Meet Devante Jermaine Hamilton I and Stari Barklow – the first two recipients of the Cambia Health Foundation / Paula A. Jones Endowed Scholarship, which aims to increase representation of people from different backgrounds in the health care workforce. By supporting outstanding students from communities traditionally underrepresented in professional health care roles, the Foundation hopes to bridge gaps, increase access, and improve outcomes. Devante and Stari, the first two recipients from the 2022 and 2023 school years respectively, are dedicated to the health and well-being of the communities in which they live, work and play.
Devante is currently working to become a registered nurse with the goal of earning a Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a focus on pediatrics. As a husband and father of three, he recognizes that children are our future and their well-being is paramount. “My family is the most important part of my life, and they inspire me every day to persevere in furthering my education,” Devante said. “It’s well documented that underserved populations receive disparate health care and health outcomes, so increased diversification of the health care industry is imperative for elimination of these disparities. I’m proud to bring a diverse perspective to this field.”
Stari is pursuing a career as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She’s the first in her family to attend college. In her current work as a pediatric registered nurse, she’s witnessed disparities regarding access to quality mental health care, firsthand. It has inspired her to ultimately be part of the solution. “We can’t continue to ignore this need; we can do our communities and our beautiful state [Oregon] a service by supporting and advocating for improved mental health services,” Stari said.
The Cambia Health Foundation / Paula A. Jones Endowed Scholarship of The Oregon Community Foundation was established to honor Paula A. Jones and her legacy of leadership. She served with distinction on Cambia Health Solution’s board for 15 years. When Jones retired from the board in 2022, this endowed scholarship was created to celebrate her significant contributions to the success of the company and her steadfast commitment to helping other leaders grow.
“We created this sponsorship in Paula’s name to recognize her innovative leadership and generosity of spirit that she selflessly gave at both Cambia Health Solutions and here at the Foundation, all of which led us to where we are today,” said Peggy Maguire, president of Cambia Health Foundation. “She’s been an outstanding advisor, mentor and supporter of the Foundation’s mission to advance equity through whole-person health, and with this endowed scholarship we hope to reflect even a little of Paula’s dedication to her community.”
The scholarship application process is now open and closes on March 1, 2025. If you know someone who’s pursuing post-secondary education in health care for the 2025-2026 school year and may be a good fit, please share this news. Ideal candidates will demonstrate leadership skills, academic excellence, a commitment to community service and an interest in pursuing a health care career. Students in Oregon, Washington, Idaho or Utah from communities traditionally unrepresented in professional health care roles are encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Oregon Community Foundation partners with the Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) to administer its scholarship funds. OSAC’s common application allows students to access numerous scholarships including The Cambia Health Foundation / Paula A. Jones Endowed Scholarship.
Interested students should start their application through the OSAC portal. Then select “Cambia Health Foundation/Paula A. Jones Scholarship” when prompted to choose which scholarships to apply for after completing their personal information section.