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Celebrating the recipients of the 2025 SickKids Awards for Indigenous and Black Nursing Students
Summary:
The SickKids Awards for Indigenous and Black Nursing Students support aspiring paediatric acute care nurses.
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025/26 Award for Indigenous Nursing Students and the Award for Black Nursing Students, which support greater equity, diversity and inclusion in the nursing community.
This year’s awardees are Titus Cheruiyot, Thianna Edwards, James Ehiagwina, Amanda Kitson, Cheyenne Mackeil, Erica Mulindwa, Inga Olu-Jordan, Misgana Seyoum and Christina Vassell. These exceptional recipients were selected for their commitment to paediatric acute care nursing and health equity, as well as their exemplary leadership and courage.
Each recipient will receive a $5,000 bursary and a clinical placement for nursing students interested in becoming a paediatric acute care nurse at SickKids upon graduation. The awards are made possible through the generous support of the LCBO, Hydro One and Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers (WAV).
Launched in 2021, the Award for Indigenous and Black Nursing Students underscores SickKids’ commitment to advancing health equity and building an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and understood. This initiative is also part of our broader commitment to Indigenous health equity and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Recipients of the 2025 Award for Black Nursing Students:
Amanda Kitson
“My name is Amanda Kitson, a bridging RPN-RN student, with a passion for pediatrics and a long time dream of working at SickKids. My journey in healthcare began as a Registered Practical Nurse, where I developed a solid foundation in patient care, clinical skills, and the importance of advocacy. As I continue my studies toward becoming a Registered Nurse, I’m focused on deepening my impact—especially in pediatric settings where empathy, skill, and family-centered care are essential.
As a Black nursing student, I’m committed to advancing health equity through culturally safe and compassionate care. I believe in the importance of representation in healthcare and strive to be a voice and presence that reflects and advocates for those who often don't have a voice. My approach to nursing is rooted in compassion, strength based, and a drive to make a difference. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and even more excited about where I’m headed as I work toward a future where every patient feels seen, heard and supported.”
Thianna Edwards
“I am grateful to be a recipient of SickKids’ Black Nursing Student Award. It is a tremendous honour to be given the opportunity to contribute to a specialized environment, recognized for its exceptional pediatric and family-centred care.
In my consolidation at SickKids, I aim to support the needs of patients and their families while continuing to demonstrate my commitment to health equity and patient advocacy. I am especially passionate about improving health outcomes for individuals from marginalized and underserved communities and advocating for inclusive, culturally safe care.
I am truly thankful to SickKids for this recognition and excited to continue learning in such an inspiring environment that will play a meaningful role in my growth as a future nurse.”
James Ehiagwina
“My name is James Ehiagwina and I am a dedicated fourth-year nursing student at York University where I actively engage with various opportunities to foster a strong sense of community and empowerment. I previously held the position of president for the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA) York University chapter, where I worked eagerly to promote diversity and inclusion in the nursing space at YorkU and create more opportunities for Black Nursing students to feel empowered. I also dedicate my time to working part-time as a Student Success Peer Mentor Lead for the Black Excellence at York University team (BE YU), where I provide guidance and support to first year Black students through their transition in university.
Beyond my academic pursuits and campus involvement, I remain deeply committed to making a positive impact in my community, particularly in the realm of mental health and wellness. I am currently a member of the National Youth Council for Kids Help Phone and as an advocate for mental health awareness. With a clear sense of purpose and a passion for helping others, I am determined to pursue my goal of becoming a paediatric registered nurse. I am excited and honoured to be a recipient of the SickKids Black Nursing student award and look forward to learning and growing at SickKids.”
Christina Vassell
“My name is Christina Vassell, and I am a nursing student at Toronto Metropolitan University. Inspired by my childhood experiences as a patient, I’ve always felt a deep calling to care for others, especially children and families navigating complex health journeys.
Currently, I’m working toward my goal of becoming a pediatric nurse, where I hope to make a meaningful impact on others. Beyond clinical practice, I’m also interested in research and education, with a long-term goal of teaching future nursing students and contributing to more inclusive, community-centred healthcare systems.
Outside of school, I am involved in the children’s and youth ministry of my local church community, and I enjoy sports such as tennis and swimming.”
