About the Scholarship
The Judy Ziels Memorial Scholarship honors an extraordinary leader who transformed public health through her unwavering commitment to joy, justice, and gratitude. Judy's legacy teaches us that effective public health leadership requires both loving courage and systems thinking. She approached every challenge by considering its full context and long-term impact.
This scholarship invests in master's-prepared nurse leaders who embody Judy's understanding that meaningful change requires addressing the interconnected systems that shape health. The se professionals combine clinical expertise, compassion, and policy insight to drive change—at the bedside, in boardrooms, community spaces, and legislative arenas.
Scholarship recipients will continue her legacy by approaching complex challenges with the same joyful determination and deep gratitude for community wisdom that defined Judy's work. This scholarship does more than support education—it perpetuates Judy's approach to leadership that weaves together clinical expertise, policy influence, and community wisdom to address the root causes of health disparities. As these nurse leaders graduate, they'll carry forward her vision of
communities where health and well-being are accessible to all, creating ripples of positive change for generations to come.
Award & Eligibility Requirements
Award Amount: $2,000-$4,000*
*Funds may be disbursed directly to the recipient or the educational institution and can be used for tuition, materials, child care, housing, or other related expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
- Enrollment: Accepted into or currently enrolled in an accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.
- Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in public health, community health, or policy advocacy.
- Commitment: Dedication to advancing health equity and social justice through nursing practice.
- Vision: Clear articulation of how you will integrate clinical expertise, policy influence, and community wisdom to improve public health outcomes.
Selection preferences
Strong preference will be given to applicants who:
- Come from under-resourced communities or backgrounds that are underrepresented in public health
- Have experience working with underserved populations
- Intend to apply their skills and leadership in the North Sound region* to advance local public health and health equity
*The North Sound region includes Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Island, and Snohomish counties in Washington State.
Application Submission
Deadline
May 31st. All materials must be submitted by the deadline to be considered.
Application Requirements
- Completed Application Form
- Short Response Prompts
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance in a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) program (screenshot of class schedule, acceptance letter, transcript, etc.)
If you are unsure if you meet any of the requirements, or need asistance with your application, please contact the Chuckanut Health Foundation at scholarships@chuckanuthealthfoundation.org