Nzokou Theoxene Patipe Nawe

Nzokou Theoxene Patipe Nawe

Nursing After Degree | 1st year
Current and past leadership roles:

• Co-Head Delegate Campus Saint Jean–Jeux de la Science Politique (CSJ Délégation) JDSP

• Vice President of External Relations, AUFSJ (Association des Universitaires de la Faculté Saint-Jean)

• Treasurer, REDS – Regroupement d’Étudiants dans le Domaine de la Santé

• Basketball Coach, Jeux de la Francophonie de l’Alberta (JFA) and Avalon Jr. High 

Biography: 

Theoxene Patipe Nawe is a bilingual student with an initial degree in general sciences at the University of Alberta who is now on the way to becoming a registered nurse through the nursing after degree program. He is an avid basketball fan who plays the sport and coaches. He is involved in community leadership, youth mentorship and faith-based volunteer work, especially through Francophonie Jeunesse de l’Alberta, AUFSJ and his church parish in Edmonton. He tries to represent his community with pride and help others feel seen and supported in their journeys. He aims to create his own path rather than fit inside one box.

What does leadership mean to you?

My mother always told me that whatever I choose to do in life, I should aim to be great and find joy in it. To me, leadership means trying, speaking up and supporting others. In nursing, it’s about leading by example through empathy, advocacy and quiet consistency. It's stepping up when others hesitate, but also knowing when to create space for others to lead. It’s about building trust and uplifting those around you, even when no one is watching. To me, leadership is not defined by a title; it is defined by the impact you make, whether through your work, volunteering or simply caring for others in everyday life.

What is one memorable highlight from your nursing studies ?

One of the most memorable highlights of my studies was receiving one of the largest community involvement scholarships from the Fondation Franco-Albertaine during my fourth year of university. I was recognized for my commitment to student advocacy, coaching in the Edmonton junior high basketball community and my active participation in church- and faith-based events. At the time, I was experiencing a lot of doubt about my direction in life. Receiving that scholarship felt like a moment of validation, a sign that my efforts mattered. It gave me the encouragement I needed to keep pushing forward. Later, I had the chance to meet the donors in person. They told me that my story had inspired them, and they encouraged me to aim even higher. In that moment, I felt truly seen. That experience didn’t just lift my spirits, it reminded me of the importance of perseverance, purpose and community. It remains one of the proudest and most affirming moments of my journey as a student.

What does it mean to you as a Black student to pursue a career in health care, and how do you hope to make an impact in your community?

As a Black student, pursuing a career in health care means more than just earning a degree; it’s about representing and honouring the resilience and legacy of those who came before me, while showing the way to those who will come after me. Representation in health care matters more than people think. I want young Black youth to see someone who looks like them wearing scrubs and leading with compassion, so they know they definitely belong here too. “Belonging” is the keyword here. I’ve often been the only Black person in a classroom or leadership space, but instead of letting that discourage me, it pushes me to lead with excellence, empathy and cultural humility. My goal is not only to care for patients, but to inspire others in my community to follow their path, to chase opportunities that once felt out of reach and to build systems that better serve marginalized voices.

What is your piece of advice for students?

“Falling down is not a failure. Failure comes when you stay where you have fallen.” -Socrates