2024-2025 Recipients

YES Georgia is proud to announce the recipients of the first annual Lillie Marie Johnson Nursing Scholarship! This scholarship was established to support aspiring nurses in their educational journey, honoring the legacy of Lillie Marie Johnson and her dedication to service and care.

In this inaugural award cycle, two outstanding candidates both from Georgia and California, were selected for their passion, commitment, and drive to make a difference in the field of nursing. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in healthcare.

Congratulations to our 2025 recipients!

Domonique Jones 

is a compassionate Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) whose journey into healthcare began as a young girl. Entrusted with the responsibility of caring for her grandmother during her battle with cancer, Domonique discovered her calling in nursing and the profound impact that compassionate care can have on patients and their families. This experience ignited a passion for healthcare, and she is now on her way to becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife, with a special focus on empowering Black women and addressing disparities in maternal health.

Honored to receive this scholarship award, Domonique is grateful for the opportunity to continue her education and further her mission to provide culturally competent care. Domonique is absolutely dedicated to paying it forward through mentorship and aims to one day create her own scholarship to promote more melanin in medicine. By lifting others up and supporting future generations of healthcare professionals, she hopes to contribute to a more diverse, inclusive, and compassionate healthcare system.

Tori Purcell 

is a first-generation college student at California State University, Fullerton, Tori has excelled academically while balancing multiple jobs, leadership roles, and community service. Her passion for pediatric nursing stems from her volunteer work with individuals with special needs, particularly through Team Dixon, a nonprofit that pairs teenagers with those facing physical and mental challenges. Through this experience, she has developed valuable problem-solving skills, resilience, and a deep understanding of the diverse needs of children and their families.

Tori’s dedication to lifelong learning and leadership is evident in her pursuit of a CNA license, her role as a tutor in the nursing program, and her position as secretary of the Nursing Student Association, with aspirations to become its president. She is committed to using her skills and education to provide high-quality care and make a lasting impact in pediatric healthcare. YES Georgia is proud to support Tori as she continues her journey toward becoming a compassionate and skilled pediatric nurse.