UMass Nursing Students Sweep 2025 WMBNA Scholarships

Content

Three students from the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing were each awarded $1,000 scholarships from the Western Massachusetts Black Nurses Association (WMBNA). Sophomore Shaley Lora '26; Brittany Acloque '26, accelerated nursing program; and Ph.D. candidate Hannah Durowaa Odei-Opoku were celebrated during a luncheon on April 26 at Bay Path University in East Longmeadow, Mass.

The three UMass Nursing students swept the available scholarship awards for this cycle, a first for WMBNA. The application required an essay about personal and professional goals, along with how being a part of the WMBNA would benefit the applicants' nursing leadership skills.

Dr. Lucinda Canty was also the keynote speaker for the luncheon, which focused on Black maternal health. Her presentation was titled, "Addressing the Black Maternal Health Crisis: A Historical Perspective and Nursing Solutions." 

Shaely Lora '26

Shaely Lora is a rising junior nursing student and Seedworks Scholar.

Hannah Durowaa Odei-Opoku

Hannah Durowaa Odei-Opoku, MSN, BSc, RN, is a student in the Ph.D. in Nursing program. 

"As a Black Ph.D. nursing student of African origin, this scholarship is profoundly meaningful and offers essential support for both my academic and professional journey at UMass. I am honored to be inducted into the WMBNA and am committed to serving with dedication and excellence, contributing my skills and knowledge to advance the organization’s mission."

—Hannah Durowaa Odei-Opoku, Ph.D. candidate

Brittany Acloque '26

Brittany Acloque is an accelerated second-degree nursing student, class of 2026. In her winning essay, Brittany reflected her experiences caring for people who recently immigrated to the United States from Haiti:

"Being a first-generation Haitian American, I am aware of how the current political and economic climate in Haiti is affecting our community. I understand the significance of being treated by healthcare providers that either share the same language, background or cultural understanding. As a nurse, my goals are to positively contribute to the care of my Haitian community in the U.S., especially those who have immigrated recently."

— Brittany Acloque '26

Brittany adds that the scholarship will provide her with financial support and a WMBNA membership, saying, "Membership in the WMBNA provides a great opportunity to work collaboratively and connect with nurses within my community. This scholarship positively impacts my UMass nursing journey providing financial support, mentorship, and community as a student nurse."