MWN founder, Shelia George and Patricia Gaddis met in 1996 while working on a task force. Patricia was a clinical Nurse Practitioner at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) for 34 years. She supervised and managed the transplant unit at UIC. She worked to educate pre- and post- liver and kidney transplant patients. She was a dedicated professional and strong advocate for her patients.

Shelia believed Patricia was the perfect person to join the Multicultural Wellness Network Board and serve as the president. She agreed to join the Board in 2000 and served for over 10 years as president and dedicated advocate. That advocacy included bringing her family and friends to support our cause. Patricia retired from work and Board leadership in 2011. She remained active as Past President and supported the organization whenever and however she could.

Unfortunately, Patricia lost her long battle with cancer on May 4, 2022.

She was an amazing person, an angel on earth.

Due to Patricia's commitment to the nursing field and her support for organ and tissue donation, we have established the Patricia J. Gaddis Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship offers two applications: one for high school students planning to major in a healthcare-related field, and another for nursing students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs. The criteria for each scholarship are linked below.

To contribute to the Patricia J. Gaddis Memorial Scholarship, please visit our Ways to Give page and specify "scholarship" in the notes.

Patricia J. Gaddis Memorial Scholarship-Healthcare

Application open date: 2026

Application due date: 2026

Scholarship award date: 2026

Patricia J. Gaddis Memorial Scholarship-Nursing

Application open: TBD

Application due: TBD

Scholarship awarded: TBD

The Patricia J. Gaddis Memorial Scholarship-Nursing is closed for new applications. Check back here in early 2026 for new opportunities.

Congratulations to our 1st scholarship awardee!

Erin Slaten knew at nine years old that she was destined to care for others; she solidified that desire by pursing nursing. Erin has found her niche in Neonatal Intensive Care. 

Erin has served as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the College of Nursing at the University of Illinois Chicago. There she studied socioeconomic and cultural factors that shape health behaviors and outcomes; knowledge that aligns with Multicultural Wellness Network’s mission to raise awareness and promote prevention strategies within minority   and vulnerable populations. 

Erin has studied in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) across the Chicagoland area and the world. In summer of 2024, a program allowed Erin to study in Kigali, Rwanda at the King Faisal Hospital obstetrics services following women thru pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum and the NICU. She studied climate change and maternal-infant health through USAIDs “Listen and Learn” program. Erin is proficient in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish giving her the ability to give culturally responsive care.

At UIC, Erin serves as treasurer of UNICEF; Founder and Co-President of the Adoptee Student Union promoting understanding and inclusivity on campus and fundraising captain for alpha Kappa Delta Phi International Sorority, Inc.