DNP Diversity Ambassadors

I was born to two Filipino immigrants and spent the majority of time living in Los Angeles, CA before eventually relocating to Seattle nearly a decade ago. I spent my early adult years pursuing and attaining a bachelor's degree in biology with the intent of following my dream of having a career in health care. 

Throughout my post-graduate work and experiences, I was fortunate enough to have met many people and encountered an array of experiences that opened my eyes to the state of health care. I recognized the apparent need for diversity, equity and compassion just to name a few. Understanding this, I decided to focus my efforts on nursing for its approach to centering people and communities.

Ultimately, that is how I ended up at Seattle University and in the depths of my current education in the APNI-DNP program, with my track focusing on the adult acute care population. This program has melded together my passion for learning, developing critical skills and working towards a transformed health care system. My hope is to be a part of that positive change and take an active role in bringing forth an increase in cultural humility, educational empowerment and equitable access to my future patients and communities.

After graduating, my vision is to be working as a hospitalist in the field of cardiac critical care while at the same time remaining active in my community organizing work in spaces such as the Filipino Community Health Board and other health focused affinity groups in the community. Overall, I want to embody being a nurse and provider who sees and hears their patients and does everything in their power to advocate and empower them.

Greetings!

I am Myla Jackson. I’m currently a part of the Class of 2028 CNM-DNP program. As a first-generation college student born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, my background has instilled in me a deep understanding of the systemic barriers faced by underserved communities, particularly in accessing quality health care. These formative experiences inspired my commitment to advancing health equity and improving health care outcomes for marginalized populations.

In 2023, I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) with a BS in Health Care Management. During my last semester of undergrad, I faced a pivotal decision: Should I pursue my master's in health administration or attend nursing school to specialize in Midwifery? I then received an internship with UAB Transitional Heart Failure Clinic which solidified my decision. Working directly with patients from diverse backgrounds—many of whom reminded me of my own upbringing—ignited a deep passion for providing equitable and compassionate care.

I chose nurse-midwifery as my specialty because of my long-standing passion for women’s health and perinatal care. My goal is to address and reduce maternal mortality rates, particularly among women who die from preventable causes, by improving access to high-quality, equitable care. In the future, I envision establishing my own practice across multiple states, focusing on providing essential maternal and infant health care to underserved populations.

Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy traveling, building Legos, shopping and watching movies. I also love spending time with my adorable Yorkie-Poo, Lily Pooh, who never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Through my experiences and education, I am driven to make a meaningful difference in the field of healthcare, advancing equity and improving outcomes for those who need it most. I am excited to continue this journey with the knowledge, skills and values I am developing in the CNM-DNP program.

Hello, world!

As a native Washingtonian, I am thrilled to be studying at Seattle University, where I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health.

My academic journey began in high school, where I was a full-time Running Start student, earning an Associate of Arts and Sciences from Tacoma Community College upon graduation. I then continued my education at Central Washington University, double majoring in biology and psychology, while actively engaging in student advocacy through my work at the Diversity and Equity Center and later in a local hospital.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis on health care leadership, recognizing the critical role of business acumen in advancing equitable health care policies and systems. Professionally, I have worked in an outpatient mental health clinic, where I developed a passion for patient-centered psychiatric care, and later served as a pharmacy manager, where I played a key role in organizing and facilitating mobile vaccination clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a DNP Diversity Ambassador for the College of Nursing, I am committed to fostering inclusive excellence, advocating for health equity and empowering underrepresented communities within health care. I believe that diverse perspectives enrich the nursing profession and contribute to more compassionate, culturally competent care. Additionally, I am excited to pursue policy advocacy and research, working to address systemic barriers and promote evidence-based solutions that improve mental health outcomes.

Outside of academics and advocacy, I enjoy kayaking, hiking, going to the cinema, traveling, attending live events and playing video games. These activities allow me to recharge, explore new perspectives and maintain a well-rounded approach to both life and my future career in psychiatric mental health nursing.

I am excited to support my peers, engage in meaningful dialogue and continue working toward a more robust and accessible health care system.

Hi!

My name is Sharrell McDowell, and I am part of the APNI-DNP program at Seattle University, specializing in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track. Originally from Monterey, California, I graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in biology. While at UCLA, I cultivated my passion for health care, advocacy and community engagement. As an African-Filipino woman, I’ve embraced my unique identity and sought to create inclusive spaces where people from diverse backgrounds feel valued and supported.

My journey to nursing has been shaped by growing up in an underserved community and my work advocating for equity and inclusion. At UCLA, I served as chair of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion within Greek Life, joined the Black Student Union, and participated in Campus Ministries—all of which deepened my commitment to fostering belonging and representation. These experiences, along with my time as a surgical medical assistant, fueled my passion for providing culturally competent care and inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. Seattle University’s emphasis on diversity and its mission to uplift underserved populations align with my values as a future provider, and I feel privileged to be part of a program that prepares me to make a meaningful impact as a nurse. In the future, I aspire to open my own practice and bridge the gap with underserved populations.

Since joining Seattle U, I’ve embraced opportunities to build community. I currently serve as co-representative for the FNP track. I also joined the Women’s Rowing team, which has reminded me of the importance of balance, teamwork and perseverance. Outside of school, I enjoy shopping, spending time with my goldendoodle, exploring Seattle with friends and traveling.