Celebrating the Class of ‘23!

When it comes to improving outcomes for Mississippi women, the Women’s Foundation strategically allocates funding to community-focused projects and organizations that are making a difference. This includes supporting colleges and universities that are focused on creating more opportunities for women in the state. 

In this article, we’ll spotlight a few graduates from Meridian Community College’s Helping Healthy Eagles (HHE) program and discuss how these women will go on to make a greater impact in our state.

First, a little bit about HHE. Supported by the Women’s Foundation, HHE provides program recipients, specifically women in nursing and nursing adjacent programs, with tuition assistance and funding for learning materials, supplies, and other necessities. This is just one of two programs supported by the Women’s Foundation, the other being Connect2MCC, with the goal of creating better futures for Mississippi families and creating a stronger healthcare workforce. 

Right now, there are more registered nurse vacancies than in the past 10 years, with almost a third of RNs leaving their jobs. Limited staff has led to multiple hospital closures, putting 36% of rural Mississippi hospitals at risk of closing soon. Programs like HHE help address this issue, while also ensuring students graduate on time and ready to take on their new roles. Research conducted by the Women’s Foundation found that women community college students take an average of seven years to complete a two-year degree due to limited financial or educational resources. 

At the Women’s Foundation, we’re thrilled to support programs like Helping Healthy Eagles and Connect2MCC. Take a peek at the class of ’23 below, and what they had to say about their experience. Don’t forget to check out our grants page to see more ways we help Mississippi women thrive!

Pictured above is Mia Adams. She graduated with an associate degree in nursing and is part of the Graduate Nursing Honor Society Circle of Excellence and is a Helping Healthy Eagles Recipient. 

She said: “Many thanks to the grant for helping me achieve my goal of being a nurse.”

Pictured above is Kellie Payton. She graduated with an associate degree in nursing and is a Helping Healthy Eagles recipient.

She said: “Thanks so much! It is really appreciated!”

Pictured above is Eryka Rhodes. She graduated with an associate degree in nursing and is a Helping Healthy Eagles recipient.

She said: “Thanks so much for your support; it really means a lot.”

Pictured above is Brittani Howard. She is a Practical Nurse (PN) and a Helping Healthy Eagles recipient. 

She said: “Thanks so much!”

Pictured above is LaTrisha Aldridge. She is a Practical Nurse (PN) and a Helping Healthy Eagles recipient. 

She said: “Receiving grant funds and being a part of Connect2MCC has really helped me!”

Pictured above is SanQueshia Windham. She is a Practical Nurse (PN) and a Helping Healthy Eagles recipient. 

She said: “Thanks for all you have done to help me!”

Pictured above is Jazmine Mosley. She is a Practical Nurse (PN) and a Helping Healthy Eagles recipient. 

She said: “Your support really means a lot, thanks!”

Pictured above is Jazmine Mosley. She is a Practical Nurse (PN) graduate.

Pictured above is April Shears. She is a Practical Nurse (PN) graduate.

Pictured above is Toyteshia Ruffin. She is a Practical Nurse (PN) graduate.

Pictured above is SanQuishia Ruffin. She is a Practical Nurse (PN) graduate.

Congrats again to this class of inspiring students! For more information about our grant work, visit our grants page.