Two UMass Nursing Students Receive 2026 WMBNA Scholarships
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Two UMass Nursing students from the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing (EMCON), Abena Ofori-Mensah '27 and Edna Bonsu '28, were recently honored with scholarships from the Western Massachusetts Black Nurses Association (WMBNA).
Lucinda Canty, PhD, RN, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, director of the Seedworks Health Equity in Nursing Program, praised Bonsu and Ofori-Mensah, who are both Seedworks Scholars. "I am incredibly proud... This recognition reflects their hard work, leadership, and commitment to nursing and their communities," Canty said.
Get to know Abena Ofori-Mensah '27 and Edna Bonsu '28
What inspired you to study nursing?
Abena Ofori-Mensah: From a young age, I always knew I wanted to make an impact in somebody's life, whether big or small. Coming from a family of healthcare workers, it felt genetic—the natural feeling of wanting to do good in others lives. As a nurse, I not only get to be a part of someone's healing, but I get to be a positive part of their story with the care I will provide.
Edna Bonsu: Growing up, I always knew I wanted to do something within the medical field. As I approached my senior year of high school, I felt nursing was a career that would enable me to combine my love of science and my passion for serving others. After I decided to pursue nursing, I completed a senior capstone project about the devastating Black maternal mortality rate, solidifying my desire to enter the nursing profession and be part of the solution.
"I would strongly encourage anyone who is thinking about studying nursing to nurture that calling. We need nurses from all walks of life who are passionate about caring for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives."
—Edna Bonsu '28
What impact will your WMBNA scholarship have on your nursing career?
AOM: Receiving this scholarship from the Western Mass Black Nurses Association really motivates me to continue to work hard and surround myself with leaders. I received the notification that I got this scholarship during a very hard part of my semester. I was overwhelmed, to say the least. This scholarship brought my spark back. It gave me the motivation to push harder.
EB: Attending the WMBNA scholarship luncheon was so inspiring. I sat in a room surrounded by brilliant women of color whose journeys and personal experiences resonated with my own. It was incredibly validating to hear from nurses with similar cultural backgrounds, who have also been in my shoes and understand what it's like to be in nursing school. Their presence and success stories are reassurance that I have what it takes to become the person I’ve always aspired to be.
What advice would you give to students thinking about studying nursing?
AOM: Go for it! Do not let outside voices and opinions deter you. Nursing is such a rewarding profession, whether you decide to work bedside, administration, or even nursing education. Even as a student in nursing school, you develop a different sense of self. You see the world and others in such a different way, a positive way. I believe that this can't be acquired any other way. I'd choose nursing as a profession in every lifetime!
EB: I would strongly encourage anyone who is thinking about studying nursing to nurture that calling. We need nurses from all walks of life who are passionate about caring for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Nursing school is rigorous and challenging, but also very rewarding. Even as a student at clinical, I’ve had numerous opportunities to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. I would advise future students to remember their "why" and trust that they are capable of more than they realize.
"As a nurse, I not only get to be a part of someone's healing, but I get to be a positive part of their story with the care I will provide."
—Abena Ofori-Mensah '27
What are your future aspirations?
AOM: Once licensed, I hope to work as a labor and delivery nurse or a psychiatric nurse. Totally different fields of nursing, but I feel as though they connect immensely. As a Black woman, I want to work to close gaps, not only in maternal health, but in mental health as well, especially in our minoritized population.
EB: After graduating, I hope to become a labor and delivery/postpartum nurse. I also plan on continuing my education and earning an advanced degree, as I am interested in becoming a women’s health nurse practitioner, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or a midwife.
Any final thoughts?
AOM: I'd like to thank the Seedworks Health Equity in Nursing Program, specifically Dr. Lucinda Canty and Krystal Bariffe for their constant support and motivation, in helping opportunities like this come across our radars as students. To anyone reading this who may feel discouraged, especially in nursing school: pick yourself up, you got this!
Featuring
Lucinda Canty
Director of Seedworks Health Equity in Nursing Program
Associate Professor
Krystal Bariffe
