WAU Nursing Students Selected for AdventHealth’s 2026 Heritage Nurse Internship Program
Takoma Park, MD — Washington Adventist University (WAU) proudly announces that four junior nursing majors have been selected to participate in the 2026 Heritage Nurse Internship Program with AdventHealth. This milestone marks the first time WAU nursing students will join the prestigious internship program, further strengthening the growing partnership between the university and the faith-based health system.
Selected students include Daniela Lara-Ledezma, Cinthya Alejandre-Palacios, Judith Vargas, and Cristal Vargas. Their acceptance into the program represents a significant achievement for both the students and the WAU Nursing Program.
According to Dr. Tijuana G. Griffin, Program Director of the Nursing Program at Washington Adventist University, the accomplishment reflects the dedication and mission-driven focus of WAU students. “We are incredibly proud of Cynthia, Judith, Daniela, and Cristal for being selected for the AdventHealth 2026 Heritage Nurse Internship program. This is a meaningful milestone for our nursing program, and it speaks to the dedication, faith, and hard work these students have demonstrated in and out of the classroom. They represent the heart of Washington Adventist University; compassionate, mission-driven future nurses who are committed to serving others. We’re grateful for the partnership with AdventHealth that creates pathways for our students to grow both professionally and spiritually.”
A Growing Faith-Based Partnership
AdventHealth is a nonprofit, faith-based health system committed to whole-person care, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of every patient. Guided by its mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, AdventHealth serves communities across the United States through compassionate, high-quality healthcare.
While AdventHealth has previously welcomed WAU business majors into internship programs, 2026 represents the university’s inaugural participation in the Heritage Nurse Internship. The program is specifically designed for nursing students attending Seventh-day Adventist universities and provides hands-on clinical experience, mission-focused development, and professional growth within a faith-based healthcare environment.
Lizbeth Rodriguez-Diep, Corporate Heritage Recruiter | COE Talent Strategy at AdventHealth, shared that the program has grown significantly since its inception in 2022. “What began in 2022 with just five interns at AdventHealth Winter Park has grown significantly. Now in 2026, the program will host more than 50 interns across five divisions and five locations, with seven Seventh-day Adventist universities participating this year.”
She further noted that WAU students distinguished themselves throughout the competitive selection process. “AdventHealth recruiters evaluate students not only on academic performance and clinical interest, but also on mission alignment, culture fit, and professional readiness. The four WAU students demonstrated strong alignment with AdventHealth’s mission, professionalism, flexibility, and thoughtful engagement. From submitting thorough applications to asking insightful questions during interviews, each student exemplified excellence and a heart for service.”
At the conclusion of the internship, students will have the opportunity to interview for nurse residency positions and potentially secure employment one year prior to graduation, creating a direct pipeline from education to professional practice.
Student Reflections
For the selected students, the opportunity represents both professional advancement and spiritual affirmation.
Cinthya Alejandre-Palacios expressed gratitude and excitement about the journey ahead. “I feel so excited and blessed to have this opportunity to intern at AdventHealth. I give all glory to God for making this possible. I’m looking forward to being in a new environment and practicing what I love, nursing, while using the skills I’ve learned at WAU. I’m also thrilled to share this experience with my friends. I see this as an important step in the right direction for my future.”
Daniela Lara-Ledezma, a first-generation college student and first-generation Mexican-American, also reflected on the significance of the moment. “I am very excited for this opportunity. AdventHealth’s mission is one that I share; I want to be able to show God’s love through my service in healing. I never thought that I would be able to achieve a goal like this, but I am grateful that God has provided and that I can participate in an internship that not only will prepare me for my future career but will open many more doors of opportunity in the future.”
Advancing Mission and Opportunity
The partnership between Washington Adventist University and AdventHealth reflects a shared commitment to faith-integrated education and healthcare service. Through initiatives like the Heritage Nurse Internship, WAU students gain meaningful clinical exposure while deepening their spiritual and professional formation.
As the program continues to expand nationally, WAU’s inaugural participation signals a new chapter in collaboration, one that strengthens pathways for students to serve, lead, and extend Christ’s healing ministry in communities across the country.