Arin Nelson was born in Pasadena, Texas, and raised in League City. She graduated from Clear Springs High School in 2018 and went on to earn associate degrees in General Studies and Emergency Medical Services from Galveston College in 2022. In 2024, she received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology from the University of Houston. After obtaining her paramedic license, she spent three years working as a first responder and emergency room technician. These experiences deepened her passion for patient care and ultimately inspired her to return to school to pursue a career in nursing. Arin chose nursing because she has always felt a strong calling to care for others and make a meaningful difference in their lives. She is excited to be a part of BASS to help educate and empower women while learning more about health equity and advocacy.

Christiana Ameredes was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and raised in League City, Texas. She graduated from Clear Springs High School in 2016 and began her academic journey at San Jacinto College, where she took classes while working as a restaurant server. After two years, she started working full time as a Veterinary Technician- a role she held for nearly six years, developing her love for hands-on care and deepening her desire to help others, especially those who cannot speak up for themselves.

Though she stepped away from school for several years, Christiana's passion for service never left her. She decided to return to San Jacinto College where she would complete her Associates of Natural Science, igniting her commitment to pursue nursing.

From a young age, she has always felt a deep calling to care for others. She is passionate about advocating for underserved individuals and believes healthcare should be equitable and compassionate for all communities.

Through the BASS program, she sees a meaningful opportunity to support women navigating complex life circumstances and is committed to driving change through empathy and advocacy.

Remi Davis is a proud Galveston native who graduated from Ball High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Science in Business Development from the University of Houston. She is now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where she is bringing together her education, experience, and calling to care for others.

Showing up for people when they need it most has always been a core part of who Remi is. She chose nursing because she is inspired to be a steady and compassionate presence during life's most vulnerable moments, making sure people feel seen, heard, and cared for. Guided by her faith and a strong sense of responsibility to her community, Remi sees nursing as both a calling and a commitment. As a BASS scholar in the Health Equity and Advocacy Track, she is especially drawn to the program's focus on women's health and closing the gaps in care for marginalized populations. She looks forward to growing as a leader and advocate while continuing to lead with purpose, compassion, and excellence.

Kennedi King-Jones was born and raised in Tyler, Texas, and is a graduate of Tyler Legacy High School. She completed her prerequisite courses at the University of Houston and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). With a background as a pediatric medical assistant, caregiver, and substitute teacher, she has always been drawn to roles that center on care, compassion, and community service. Her decision to become a nurse stems from a lifelong desire to advocate for vulnerable populations and provide equitable, patient-centered care. She views nursing as a calling to serve with empathy, educate with purpose, and lead with integrity. Being selected for the BAMBI Advocacy Student Scholar (BASS) program is not only an honor, but a meaningful step toward her mission to create change. Through BASS, she looks forward to learning alongside peers who are just as driven to promote equity in healthcare. She is excited to grow through powerful experiences—shadowing nurse lactation specialists, engaging with nurse and community leaders, and participating in advocacy events that amplify voices that are too often silenced. Most of all, she is ready to be shaped by the stories, the challenges, and the beauty of caring for others with both knowledge and heart.

Elisabeth Maldono was born and raised in Houston, Texas, where she developed a strong sense of compassion and a desire to serve others from an early age. As a first-generation college student, Elisabeth is deeply inspired by her mother, who worked as a nurse in her home country. Her mother's dedication to caring for others and the pride she took in her role as a nurse left a powerful impression. Growing up hearing stories about her mother's experiences and witnessing her nurturing spirit at home sparked Elisabeth's own passion for healthcare. She graduated from Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions and later became certified as an EMT during the COVID-19 pandemic—a pivotal time that deepened her commitment to patient care and advocacy. Driven by a calling to provide holistic, patient-centered care, Elisabeth has a particular interest in women's health and is excited to be a part of BASS, where she hopes to grow both personally and professionally as a compassionate healthcare worker.

Mallory Poehler was born and raised in Pearland, Texas. She graduated from Pearland High School in 2022 and attended the University of Texas at San Antonio from 2022-2024 completing her nursing prerequisites. During this time, she volunteered with many healthcare facilities and organizations and worked as a caregiver in an assisted living facility where she discovered nursing would be for her. Her desire for a dynamic work environment, the healthcare field and her want to care for others is what brought her to this career. Mallory chose BASS as she believes it is an incredible opportunity to gain knowledge, empower women, and ultimately become a more equipped nurse as she goes into her career.

Quyen Huynh, a Houston native, brings a diverse background in operations management to her nursing journey. Her professional experience honed her leadership and teamwork skills, ultimately inspiring a transition to nursing to pursue her passion for service and advocacy. She is committed to empowering underrepresented communities and ensuring that patients of all backgrounds receive holistic, high-quality care.

Quyen chose the UTMB School of Nursing for its strong commitment to health equity, rigorous clinical training, and exceptional reputation for preparing future healthcare leaders to deliver the highest standard of patient care.

I view nursing as a calling to make a meaningful and lasting impact on individuals and communities through compassionate care. I believe the UTMB BASS program will equip me to become a stronger advocate for vulnerable populations and a more effective leader in my future nursing career.

Caralyne Ross was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was raised in Pennsylvania, the Bay Area in California, and across parts of Texas. Caralyne graduated from Seminole High School and attended Tarleton State University prior to attending UTMB. Caralyne has always felt drawn to the field of nursing because of her interest in health sciences, serving others, and the influence of commendable nursing role models in her own family. She believes it is part of her purpose in life to serve others and be an advocate for equitable healthcare. She pursued the BASS program because she believes it will equip her with the necessary qualities and experiences to support the most vulnerable populations as a culturally competent and knowledgeable nurse. Caralyne looks forward to working with maternal populations in need, and becoming a voice for patients.