Hannah Maebelle Apostol

Hannah Maebelle Apostol, MSN, RN, is the proud recipient of the 2026–2027 Rita Reis Wieczorek Scholarship for Maternal-Infant and Pediatric Nursing from Nurses Educational Funds (NEF). Awarded to exceptional graduate nursing students dedicated to advancing maternal-infant and pediatric health, this prestigious recognition reflects Hannah’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, compassionate care, and leadership in the nursing profession.

Hannah earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from California State University, Fullerton, where she developed a strong foundation in public health and health equity. She went on to complete her Master of Science in Nursing through the Master’s Entry into Nursing program at Johns Hopkins University, where she cultivated her clinical skills and passion for serving diverse patient populations. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as a Family Nurse Practitioner student with a Women’s Health subspecialty at Columbia University School of Nursing, where she is preparing to become an advanced practice provider dedicated to improving access to high-quality, evidence-based care.

Before and throughout her nursing career, Hannah held several healthcare roles that strengthened her appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration and patient advocacy, including working as a certified phlebotomy technician, perioperative certified nurse assistant, caregiver, and birth doula. These experiences, combined with her academic training, reinforced her belief that every patient deserves compassionate, culturally sensitive, and individualized care. Her desire to become a nurse was driven by a passion for empowering patients through education, promoting preventive healthcare, and advocating for underserved communities, particularly women, children, and families.
Hannah chose Columbia University’s DNP-FNP program because of its emphasis on clinical leadership, policy engagement, and evidence-based practice. She was especially drawn to the opportunity to integrate advanced primary care training with a women’s health focus, allowing her to address healthcare disparities and improve outcomes across the lifespan.

Currently, Hannah works as a Registered Nurse II at Urban Health Plan, a federally qualified health center serving medically underserved populations in New York City, where she provides care in adult medicine, urgent care, and geriatric settings. She also serves as a school nurse, supporting the health and well-being of children and adolescents with diverse medical needs. Beyond her clinical responsibilities, Hannah remains actively engaged in mentorship, community service, and health policy initiatives. She serves as a Columbia University student ambassador and peer mentor and has contributed to projects addressing food insecurity and public health policy.

Looking ahead, Hannah’s doctoral education will enable her to practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner with specialized expertise in women’s health while expanding opportunities to lead quality improvement initiatives, mentor future nurses, influence health policy, and advocate for equitable reproductive and primary healthcare. She aspires to build a career that combines clinical excellence with service, education, and systems-level change to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Receiving the Rita Reis Wieczorek Scholarship is both a tremendous honor and a profound source of encouragement for Hannah. The award affirms her dedication to maternal-infant and pediatric nursing and recognizes the importance of investing in future nurse leaders who are committed to advancing health equity and compassionate care. As a doctoral student, clinician, and lifelong advocate for patients, Hannah views this scholarship not only as financial support but also as a meaningful vote of confidence in her mission to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities through nursing.