Bancy Mwangi, DNPc, RN is a Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame Indiana graduate student. She was born and raised in Nyahururu, Kenya—a little town where she would be known as a national Ping Pong player. She immigrated to the US in 2009 and is trilingual in Kikuyu, Swahili, and English. She has over 13 years of experience in various nursing fields and positions. She started her journey by working as a CNA, LVN, RN, and BSN. In May of 2021, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor leading to a craniotomy. In October 2021 she lost total sight in her right eye. She is a fighter, not a quitter and her most recent achievement will be earning her Doctorate in Family Nurse Practice in August 2023, from Saint Mary’s College.

Her passion to become a nurse started when her father became ill and succumbed to the illness more than 20 years ago. Bancy was young, and barely understood medical jargon. Sometimes she would get frustrated and feel hopeless, wishing she could save his life. She remembers praying to her Rosary multiple times, asking God for miracles so that one day she could become a “doctor” to help others. She observed the disparity and inequalities in access to medical care and she can still hear her dad’s calm, whispering voice telling her every day: “Sky’s the limit. You can be anyone you want to be if you put forth the effort.” 

Her goal after attaining a Doctorate in Nursing, and after the honor of being a DAISY Award recipient, is to continue pursuing compassion and selflessness and to continue to address persistent inequities in healthcare, and the lack of adequate access to services that are essential to reducing disparities in health outcomes. 

Bancy Mwangi would like to thank those who helped her along her journey. The following is her thanks in her words: 

I want to thank all those who nominated me for the DAISY Award. I appreciate the tremendous support from the faculty. Thank you. 
 
To my father, I love you; continue resting with the Angels. This one's for you. 

I learned to be resilient from my mother [Iron Lady], Mrs. Angelina Mwangi, who taught me that persistence in failure and the will to learn from failures could lead to success. I have three lovely children, two of whom are Saint Mary's scholars. Brianna [St Mary’s College Graduate, Class of ‘21], Alyssa [Saint Mary’s College, 4th year nursing student class of ‘24], and L. Muigo [Trinity Schools 10th Grade], thank you for your sacrifice and understanding. 

I have two siblings, Dennis [Retired United States Navy Veteran] and Juliet [Kenya County Government]. I could not have achieved my doctorate without your guidance, financial support, and love. To my nephew Lloyd Muigo [Mangu High-Kenya] and to extended family and friends. Thank you. 

My goal for attaining the Doctorate in nursing and being a Daisy recipient is through compassion and selflessness. My area of interest is to continue to address persistent inequities in healthcare care and the lack of adequate access to needed services essential to reducing disparities in health outcomes. 

Asante (Thank you), I couldn’t have done it without my Village of supporters. God bless (Barikiweni).