2026 SEIU Local 121RN
Scholarship Winners
Each year, our Union proudly awards scholarships to support members in their pursuit of continuing education. We know how impactful financial assistance can be when you’re advancing your career and investing in your future.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients!
$2,000 Robert Thomas Memorial Scholarship
Jozef “Anton” Tantoco
Providence St. Joseph Medical Center
Anton has been a registered nurse for 14 years, including 13 years in adult critical care. After earning his associate degree in nursing from Glendale Community College, he began his career as a new graduate nurse resident at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, where he has proudly worked ever since.
In the fall of 2025, Anton chose to continue his education by enrolling in the University of Providence’s online ADN-to-BSN program. Around that same time, he was honored to be elected to the PSJMC union bargaining team.
“Balancing the responsibilities of serving as a bargaining representative while returning to school has been challenging, but it has also been one of the most rewarding periods of my career. Both experiences have broadened my perspective, strengthened my leadership skills, and reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning and service.”
With the successful ratification of the PSJMC contract in June and the anticipated completion of his BSN this summer, Anton looks forward to closing this meaningful chapter in his personal and professional development.
The Robert Thomas Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an RN/Healthcare Professional who has served as a union activist — on a Bargaining Team, Legislative Lobbying Team, Union Committee, as a Steward, Chapter or Executive Officer, or in another active role within the Union or Chapter.
$1,000 Educational Scholarships
Congratulations to the 14 SEIU Local 121RN members who each received a $1,000 scholarship toward their continued education:
| Karen Kilpatrick | ARMC |
| Janice Pan | Garfield Medical Center |
| Yiluan Chen | GEM |
| Patrick Joseph Bautista | KMV |
| Alec Macdonald | Los Robles Regional Medical Center |
| Anna Sarkisyan | NHMC |
| Michelle Fosdick | Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center |
| Sebastiana Gonzalez | Providence St. Joseph Medical Center |
| Oksana Mazurova | Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center |
| Roxana Canepa | San Dimas Community Hospital |
| Kamillah Tate | Sierra Vista |
| Brittany Brandon | SCHH |
| Maerofe Lagonoy | St. John’s Camarillo |
| Carmen Tello | St. John’s Regional Medical Center |
We’re proud to support our members as they grow professionally and academically. Your investment in education strengthens not just your career — it strengthens the care you provide to your patients and the power of our union.
Want to be a 2027 scholarship recipient?
Stay tuned for next year’s application. In the meantime, keep showing up, keep learning, and keep standing together.
For more information, contact Special Assistant Christine Troung at truongc@seiu121rn.org.
