Sanford Health is continuing to invest in the future of its employees and their education.
Four members of the Sanford Health family are recipients of this year’s Sanford Health Equity in Education Scholarship.
The $5,000 scholarship is a targeted financial scholarship program aimed at providing financial assistance for underrepresented and traditionally underserved populations seeking higher education.
Applicants must be one of the following:
Applicants must also:
Recipients demonstrate exceptional character and leadership in furthering their own progress. They also enrich the lives of others, especially in service, academics, and community involvement and impact.
Meet this year’s recipients:
Photo by Sanford Health
Sophia Catandica has spent her life caring for others. The oldest of four children, she took on the responsibility for caring for her siblings while growing up in Bemidji.
Now she’s working to accomplish her goals.
“I feel so honored to have been chosen for this scholarship,” Catandica said. “Coming from a home where neither of my parents graduated college, I want to pave the way for my siblings to show them they can do it, too.”
Catandica is a licensed practical nurse working in the women and children’s service lines while also attending Northwest Technical College. She’ll graduate from the ADN Step-In program in 2026 and hopes to train in labor.
“I strive to care for the people that come to OB (obstetrics) and am so thankful for the opportunity and learning experience it has provided to me,” she said.
Catandica’s husband is from Mozambique. Between the visa process and wedding costs, the price of school was an additional stressor. Thanks to her scholarship, she can focus on her plans.
“This scholarship means so much to me,” she said. “I would like to thank my unit, husband, family and friends for continually cheering me on and motivating me to be the person I am and want to be.”
Photo by Sanford Health
Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, Christina Dee Ei moved to Sioux Falls with her three siblings when she was 13 years old.
The Washington High School graduate enrolled in Southeast Technical College’s phlebotomy program while working as a nursing assistant at Good Samaritan. After completing the program, Dee Ei joined Sanford Health and opted to pursue a medical laboratory tech program in 2019.
“I’ve always loved working in the lab. So after gaining three years of experience as an MLT, I made the decision to further my education and become a medical laboratory scientist,” she said.
For Dee Ei, the scholarship is a blessing. Not only because it covers her tuition, but because it also makes her feel heard and supported.
“I am incredibly grateful for this award and will work hard to make the most of it,” she said. “My parents are overjoyed to see me receive this honor, and while many people deserve it, I feel lucky to have been chosen. I am truly thankful and at a loss for words.”
Photo by Sanford Health
Juan Lodu’s journey is shaped by resilience and a passion for helping others.
The North Dakota State University pre-pharmacy student fled her home in South Sudan with her family when she was 6 years old because of civil war and religious persecution.
Her interest in pharmacy stems from her personal experience with epilepsy. She was diagnosed with the disease at three months old while living in a Kenyan refugee camp.
“Limited access to medication made me realize the importance of healthcare professionals in ensuring patients receive the treatment they need,” she said.
Lodu is currently a pharmacy technician and pharmacy intern at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo and trains pharmacy students and technicians at Sanford Pharmacy South University.
She’s also involved with the Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International at NDSU, Church’s United in Moorhead and the Minnesota Epilepsy foundation.
Lodu’s goal is to become a pharmacist so she can “continue serving patients with compassion” and advocate for improved healthcare access, particularly in marginalized communities.
“This scholarship is an incredible honor,” she said. “It reaffirms my commitment to pharmacy and my goal of making a difference in underserved communities. I’m incredibly grateful for this scholarship and the opportunity to keep working toward a future where I can make a lasting impact in pharmacy and patient care.”
Photo by Sanford Health
Dominique Wansaw’s path with Good Samaritan started as a certified nursing assistant at Loveland Village in 2015. Her educational path began nearly six years later and has continued to grow.
The single mother returned to college at the age of 36 after years of working in the rehabilitation unit.
“I needed to further my career in the healthcare field, as well as be an example for my son,” she said.
Wansaw graduated with a medical record certification and a 4.0 GPA – an accomplishment that lit a fire under her. She’s currently working on her bachelor’s degree in health administration and plans to pursue a master’s degree.
“This has given me such a drive to better myself through education and growing as a health care professional and leader,” she said.
Wansaw is now the admissions coordinator for Good Samaritan Society – Fort Collins Village. Driven by her faith, she hopes her journey can empower others to better themselves.
“I am so happy to share my story because not only can you grow within Good Samaritan/Sanford Health, you can also continue your education to grow professionally,” she said. “I thank God that I have an opportunity to work for such a great organization that genuinely wants to invest in my future.”
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Posted In Leadership in Health Care, People & Culture, Scholarships and Sponsorships
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