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 trailblazer in her family as a first-generation college student at California State University, Fullerton. Balancing academic excellence with multiple jobs, leadership roles, and community service, she exemplifies resilience and drive. Her passion for pediatric nursing took root through her volunteer work with Team Dixon—a nonprofit that pairs teens with individuals facing physical and mental challenges. Through this heartfelt work, Tori honed problem-solving skills, developed deep empathy, and gained a profound understanding of the diverse needs of children and their families.

Her commitment to lifelong learning and leadership shines through her pursuit of a Registered Nursing license. As a tutor in the nursing program and secretary of the Nursing Student Association—with ambitions to become its president—Tori leads with purpose and heart. She is determined to use her skills and compassion to deliver exceptional pediatric care and be a lasting force for good in healthcare. YES Georgia is honored to support Tori as she continues her inspiring journey toward becoming a dedicated and skilled pediatric nurse.