Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 SickKids Awards for Black and Indigenous Nursing Students

Marcano is a bridging Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) student at Western University with over a decade of experience as an RPN. Working with children and families has taught Marcano the importance of presence through noticing the small details, adapting routines to honour a child’s sense of control, and creating moments of trust during times of uncertainty. Her professional experience has shaped her passion about advocating for health equity and ensuring that children and families from marginalized communities feel seen, supported, and empowered in their care. As Marcano works toward contributing to systemic change in the health of children and youth, she is excited for the opportunity to learn, deepen her practice, and make a meaningful, positive impact during her time at SickKids while leading with empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to culturally safe and family‑centred care.   

Nayina Mary Bala is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) student at the University of Toronto. Her academic and professional experiences span information technology, psychology, women and gender studies, emergency communications, medical sales, child education, and community health advocacy. Together, these diverse experiences have shaped a holistic, equity-informed, and patient-centred approach to nursing and deepened her understanding of the profound impact of compassionate health care.  

As the mother of a two-year-old born prematurely and cared for in the NICU, Nayina aspires to build a career in neonatal and paediatric nursing at SickKids, supporting children and families during their most vulnerable moments. She ultimately hopes to become a nurse practitioner dedicated to advancing health outcomes through clinical excellence, compassionate care, education, leadership, and advocacy.

Fatima Ali is entering her fourth year of her collaborative nursing degree at Toronto Metropolitan University. Ali is passionate about providing equitable, compassionate, and culturally safe nursing care to children and their families. She hopes to help create health- care environments where patients feel seen, heard, and supported. SickKids’ dedication to clinical excellence and family-centered care inspires her, and she looks forward to developing her knowledge and clinical competencies and, upon graduation, pursuing a career in paediatrics. In the future, she hopes to grow as a leader and advocate, and contribute to positive change within the health-care system. 

Comfort Oluwagbamila is a student in the accelerated BScN program at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto. She completed a major in neuroscience and a minor in sociology before specializing in nursing. Passionate about providing frontline nursing care to clients in the emergency room during critical moments, she is committed to learning and supporting children and families with their health care. As an advocate, clinician, learner, and collaborator, she is dedicated to providing compassionate care and helping to improve health outcomes for all patients and families.