Aryanna Lewis

Aryanna Lewis

2024 - 2025 Scholarship Recipient
Samuel Merritt University  | School of Nursing

Aryanna, at her core, is grounded in faith, family, and purpose. The eldest of her siblings and a pillar in her community, she leads with tenderness and tenacity. She lives by 1 Corinthians 16:14—“Let all that you do be done in love”—a scripture that echoes through every action she takes, from advocating in policy spaces to offering presence at a patient’s bedside. Aryanna embodies excellence not only in what she does, but in how she does it—with grace, compassion, and an open heart.

What drives Aryanna is not just the pursuit of a career in healthcare, but a deep desire to be a healing presence in the lives of others. She is a champion for Black maternal health, youth empowerment, and holistic wellness—believing wholeheartedly in the power of presence, voice, and community. As the founder of Heroes 4 Youth, she established a nonprofit that mentors and uplifts young people in underrepresented communities, equipping them with the tools to lead, thrive, and overcome systemic barriers. Her dedication extends far beyond the classroom and clinic; she actively shapes conversations around equity, justice, and belonging—most notably helping bring the film Everybody’s Work to campus to spotlight racism in nursing education and create space for honest dialogue and transformative growth.

Aryanna is a visionary nursing leader, advocate, and bridge-builder whose life’s work is rooted in compassion, justice, and generational healing. A proud student at Samuel Merritt University and a newly accepted Doctor of Nursing Practice candidate at the University of Washington—specializing in Nurse-Midwifery and Sexual & Reproductive Health—she is fiercely committed to transforming systems and ensuring that every birthing person, every family, and every community receives care that is equitable, culturally affirming, and grounded in love.

She served as Student Body President at Samuel Merritt University, leading over 2,800 students across healthcare professions with courage, integrity, and a deep commitment to elevating student voices. She spearheaded inclusive initiatives and fostered unity across disciplines. Her leadership has been recognized through honors such as the Spirit of SMU Award, the Birth Equity Scholarship, and the Nursing Workforce Diversity Scholarship. Yet beyond her titles and accolades, Aryanna is known for her humility, tireless work ethic, and unwavering belief that leadership is an act of service.

Aryanna is not just preparing to enter the healthcare field—she is preparing to shift it. She is a forever learner, a fierce protector of life and dignity, and a beacon of light in every space she enters. Those who cross paths with her quickly realize she is not just here to make change. She is the change—and she’s inviting others to rise and walk alongside her.