Inga Olu-Jordan
“I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award and to be recognized by an institution like SickKids that aligns so closely with the kind of nurse I’m striving to become. Working with children and families has taught me the importance of noticing the little things, like how a routine can be adapted to give a child a sense of control, or how a moment of connection can build trust when it’s most needed. Throughout my education at the University of Toronto, I’ve tried to bring this mindset into every setting I’ve entered. Whether it’s during a clinical placement, in research, or in conversations with peers, I’m always asking myself how I can create an environment that feels safe, inclusive, and truly responsive to the people in them. I’m excited to keep learning from the patients, families, and professionals I encounter at SickKids, and to contribute to a space where every child feels seen, heard, and cared for, especially those who have often been overlooked.”
Erica Mulindwa
“My name is Erica Mulindwa, and I’m a nursing student at Sault College with a strong passion for pediatric healthcare and health equity. I was born in Uganda and fell in love with nursing through my desire to care for babies and support families during their most vulnerable moments. My goal is to become the best nurse I can be—skilled, compassionate, and fully present for the children and families I serve.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with youth aged 11 to 16 through The Summit Church, which helped me build strong communication and mentorship skills. During my maternity rotation, I also gained valuable experience in the NICU, which deepened my interest in critical care for infants. I’m honored to be a recipient of the 2025/2026 Award for Black Nursing Students and excited for the chance to complete my consolidation placement at The Hospital for Sick Children. This opportunity will allow me to grow as a nurse, learn from experienced professionals, and continue advocating for equitable, culturally sensitive care for all.”
Misgana Seyoum
“I am so honored to have been chosen for SickKids Hospital's Black Student Award. I want to start by expressing my gratitude to God and my family for their constant support during this journey. I'm honored to represent the Black community in nursing, and this distinction is more than just an award; it's a testament to its excellence, perseverance, and fortitude. My upcoming consolidation at SickKids in 2025 is a dream come true. It gives me the chance to continue learning how to provide compassionate, culturally safe care while having meaningful conversations with marginalized children, families, and communities. Together with the committed interprofessional team, I'm looking forward to growing through the challenges and successes that I encounter. With a passion for pediatric nursing and a commitment to advancing health equity, I am excited to contribute to a space that values inclusion, excellence, and patient-centred care. Thank you, SickKids, for this incredible honour and for investing in my future.”
Titus Cheruiyot
“My name is Titus Cheruiyot, and I am currently a final-year student at the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, alongside my role as a practicing Registered Practical Nurse. I was born in a small village in Kenya and was fortunate to receive a full athletics scholarship for cross-country and track and field at the University of West Florida in the United States. I hold both a Master’s and an undergraduate degree in Engineering and worked in the field of engineering from 2017 to 2020.
Despite my success in engineering, I felt unfulfilled, knowing my true calling was in nursing and community care. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored this realization as the healthcare industry faced significant challenges and shortages. It became clear to me that it was the right moment to pursue my dream of earning a nursing career, and I currently work as a Registered Practical Nurse in medical-surgical care.
My nursing journey is deeply rooted in a commitment to pediatric acute care and health equity. I have developed a strong passion for advocacy and education focused on equity, and I aspire to lead systemic change in the health of children and youth. I firmly believe that every child deserves access to quality care, and I am determined to make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families I serve. My experiences, along with my commitment to compassion, equity, and adequate healthcare, fuel my journey.
When I am not at work, I enjoy outdoor activities such as running, soccer, and mountain biking. I also love travelling and meeting new people. Additionally, I volunteer occasionally at a local elementary school to assist teachers during field trips, further enriching my connection to the community.
Through my journey, I aim to combine my diverse background and experiences to become a compassionate caregiver and advocate for children’s health.”
Recipient of the 2025 Award for Indigenous Nursing Students:
Cheyenne Mackeil
“I feel honoured to be selected as a recipient of the SickKids Award for Indigenous Nursing Students. It has been a goal and dream of mine to practice at SickKids since the start of my nursing school.
I am an Indigenous student from the Ditidaht First Nation on Vancouver Island, BC. My passion for pediatric nursing began with my experiences at my local children’s hospital, where I was inspired to make positive, lasting impacts in the lives of other children, just as my nurses had made in mine. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to have a placement at SickKids in my final year of nursing school. SickKids is an innovative hospital where I am excited to learn
from and work with an amazing team. Working with child and youth populations has always been a dream of mine because children are so full of curiosity.
I thank SickKids and the Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers for making this clinical placement and award possible. Their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is admirable, and I hope to contribute and continue working towards the goals of Reconciliation and furthering inclusivity with my experiences.”