My name is LaShonda Bradley. I am beyond honored and grateful to be one of the Billi Odegaard Nursing Scholarship recipients. This scholarship means so much to me as it will take some of my financial burdens away so I can prioritize my education. I have dreamed of becoming a registered nurse since I was a little girl, and this scholarship will help make that dream a reality. The areas of nursing I would like to pursue are pediatrics, emergency room, NICU, or school nursing.

I was raised by a single mom who was my biggest inspiration. She was a superwoman who worked extremely hard to provide for my brother and me. We didn’t grow up with much, but my mom instilled in us the importance of values and ethics. She taught us that we can pursue anything. However, I didn’t see people who looked like me in healthcare. I didn’t know this was attainable for me. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, I did not have the privilege of seeing women of color in nursing or healthcare in general. In 2004, my mom became ill. She spent many years in and out of the hospital. I saw firsthand how vital nurses are. We had many conversations about becoming a nurse, and I promised her I would try. Sadly, my mom passed away in 2010. She would be so proud of me and grateful for this scholarship.

For most of my career, I have worked as a medical assistant, primarily in pediatrics. I am passionate about caring for others and enjoy working with children and their families. I currently work in a Pediatric Developmental Clinic. My experience in this role has taught me a great deal. I have gained communication and leadership skills. I won a diversity award in my organization for encouraging people to have open conversations about race. It was a privilege to live and work in environments that create open dialogue and uplifting support of inclusivity.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I am a wife, mother, and grandma. I love having my children over for Sunday dinner and playing board games. I also enjoy hanging out with friends and trying new restaurants around Portland. One of my favorite things to do is volunteer. Giving back to the community is a passion of mine, and I would like to do more. I look forward to my future nursing endeavors in Oregon and being a part of continuing Billi Odegaard’s legacy.