BIOS
Ali, Maureen, RN, BSN, received her BSN from Felician College 2010 after more than 30 years’ nursing
experience. She has worked in seve4ral specialties including med-surgical, community health, hospice,
and emergency nursing. She began her present position as Bariatric Nurse Navigator in 2011. Her role
includes pre-op teaching of patients and family members, as well as community education regarding
obesity. She is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, National Association of
Bariatric Nurses, and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Association.
Alvarez, Mayra E., MHA, is the Director of Public Health Policy in the Office of Health Reform at the
Department of Health and Human Services, where she has primary oversight responsibility for
coordinated and timely implementation of the public health, prevention, and health care workforce policy
provisions in the Affordable Care Act. Previously, Ms. Alvarez served as a Legislative Assistant for
Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), the Majority Whip of the U.S. Senate, where she advised the Senator and
helped develop his legislative agenda on health issues. Prior to working in the office of Senator Durbin,
she served as a Legislative Assistant for then-Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis, the chair of the Health
Task Force for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Ms. Alvarez began her work in Washington, D.C., as
a David A. Winston Health Policy Fellow in the office of then-Senator Barack Obama. She completed her
graduate education at the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and
her undergraduate education at the University of California at Berkeley.
Alvarez, Yamina, DNP, RN, received a BSN degree in Nursing from Inter-American University of Puerto
Rico in 1974, a Master’s degree in Nursing from Barry University in 1989, and a Doctorate in Nursing
Practice (DNP) in 2009 from the University of Miami. Ms. Alvarez served in the U.S. Army Reserve, and
worked at the Veterans’ Administration Hospital as a staff nurse; and in supervisory capacities. Ms.
Alvarez is an Associate Professor Senior in the School of Nursing at Miami Dade college whre she has
been teaching since 1995. Ms. Alvarez has 35 years’ clinical experience. She was selected in 2010 from
a pool of 250 nurses’ nationa-wide to participate in the Health Information Technology Scholars. It was a
five-year Federal Grant to the NLN for the dissemination of simulation technology nation-wide. Ms.
Alvarez implemented high-fidelity simulation technology throughout the nursing curriculum.
Amador, Ruth, RN, MSN, is a registered nurse at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut where she has dedicated
seven years’ service to the discipline of medical-infectious disease nursing. In addition, Ruth is part of the
Wing Memorial VNA & Hospice Healthcare Team, where she is a community public health nurse who
provides care to the senior population and collaborates with local, state, and federal government health
agencies on reportable communicable diseases. Her interest in infectious disease processes, disease
surveillance, and community nursing stems from her 18-year experience as a funeral director, a career
enhanced by advanced training in the areas of mortuary science, psychology, mental health, and
addictions. Exposed to the complexity of human nature, poor health maintenance, and irreversible health
consequences, she decided to pursue a career in nursing.
Ruth holds a BA in Psychology from Boston College (1989), and a Mortuary Science Degree from New
England Institute at Mt. Ida College (1995). In 2005, she obtained an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from
Holyoke Community College. This career move allowed her to make a difference in the lives of individuals
through prevention and advocacy. Most recently, Ruth successfully completed the RN-BSN-MSN
program at Elms College. Her Master’s capstone project on Emergency Preparedness was chosen as
supportive evidence by Elms College as part of their accreditation review by the Commission on
Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC); and
was awarded the MSN Capstone Award by the Elms College Division of Nursing. Her experience in acute
care, public health nursing, and nursing education has granted her the opportunity to deliver quality care
to diverse populations in different settings. Diverse educational experiences in health care reinforced the
reality that nurse educators play an influential role in the care of individuals, groups, and communities.
Aponte, Judith, DNSc, RN, BC, CCM, CDE, APHN, is an educator, scholar, researcher, and speaker.
She is a tenured Associate Professor at Hunter College school of Nursing, City University of New York.
