VIM & VIGR Announces 2021 Nursing Scholarship Recipients
Inspirational winners exemplify hope, heart and determination to help others
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Missoula, Mont. (August 31, 2021) – VIM & VIGR, creator of stylish and comfortable compression socks for all walks of life, is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2021 nursing scholarship, Wendy Gomendi Nichols and Madd Heartley. The 2021 scholarship recipients exemplify hope, heart, and determination in their pursuit of a career focused on giving back to those in need.
Gomendi Nichols is a practicing obstetrics nurse, teacher at Montana State in their undergraduate nursing program, and mom of three. Two years ago, Wendy made the decision to go back to school to pursue her Doctorate Family Nurse Practitioner (DFNP) degree.
“Although I take great pride in my work as a BSN, I am disheartened by the inequities in healthcare many Montanans encounter,” notes Gomendi Nichols. “Patients often have to wait weeks to access mental health providers. A wait that too frequently results in a crisis for the individual and family. I am excited to pursue my goal of achieving my DFNP and to serve my community as both a nurse educator and primary care provider.”
Heartley is a student at UNC-Chapel Hill and first completed her major in American Studies before continuing to their nursing program. She hopes that her cultural studies will enhance the level of care and empathy she can offer her future patients and the vulnerable communities she hopes to serve. Heartley is also a committed volunteer at Our Voice, a non-profit organization that supports survivors of rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
“As a nurse, I will do my best to advocate for health equity and equality for vulnerable patient populations,” said Heartley. “I would love to work in communities that are traditionally underserved in terms of healthcare. Advocating for people who face adversities in healthcare is something I’m deeply passionate about. Through personal education, active listening, and a ‘person-first’ mindset I believe that I will be able to incorporate social justice into my career as a nurse.”
“Our legwear has been worn and loved by healthcare professionals for years, so it is our honor to give back and support those who are providing care for our communities,” said Michelle Huie, founder and CEO of VIM & VIGR. “This is our first year sponsoring this scholarship and we had so many amazing applicants – it was really difficult choosing only two winners.”
The 2022 nursing scholarship application window will open in the second quarter of 2022. For more information on VIM & VIGR’s nursing scholarship please visit https://vimvigr.com/pages/vim-vigr-nursing-scholarship.
About VIM & VIGR:
Based in Missoula, Mont. since 2013, VIM & VIGR designs and manufactures the highest-quality compression legwear to energize legs, reduce swelling, and alleviate achiness and heaviness. VIM & VIGR’s primary focus is to create true graduated compression socks, tights and sleeves that provide unparalleled fit, reliable compression and unique designs. Available in three compression levels, four fabrics and six sizes, VIM & VIGR products give people from all walks of life the support to work, play, travel and recover with vigor. For more information, visit vimvigr.com or follow @vimvigr.
Media Contact:
Alli Noland
Terra PR
307-733-8777
AlliN@terrapublicrelations.com
