) in Global Medicine at the University of Southern California • Jasmine Smith of Chino, CA—attending Azusa Pacific University to become a Family Nurse Practitioner and focus on women’s health disparities • Jessica Times of Los Angeles—pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Emory University in Atlanta, to work in public health • Christopher Washington of Tinley Park, IL—pursuing his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University in Philadelphia • Rathail Woods of Ukiah, CA—attending Pepperdine University to attain his Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and work with high-risk, transition-aged youth