Two UMass Nursing Students Receive 2026 NERBNA Scholarships
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Two UMass Nursing students from the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing (EMCON) were recently honored with scholarships from the New England Regional Black Nurses Association (NERBNA). Raymond Akorlatse, a PhD candidate, received the $1,500 E. Lorraine Baugh scholarship, which is awarded to a masters or doctoral candidate that demonstrates strong leadership qualities and is committed to the Black community. First-year undergraduate Aurélie Laroche '29 received the Francis W. Harris Award, totaling $1,000, for nursing students pursuing an associates or bachelor's degree.
"Your journey is a testament to what’s possible when purpose meets perseverance—and this is only the beginning. We are excited to see the impact you will make in the future of healthcare," clinical associate professor Gabrielle Abelard, who is also on the NERBNA board of directors, said in a recent social media post.
Get to know Raymond Akorlatse and Aurélie Laroche '29
What inspired you to study nursing?
Raymond Akorlatse: My inspiration to pursue nursing comes from a deep commitment to service, social justice, and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Through my experiences working with patients in low-resource settings, including rural Ghana, I witnessed firsthand the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Nursing provided a pathway to combine compassionate care with evidence-based practice and advocacy to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Aurélie Laroche: I’ve always had it in me to become a nurse– it was the first thing I ever said I wanted to be as a little kid, and I later became inspired to pursue pediatric psychiatric nursing due to a fascination in psychology as well as my personal journey with mental health. A high school research project ultimately confirmed my interest in becoming a psych nurse. Over time, I grew to learn the importance of maintaining mental health, and so I want to help provide a safe space for other young individuals who are in need.
What impact will your NERBNA scholarship have on your nursing career?
RA: Receiving the E. Lorraine Baugh Scholarship is both an honor and an opportunity for my continued growth in nursing education and practice. This support strengthens my ability to focus on advancing my doctoral education and research on chronic disease management, specifically hypertension management among older African American adults. It also affirms my commitment to addressing healthcare inequities and expanding access to quality care in underserved communities. This scholarship empowers me to further develop as a nurse scientist, educator, and advocate for health equity in the health arena and other disciplines.
AL: I am extremely thankful for this scholarship as it has offered me the opportunity to connect with many distinguished Black leaders who pave the way for young students like me. Attending NERBNA’s conference was an experience that I will be forever grateful for. I have been able to learn so much from it and it really has inspired me to pursue my dreams.
What advice would you give to students thinking about studying nursing?
RA: Nursing is more than a profession—it is a calling that requires resilience, compassion, and lifelong learning. I encourage students to remain curious, seek mentorship, and stay grounded in their purpose. Embrace both the science and the humanity of nursing. Most importantly, understand that your voice matters—nurses are powerful advocates for patients and communities, especially those whose voices are often unheard.
AL: The biggest piece of advice I can give to incoming students is to just go for it. Follow your heart and it will take you so far. Things may seem scary or daunting at first, but just keep trying your very best, one day at a time. One of the best things to tell yourself is to do things while you’re still scared— you’ll often find there is nothing for you to worry about.
What are your future aspirations?
RA: My long-term goal is to contribute to cardiovascular health research and reduce disparities in hypertension outcomes among African American populations. I aspire to become a nurse scientist and educator, leading research that informs culturally responsive interventions and healthcare policy. Additionally, I am committed to mentoring the next generation of nurses, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
AL: I hope to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I also aspire to ensure that there is an adequate amount of representation in the healthcare field. A lack of representation can easily create feelings of insecurity and isolation, which is counterintuitive to a setting that is promoting comfort and stability. As a Black woman, I want to provide representation because not only is it important to understand patients on a cultural level, but it is also important to show young individuals that if I can do it, they can do it too.
Any final thoughts?
RA: I am deeply grateful to NERBNA and the scholarship committee for this recognition. This award represents not only my journey but also the communities I serve and those who have supported me along the way including EMCON Faculty, mentors, advisors, and my colleagues. I remain committed to advancing equity in healthcare and supporting others within the nursing profession to care for the common good.
AL: I would like to give a great thanks to the New England Regional Black Nurses Association for providing me with this opportunity and allowing me to attend their annual conference. I would also like to thank Dr. Lucinda Canty and the Seedworks Health Equity in Nursing Program for providing me with such a wonderful community here at EMCON so early on in my college career. Lastly, but most definitely not least, I would like to thank my mom, my dad, and my brother for always believing in me and being there for me in everything I do.
Featuring
Gabrielle P. Abelard
Director of Master's and Graduate Certificate Programs
Clinical Professor