She is the Principle Investigator for a clinical trial study on Hispanics with uncontrolled diabetes, funded
by a Clinical Translational Science Center NIH funded to examine the efficacy of Community Health
Workers. She is a fellow at the Academy of Medicine. Her body of clinical work and research specifically
has been on diabetes in Hispanic populations. Dr. Aponte is also one of the US researchers who has
examined diabetes-related issues that affect different Hispanic subgroups. She has authored multiple
articles in peer-reviewed journals; and has received funding to examine disparities and understand
differences among Hispanic subgroups, in order to develop targeted interventions that promote optimum
health and minimize complications. Moreover, Dr. Aponte’s dedication and commitment to people with
diabetes is evident by her involvement in teaching patients, as well as nursing students, about diabetes
going beyond the walls of the classroom by educating, mentoring, and involving them in events related to
diabetes as they share their knowledge and educate those at risk or with diabetes.
Avila, Margaret, PhD, MSN, MS, RN/NP, PHN, has been a member of NAHN for almost 20 years,
Margaret is currently the national Vice President. She was born and reared in East Los Angeles, where
she attended local public and parochial schools. She enjoys kayaking, watercolor painting, photography,
and crafts, and travels as often as is possible worldwide. As a diploma RN, she received her BSN from
Mt. St. Mary's College (MSMC). She has earned an MS degree in Health Care Management from
California University at Los Angeles (CSULA), as well as an MSN in Nursing from the California University
at Long Beach (CSULB). While attending CSULB, Ms. Avila was co-enrolled at Harbor-UCLA REI
Women’s NP Program, where she was trained as a Women’s and Adult NP. Margaret is currently
completing her PhD studies at the University of San Diego with a dissertation project related to “Social
Justice and Public Health Nursing Practice.”
Ms. Avila has served the Los Angeles (L.A.) area as a Latina nurse at the bedside in medical-surgical,
cardiology, oncology, and in the operating room. She served the LA County system as a public health
nurse, supervisor, and as its nursing director prior to her doctoral studies. She is currently teaching public
health nursing, leadership, and management at CSULA & MSMC; and has a private NP practice serving
the uninsured in L.A.
Bakos, Alexis D., PhD, MPH, RN, is the Acting Director of the Division of Nursing (DN) within the Bureau
of Health Professions at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Dr. Bakos assists in
managing the overall operations of the DN and coordinating activities between the two branches and the
Office of the Director.
Prior to her appointment at HRSA, Dr. Bakos served as Chief of the Diversity Training Branch within the
Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities at the National Cancer Institute in Rockville, MD. She
coordinated the management of programs designed to improve the diversity of the cancer research
workforce through training, career development, cancer education, and community outreach.
Dr. Bakos also served as a Program Director at the National Institute of Nursing Research, National
Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, where her responsibilities included scientific areas related to end of
life/palliative care, informal caregiving, and long-term care. She also chaired the NIH-wide End of Life
Scientific Interest Group.
Dr. Bakos received a BSN. and MSN from The Catholic University of America School of Nursing, an
MPH. with a concentration in Epidemiology from George Washington University, and a PhD in Nursing
from Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Bakos’ training also included three years of postdoctoral training as a Cancer Prevention Fellow within
the Division of Cancer Prevention at the National Cancer Institute, NIH. She also served on the U.S.
House of Representatives Select Committee on Aging as a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Fellow.
Dr. Bakos is certified in gerontological nursing from the American Nurses’ Association, and is a member
of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.
Baldwin, Carol M., PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, is a tenured Associate Professor, Southwest Borderlands
Scholar, and Director of the Center for World Health Promotion & Disease Prevention at the Arizona State
University Health Solutions and College of Nursing & Health Innovation. She has done extensive work in
the area of sleep disorders among Hispanics of Mexican origin. She was Co-Investigator on the NIH
NHLBI-funded Sleep Heart Health Study and PI on the NIH NICHD Estudio del Sueno to translate and
validate a sleep habits questionnaire for use with Spanish speaking populations. She has collaborated
with colleagues at the PAHO/WHO US Mexico Border Office, the University of Guanajuato, and the
Harvard School of Medicine division of sleep medicine to create a manual for use by nurses and
promotores to understand better the sleep needs of Spanish speaking Hispanics.
