First QICN Dame Elizabeth Anionwu Scholars Announced
25 June 2025
The first two nurses to be awarded the Dame Elizabeth Anionwu Scholarship by the QICN have been announced.
Monica Lawrence and Tachien Francis were awarded the Scholarships to undertake the QICN’s Ambition to Lead programme running in 2025-26. The first residential of the 2025 Programme took place earlier this month in Winchester.
Monica Lawrence is a Lead Advanced Clinical Practitioner working at Kent & Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust. Tachien Francis is a Clinical Lead Manager working at Care Cover 24/7 in the West Midlands.
My huge congratulations to Monica Lawrence and Tachien Francis who have been awarded the Dame Elizabeth Anionwu Scholarships. This will enable them to undertake the QICN’s Ambition to Lead programme running in 2025-26.
Monica and Tachien, I am so proud of you! Good luck with your studies and I look forward to meeting you both in the very near future.
Dame Elizabeth AnionwuI am absolutely jubilant in being a recipient of Prof. Dame Elizabeth Anionwu scholarship. To me, Dame Elizabeth is a voice in the wilderness, calling us to believe in ourselves to achieve greatness. She has become my inspiration. Thank you, Dame Elizabeth, for giving me this opportunity.
Monica LawrenceI am a Black British Caribbean who grew up on the motto ‘Out of Many, One People" which alludes to the various ethnic groups among our population, being ONE people. I am proud to be part of the global majority community nurses, holding a leadership role. Advocating for equality, quality healthcare improvements and sustainable innovations. I am honoured to be a recipient of the Dame Elizabeth Anionwu Scholarship this year. I am inspired by her personal and professional journey.
Tachien FrancisThe QICN announced the two scholarships for global majority community nurses earlier this year, at the same time as the opening of the new Dame Elizabeth Anionwu Centre in London. The scholarships are inspired by the QICN’s commitment to broadening diversity in nursing leadership and representation, through participation in the charity’s development programmes. The scholarship programme may be extended annually, on a rolling basis.
Dr Cate Wood, the QICN’s Director of Nursing Programmes (Leadership and Standards) commented:
“I would like to thank the Trustees of the QICN for creating these scholarships for global majority community nurse leaders. I am also thrilled that Dame Elizabeth has offered to support the QICN Leadership programmes by delivering education with me in the new Dame Elizabeth Anionwu Centre.”
ENDS
Notes
Main photograph: Monica Lawrence (left) and Tachien Francis (right).
The new Scholarships were announced at the same time as the opening of the new Dame Elizabeth Anionwu Centre in April: https://qicn.org.uk/news-and-events/news/new-nursing-centre-named-for-dame-elizabeth-anionwu/
The Ambition to Lead Programme is designed to support the professional development of experienced nurses and allied health professionals working in the community to become future leaders in healthcare, to the benefit of the people, families and communities they serve. Recruitment dates for 2026 will be advised later this year. For more information, see: https://qicn.org.uk/explore-qicn/leadership-programmes/ambition-to-lead-programme/
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