Record Number of Conexus MedStaff Professionals Awarded Scholarships in 2024
By Conexus MedStaff - Posted Jan 16, 2025
Conexus MedStaff is proud to announce that 10 of our healthcare professionals were awarded scholarships in 2024 to advance their careers and support excellence in healthcare. These scholarships are part of the Conexus commitment to support healthcare professionals in their journey toward career growth. By investing in their development, Conexus aims to foster a future generation of leaders in healthcare.
Empowering Nurses and Laboratory Scientists
This year, eight registered nurses received the Education Advancement for Registered Nurses (EARN) Scholarship, which helps them pursue advanced certifications, degrees and specialized training. Additionally, the Conexus Growth and Opportunity for the Advancement of Laboratorians (GOAL) Scholarship, designed to advance expertise in laboratory science and diagnostics, awarded two medical laboratory scientists funds to support educational their goals.
Recognizing Excellence and Dedication in Healthcare
The 2024 Conexus scholarship recipients exemplify the values of excellence, commitment and a patient-first approach. All are praised by their colleagues and healthcare facilities for delivering compassionate, high-quality care. These scholarships aim to break down financial barriers and empower recipients to achieve their professional goals. The initiative also contributes to improving patient care and strengthening the healthcare system by supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders and keeping healthcare professionals in healthcare.
Meet the 2024 Conexus Scholarship Winners
Conexus is thrilled to recognize the following recipients of the 2024 scholarships:
Education Advancement for Registered Nurses (EARN) Scholarship
Sheryl Mae Andiason, an Operating Room nurse working in Tennessee, was recommended for the award by colleagues as “an individual who shows up earlier than asked, works hard, takes on additional days, and carries herself in a polite, respectable manner.” Funds awarded will support her in gaining an Operating Room certification to support her career progression and patient care.
Mark Cassy Nicolas, a recipient working in North Carolina, was recommended by colleagues, “I have witnessed tremendous growth and development of this nurse; one of the bravest people I have ever met. To move to a new city, new country even, and start a new job is incredible. His bravery alone speaks volume to their learning and determination.” Mark will use the funds to become a certified perioperative nurse.

Alice Ariziku, Conexus RN and Scholarship Recipient
Alice Ariziku, decided to pursue a career in nursing after caring for her grandmother in her teens when living in Ghana. Currently in New York State, Alice is using her award to support studies as an undergraduate student at Western Governors University, obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She says, “I firmly believe that being awarded this scholarship not only benefits me but also contributes to the nursing profession as a whole by applying the knowledge and skills gained to serve the community.”
Yunah Kim, from South Korea, notes that her award will allow her to “continue to develop critical thinking and clinical skills to meet the needs of critically ill patients.” Yunah, from XXX, has transitioned from the Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) unit to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the scholarship will support her to pursue certifications in Emergency Nurses Pediatrics and Paediatric Advanced Life Support.

Trudel Reid, Conexus RN and scholarship recipient
Trudel Reid, from Jamaica, has been working in Med-Surg neurology for two years in Maryland. Most of the patients she cares for are those with acute ischemic stroke, brain tumors, and epilepsy, among other neurological conditions. She applied for the scholarship showing a desire to “obtain a certification in progressive care nursing as I seek to transition to higher acuity of care in the next year, such as in the surgical intensive care unit. Obtaining this certification will validate my knowledge, skills, and abilities to care for patients who require more complex care.”
Rosanelle Badio believes that “that education is the best way to make an impact in the world,” Originally from Haiti and working in West Virginia, Rosanelle is described by colleagues as “approaching every task with enthusiasm and professionalism, embodying the values of empathy and integrity that are fundamental to the nursing profession.”

Mary Jane Velarde, Conexus RN and scholarship recipient
Mary Jane Velarde, a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse who relocated from the Philippines to North Carolina is using her scholarship funds to help her achieve educational and career goals by further advancing training and knowledge in Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation. She said, “I always thought that Disneyland was the happiest place on earth, but that was before I became a NICU Nurse. Seeing those tiny hands and feet, watching babies grow from being 380 grams to 8000 grams and going home with their loving family is just the best.”
Aayusha Basnet, from Nepal, works in Texas as an ICU nurse has previously been awarded the prestigious DAISY Award for providing exceptional and compassionate, qualitative, and dedicated care towards patients. She sees the scholarship as “an investment in the future of healthcare” saying that by pursuing her certification she hopes to “improve patient care and fulfill my mission to make a positive impact on individuals and communities.”
Growth and Opportunity for the Advancement of Laboratorians (GOAL) Scholarship
Imee Dela Cruz Cataggatan, from the Philippines, has been described by her colleagues in Virgina as “a true asset – very dedicated and exhibits exemplary work”. Scholarship funds will help her attain her Masters. She aims to share this knowledge with her peers
Janie Jean Binobo, a Filipino now living in Maryland, applied for the scholarship as she has a desire to “level up knowledge, skills, and experience” and will be pursuing her Masters in Microbiology. As a medical laboratory scientist, she knows treatments are always updated and aims to be part of the solution for patients in the facility.
Congratulations to our 2024 scholarship recipients for their hard work and dedication to advancing their careers. Conexus MedStaff is honored to support these remarkable healthcare professionals as they pursue their growth goals. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on the future of healthcare.
If you are an international nurse, an international nursing student on the F1 Visa, or medical laboratory scientist looking for opportunities to advance your career in the U.S., submit an application today.