Ballestas, Helen C., PhD, RN, ANP-BC, has been in nursing since 1996. She has cared for patients in
acute care settings that include acute rehabilitation, coronary critical care, intensive care, medical-surgical
nursing, and the emergency room. In addition, she was a nurse manager on a vascular unit. Her nursing
career took a different turn after a devastating illness. In retrospect, this illness did not stop her, but it set
the stage for what was yet to follow.
She is an assistant professor at Adelphi University, College of Nursing and Public Health. Currently, her
leadership role includes course coordination of the two medical surgical components. This role has
allowed her to continue gleaning her leadership skills, managing 30 clinical adjuncts, and five to seven
theory instructors each semester in addition to her own faculty course work.
Dr. Ballestas teaches in the undergraduate and graduate department at Adelphi. Recently, she was
asked to assist in redesigning graduate nurse practitioner courses that include Roles and Advanced
Physical Assessment. As an undergraduate instructor, she teaches medical-surgical I & II and older adult
courses. As a scholar, she has focused her research studies on cultural diversity seeking to
strengthened diversity in the nursing work force. This continued work is evidenced by her annual cultural
course: On-Site Cultural Diversity–Costa Rica, where nursing student during spring break care for
patients in San Jose, Costa Rica. On the trip of 2013, Dr. Ballestas, along with another colleague and
twenty nursing students, tended to over 100 patients both in make shift clinics and in the homes. Her
dissertation research focused on self-imposed health care disparities among migrant workers who were
all of Hispanic origin. With this in mind, taking care of these patients became a paramount goal.
Diversity is the central tenet of Dr. Ballestas's work. Therefore, in October, 2012, she opened the Long
Island chapter at Adelphi University of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. The chapter is very
active in continuing education and community projects, integrating work of nursing students, faculty at
nearby nursing schools, and community nurse professionals. Dr. Ballestas is also the founder and CEO
of Nurse Practitioners in Adult Health, PLLC, a nurse practitioner owned and operated practice that
manages a diverse group of patients, many of whom are not insured. In addition, Dr. Ballestas works at
North Coast Internal Medicine as an adult nurse practitioner with a strong Hispanic following of patients
there as well.
Dr. Ballestas has designed and implemented a program encouraging high school students into
nursing. Through the University College at Adelphi University and its high school liaison department, high
school students spend a week at Adelphi University learning about nursing through lectures, hospital
visits, the nursing lab, and completing research projects.
Dr. Ballestas received her Doctorate of Philosophy at Capella University with the focus of Leadership for
Higher Education with an overall GPA of 4.0. Her post-master's certificate as a board certified adult nurse
practitioner was earned at Adelphi University. Her dual degree bachelor/masters was earned at Molloy
College in nursing education, graduating Cum Laude. Her associate degree was awarded at Nassau
Community College.
Dr. Ballestas has published articles, but her book publication is her biggest accomplishments. Published
by McGraw-Hill, Pathophysiology for Nurses– Demystified, the book will be available late summer, 2013.
Recently, Dr. Ballestas has been named an on-site evaluator for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education (CCNE).
Dr. Ballestas looks forward to furthering the mission of cultural diversity and, in her own words, "cultural
responsibility" for all nurses. Her goal, as was her research goal, is to eliminate the disparities in health
care and to encourage all nurses to become the best they can be.
Benavente, Viola, PhD, RN, CNS, is an Assistant Professor at Boston College. She is a recognized
cardiovascular nurse, educator, and researcher. She has given numerous presentations at local, national,
and international levels at both nursing and multidisciplinary conferences. She has authored several
publications, including one that won her the 2007 Edgar C. Hayhow Article of the Year Award. An active
member of NAHN since 1992, she was elected to the Board of Directors from 2000-2004. Currently, she
serves as the Treasurer of the Massachusetts Chapter of NAHN.
Bishop-Murphy, Melissa, JD, MBA, is Senior Director of National Government Relations and Multicultural Affairs at Pfizer, Inc, where she supports the company's overall federal and state government
relations and public affairs strategy; and advises leadership on current multicultural congressional and
legislative issues and activities. Prior to her position as Senior Director, Ms. Bishop-Murphy was
Director/Team Leader of Pfizer's southeastern government relations team of directors, public affairs, and
external relations colleagues. While in that position, she lobbied issues such as the Medicare Reform Act,
drug importation legislation, authorized generics, and asbestos and patent reduction legislation. Ms.
