Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship

For African-American Nurses Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Nursing

For over two decades, the Freedmen's Hospital School of Nursing, Alumni Clubs, Inc. has generously donated to Nurses Educational Funds, which established the Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship for African-American nursing students pursuing a master’s degree.

Estelle Massey Osborne was the first African-American nurse in the U.S. to earn a master’s degree, and in 1945, she became New York University’s first African-American instructor as Assistant Professor.

Featured Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship Recipients

These recent recipients of this scholarship exemplify the trailblazing spirit of Estelle Massey Osborne by having taken on nursing and health care challenges in their own communities as they pursued advanced nursing degrees:

Maxine Amanua-Frimpong, MS, RN, CNRN, SCRN

2025-2026 Winner | Master’s Degree

Works at Hackensack Meridian Health-JFK University Medical Center in the acute neurology and stroke unit, where she provides exceptional, patient-centered care and assists with code strokes
Co-chairs her hospital’s unit-based council, collaborating with leadership to discuss new programs and implement initiatives to improve patient outcomes and practice
Volunteered with the Proffer Aid International Foundation, providing free health screenings and public health education in rural communities
Plans to work with marginalized communities and implement primary care programs focused on prevention, education, and client empowerment

Adedeji Ademola, MSN, PMHNP-BC, CCRN, CMC

2024-2025 Winner | Master’s Degree

Gained experience in various ICU settings across the United States, including Bellevue Hospital, Saint Charles Health System, University Hospital in Newark, and the Brooklyn Hospital Center, exposing him to the critical needs of patients in inner-city environments
Participated in the Hunter-Cabrini fellowship, an inter-professional collaboration with social workers
Aims to leverage his advanced degree to provide comprehensive mental health care and advocate for patients who often face stigma and barriers to accessing equitable healthcare

Larissa Gregory, RN

2023-2024 Winner | Master’s Degree

Became a pediatric acute care RN at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, caring for patients undergoing surgery, chemotherapy treatments, and end-of-life care, or with congenital and acquired heart disease or receiving transplants
Has a specific interest in neurology and hematology/oncology because these patients present with medical complexities that require team collaboration and involvement.
Plans to become a pediatric nurse practitioner in neurology or oncology, providing comprehensive complex care, quality communication, thorough patient education, and understanding of the full family unit during their time of need