Marie Toupou, BSN, RN is the proud recipient of the Liesel M. Hiemenz Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship affirms Marie’s commitment to advancing her education to improve community and global health through nursing leadership, education, and advocacy. Marie is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Columbia University School of Nursing. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences, with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the University of Connecticut, and completed an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Kent State University. Upon receiving her degree in 2020, she has worked in various hospitals as a critical care nurse, where she began to get a deeper understanding of complex patient needs. During her time in the medical intensive care units, Marie witnessed firsthand how many acute conditions could have been prevented or better managed through accessible, adequate primary care. This realization inspired her to transition to primary care, where she can focus on addressing health disparities through prevention, early intervention, and building long-term relationships with her patients.

Originally from Guinea, West Africa, Marie’s passion for nursing was inspired by directly witnessing the health disparities in her community growing up, particularly the impact of limited access to basic and preventative healthcare services. This early exposure shaped her desire to serve populations that are too often overlooked and underserved. She views nursing and her future career as a nurse practitioner as a pathway to provide holistic, person-centered care that goes beyond treating the illness to address the social, emotional, and cultural factors influencing health. She is especially driven to improve health outcomes in communities where a lack of knowledge, resources, and preventative care sites continues to create barriers to health and wellness.

Marie chose Columbia’s FNP-DNP program because it provides students with comprehensive clinical leadership training and experiences, rigorous academics, a strong emphasis on research, and the opportunity to contribute to advancement of nursing science and practice on a global scale. Columbia University has also given her the opportunity to work directly with a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and actively participate in research and quality improvement initiatives focused on equitable access to care. Additionally, serving as a teaching assistant for multiple classes has allowed her to develop valuable skills in nursing education and mentorship.

Upon graduation, Marie plans to work at a FQHC where she can provide primary care to underserved and diverse populations. She also hopes to contribute to nursing education, whether in the classroom or through clinical preceptorship and mentorship. Ultimately, Marie aspires to take her expertise globally as well, applying her knowledge and skills to improve health outcomes in her local communities and around the world.

Receiving the NEF Scholarship has alleviated financial pressure during her doctoral studies and has further empowered her to pursue her goals with clarity and purpose. Marie is deeply honored to be recognized by NEF and inspired to carry forward the mission of public health and nursing excellence embodied by Ms. Liesel M. Hiemenz.