Bishop-Murphy has also acted as General Counsel for the Georgia Department of Medical Assistance,
concentrating in the areas of Medicare and Medicaid, and as an Attorney with the Department of Health
and Human Services. Named one of Georgia's most powerful and influential women in Women Looking
Ahead Magazine, Ms. Bishop-Murphy is currently on the board of the Andrew Young Center for
International Affairs at Morehouse College and the Georgia Charter Schools Association. Ms. BishopMurphy received a B.A., summa cum laude, from Stillman College; and a J.D. from the Georgetown
University Law Center. She also recently received her MBA from the University of Georgia in Spring 2010.
Bowen, Karina S., BSN, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Adelphi University in
Garden City, New York. Her expected graduation date is December 2013. Karina was born and raised in
New York City; and hopes to be known as a patient advocate--believing that patient education is very
empowering to the community that she will serve. In March, 2013, Karina participated in an alternative
spring break program in Costa Rica. She was able to work with the local people and perform full body
assessments. Aside from nursing, Karina enjoys being active by playing tennis, basketball, and running in
her spare time. Her long-term career interests include becoming a travel nurse, and earning a master’s
degree in public health.
Castro, Susana, RN, MS, PhDc, for the past seven years has served as a Hospital Operations
Administrator, following sixteen years as a clinical coordinator and staff nurse in cardiac and medical
intensive care. She holds a master of science degree, as well as dual bachelor’s degrees in nursing and
Spanish literature; and the Nurse Executive Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
She also was a Research Assistant at the University of Illinois (UIC) College of Nursing from 2008-2011
for Cardiometabolic Program in Advanced Practice. Recently, she has taken on the role of Manager of
the Patient Representative Department where she oversees the patient complaint/grievance process, as
well as ensuring Limited English Proficiency guidelines are being met by the hospital.
Choi, Juliet, JD, is Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor for the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of
Health and Human Services. Juliet’s areas of responsibility includes civil rights policy, intra-HHS
coordination, legislative and intragovernmental affairs, outreach, and stakeholder relations. From 2006 to
2011, Juliet worked with the American National Red Cross, serving as a member of the Disaster Services
executive leadership team in the capacity of Senior Director for Disaster Partnerships; the principal in
charge for both overseeing its national strategy for strategic and inclusive private sector partnerships; and
administrative management of the nation’s premiere disaster case management technology consortium.
From 2004-2006, Juliet served at the Asian American Justice Center as the inaugural NAPABA Partners
Community Law Fellow and staff attorney, where her legal and policy expertise focused on Title VI and
language access with an emphasis on healthcare, disaster, and the courts. Founding and leading AAJC’s
disaster relief advocacy in the gulf region, her efforts led to amending the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to protect the limited English proficient community.
Juliet is a Next Generation Fellow of the American Assembly, and a graduate of both the American
Express Non-profit Leadership Academy and Harvard National Preparedness Leadership Initiative. She is
a graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Maryland School of Law.
Cruz, Henry,is the youngest of 12 siblings of which only four are alive. Diabetes has created havoc on his
family. In response to the impact of diabetes on his family and life, Henry chose to turn his pain into a
weapon against diabetes. The scars of diabetes are visible on Henry, a month before his family’s first
college graduation, and on his way to Law School, Henry became completely blind due to diabetes
retinopathy. One year after losing his sight, he miraculously regained sight in his left eye due to the gifted
hands of Dr. Jay Fleishman. He counts himself very fortunate, and dedicates his life and work to helping
others learn how to fight the barriers to good health in their own lives and family.
Henry is a patient and diabetes advocate, a healthcare consultant and motivational speaker, whose has
been sought by the healthcare industry, pharmaceuticals, health-plans, elected officials, and local and
foreign governments.
