Marna Wiu

She is a South Sudanese refugee born in Walda Refugee Camp in Kenya. She emigrated to the United States with her parents as a toddler and eventually settled in both Nebraska and Minnesota. Marna received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center – College of Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. During her college career, Marna served as a college-preparatory mentor for African high school students while participating and holding office in organizations dedicated to raising awareness to benefit the African continent.

During her undergraduate years, Marna also traveled abroad and studied traditional healthcare systems and healthcare disparities in Madagascar. Beginning in her college years, Marna began to volunteer with various community organizations, which she continues to this day.

Marna currently works as a registered nurse and is an instructor for nurse-aide and medication aide courses. Marna is also currently in graduate school and working on a doctorate’s degree.

Marna’s primary passion is to help decrease disparities in healthcare and education in East Africa. In her undergraduate research and study, she found that the mortality rates in third-world countries are correlated with lack of access to proper medical care as well as lack of basic health information.

Marna hopes to help contribute supplies to these underserved regions and assist in providing necessary education. In doing so, Marna also continues to advocate for human and women’s rights as well as serving as an advocate for peace in South Sudan and neighboring East African countries.