UNT Health DPT student Vanessa Vazquez named 2026 Rizing Tide scholar
Vanessa Vazquez, a second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at UNT Health Fort
Worth, has been named a 2026 Rizing Tide Foundation Crest: Rizing Star Scholarship
recipient.
Vazquez is among 20 students from 19 accredited physical therapy programs across the United States and Puerto Rico selected from a pool of more than 500 applicants. Scholars were chosen based on academic achievement, leadership potential, commitment to service and passion for advancing the physical therapy profession.
“Receiving the Rizing Tide scholarship means more to me than financial support; it represents an investment in the person and future physical therapist I am working to become,” Vazquez said. “Getting to this point has required persistence while balancing school, work and personal responsibilities, so being selected reminds me that my efforts and the provider I hope to become are being recognized.”
Vazquez, who expects to graduate in May 2028, became interested in physical therapy while working in acute care. There, she saw the role physical therapists played in helping patients regain mobility and independence during some of the most vulnerable periods of their lives.
After graduation, Vazquez hopes to return to acute care, with a particular interest in working with older adults. She also wants to continue developing her ability to provide culturally responsive care, particularly for Spanish-speaking patients and families.
“My experience volunteering at a pro bono clinic showed me how much communication and cultural understanding can influence a patient’s experience and outcomes,” Vazquez said. “Ultimately, my goal is to become a physical therapist who builds meaningful relationships with patients and makes them feel comfortable advocating for what matters to them.”
The Rizing Tide Foundation established the Crest Scholarship to expand access to the physical therapy profession for students from different backgrounds. In addition to financial support, recipients receive mentorship and leadership development opportunities, including access to the foundation’s annual North Star Summit in Phoenix.
“I’m proud to welcome the 2026 Crest scholars into the Rizing Tide community and celebrate their incredible potential,” said Dr. Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT, founder of Rizing Tide, in press release. “This fleet of academically outstanding future PTs, the majority of whom are first-generation college students, are all driven to make a meaningful difference in the profession and the world.”
Vazquez said the scholarship’s opportunities will help her develop her clinical skills and professional confidence while learning from practicing physical therapists.
“I am grateful to be supported by an organization that values mentorship, professional growth and meaningful connections within the profession,” Vazquez said. “This scholarship encourages me to become a physical therapist who makes patients feel seen, heard and empowered, while carrying that same support forward by mentoring others entering the profession.”