Cassandra Mombrun MSN RN CPNP-PC is the recipient of a Johnson & Johnson Edwidge Thomas Scholarship for $10,000. Cassandra has over 18 years of experience in nursing, specializing in clinical practice, mentorship, education, and leadership. Her inspiration to become a nurse was fueled by her desire to work in healthcare specifically caring for children. An alumna of Northeastern University and Regis College, where she earned her master's as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Cassandra's passion for pediatrics led her to Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH). At BCH, she advanced from Staff Nurse to Clinical Instructor & Clinical Informatics Specialist, optimizing workflows and clinical documentation.

Currently, Cassandra is a faculty instructor at Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing. She also serves as Vice President of the New England Regional Black Nurses Association (NERBNA) and collaborates with the Organization of Nurse Leaders on diversity initiatives, including the "Nurses Pledge to Champion Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity." Cassandra recently received the 2024 Presidential Award and Teaching Excellence Award from NERBNA, and the 2022 "40 Under" Award from the National Black Nurses Association. Additionally, she is on the Board of Directors for Ready Inspire Act, a nonprofit aiding survivors of human sex trafficking, and she contributes to the Nursing Advisory Board at Roxbury Community College.

Pursuing a PhD in Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Boston, Cassandra focuses on Health Policy & Population Health, researching health inequities in nursing education. It was important to her to choose UMass Boston as it is one the nation’s most diverse universities which has given her the opportunity to manage the Civic Action Fellowship Program, promoting civic engagement in Greater Boston in underserved communities.

Receiving the Johnson & Johnson Edwidge Thomas Scholarship from NEF provides Cassandra with the opportunity to continue her doctoral program and pursue her research in nursing education, focusing on race-based prevalence in nursing textbooks. This scholarship signifies that her work is being recognized and will have a significant impact on nursing education, the future workforce, and, most importantly, will improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Overall, Cassandra's leadership, advocacy, and scholarly pursuits make her a formidable force in nursing and a role model for aspiring healthcare professionals committed to promoting health equity and social justice.