Freda Smit, a master’s student in the Nurse-Midwifery program at the George Washington University School of Nursing, is forging a path fueled by passion for global health and an unwavering commitment to women’s well-being. Based in Bethesda, Maryland, Smit is expected to graduate in May 2027 and hopes to bring healthcare to women in conflict zones and underserved communities worldwide.
Smit’s interest in women’s health took root during her undergraduate studies, where she minored in Spanish and traveled to East Africa to study Swahili. These formative experiences opened her eyes to the profound impact that violence, poverty, and natural disasters have on women’s access to healthcare and maternal and infant mortality rates.
"I saw a need for maternal and infant healthcare providers," she said, reflecting on how her time abroad and her women's health rotation in nursing school clarified her calling. Inspired by the selflessness and courage of healthcare leaders like Edna Adan Ismail and Tabitha Festo, Smit decided she wanted to become a midwife — not just to deliver babies, but to bring critical care to women in areas of crisis.
At GW Nursing, Smit has found a supportive and challenging environment that exceeded her expectations. Initially nervous about balancing online coursework with a busy work schedule, she has been heartened by the encouragement of her professors and her fellow students.
"My experience in this program has been amazing," she said. "The professors have been so supportive, and I am surrounded by a cohort of incredible women who continually encourage me."
Smit is especially excited to start her midwifery-specific courses this fall, knowing they will move her closer to her dream of working in global health. She credits GW Nursing for helping her accelerate her timeline, giving her the opportunity to return to school sooner than she thought possible. With help from program directors, she has already begun building valuable connections, including with the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM).
While studying, Smit also works as a labor and delivery nurse, where her coursework in pharmacology and pathophysiology has enhanced her practice. “I better understand how certain diseases, like gestational diabetes, can impact a pregnancy and feel more empowered to educate my patients,” she said.
Beyond her technical skills, Smit is driven by a deep passion for justice and advocacy. She believes in having the courage to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, inspired by figures such as Dr. Denis Mukwege, the Congolese obstetrician who established a hospital and safe house for survivors of sexual violence, and Edna Adan Ismail, who spoke out against female genital mutilation in Somaliland.
“Justice is everyone’s business,” Smit said, quoting Dr. Mukwege. “I believe it only takes a few people to make a positive change in a community.”
With her focus on building clinical and research skills, and her passion for global health and social justice, Freda Smit is preparing to make a lasting impact. Her journey is fueled by a belief in hope, resilience, and the transformative power of courageous leadership — and her future as a midwife promises to uplift women and communities around the world.