Presently, he is a consultant to InquisitHealth, a company launching a new innovative technology that
utilizes Patient Mentors to help patients challenged by diabetes, turn their poor management into good
management. Henry is also contracted by HIN Technologies of India, where he is working on their product
launch in the US.
Formerly the Lead Liaison for the Novo Nordisk Community Diabetes Coalition, which was launched in
2011 in Houston, Los Angeles, and New York, Henry successfully engaged and developed coalitions in
each city, and led the New York coalition in the development of a faith-based diabetes program that
reached thousands, which provided a faith-based framework that demonstrated that the church can be an
effective leader to address health disparities.
Prior to joining Novo Nordisk, he served as the Associate Director of Hospitals at NYC Health and
Hospital Corporation, where he was responsible for the creation of an accredited DSME program for 7
NYC hospitals; and the integration of Peer2Peer coaching for patients participating in HHC’s HouseCalls
Telehealth program, which serves over 300 patients living with uncontrolled diabetes. He also served as
the Community Health Liaison for sanofi-aventis US’ Community Health Partnership, where he
established best-practices that were utilized by his fellow liaisons in Baltimore, Memphis, Miami, and San
Antonio.
Henry is the former chair of the American Diabetes Association's Latino Advisory Committee, where he
previously served as the Associate Manager of Latino Initiatives, and was responsible for reaching
100,000s of Latinos in the NYC area with a message of diabetes prevention and management, and
exceeded fundraising goals.
Henry has served and continues to serve on local and national boards, advisories, and committees such
as the American University of Health Sciences, Signa Hall, CA; the Puerto Rican Family Institute; Comite
Noviembre, Comunlife; St. Barnabas Hospital, UNIVISION, ASPIRA of New Jersey, R.Evolucion Latina;
and even a Football and Capoeira organization.
Twenty plus years of professional and philanthropic experience, Henry’s strength are in symbiotic
relationship identification and building, business development; communications; corporate, community
and government affairs; consensus, partnership and coalition building; Hispanic/ethnic, brand and event
marketing, program, project, and staff management; public relations; and motivational speaking. It is the
utilization of these skills and strength that have allowed him to exceed expectations in business and
healthcare; and wage an effective battle against chronic diseases. Henry has served as a lecturer and
motivational speaker throughout the US, Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
His work has been highlighted by several nationally televised specials, such as NBC’s “Diabetes–The
Silent Killer,” and HITN TV’s profile on his work as a diabetes advocate; also articles and radio interviews.
On December 15, 2010, Henry lost his mother Andrea Cruz to diabetes and its complications–end-stage
renal and Alzheimer’s disease. He was her dedicated and sole caregiver for the last three-years of her
life. She never said she “loved him,” she would say “I love you too much.” He also inherited two amazing
children Samantha and Sammy, who lost both of their parents to AIDS. Samantha and Sammy have
enriched his life, and given him three beautiful grandchildren Aliva, Michael, and Andres. He lives in
Rockaway Park, NY, where he enjoys long walks on the beach with Jean Luc his Miniature Schnauzer–
it’s a blessed life.
He graduated from Manhattanvile College with a BA in English and History, and minored in Theology. He
has received extensive training on diabetes and other chronic diseases, and has been certified as a
Master Trainer by the CDC for the Diabetes Prevention Toolkit; and certified as a Master Trainer in both
English and Spanish by Stanford University’s Diabetes Self-Management program.
One of his favorite quotes is: “I have no message, my message is my life,” Gandhi.
Cruz, Madeline I., MS, RN, IBCLC, RLC, attended the Rutgers University, College of Nursing, where she
received her Bachelor of Science (Nursing) and MS (Community Health Nursing). She is an International
Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She went to Washington, DC, to talk to Senators and Congressmen
about NFP; and ask for their continued support for home visitation. Recently she presented “Utilizing a
Culturally Sensitive Approach to Supporting Breastfeeding in Hispanic First Time Mothers Through Nurse
Home Visitation” at the National Association of Hispanic Nurses in Las Vegas. She is very active with the
Latino Leadership Alliance of NJ, where the focus is on decreasing Health Disparities among Hispanics
and other minorities. She has been a Nurse Home Visitor for 7 years. She recently accepted the position
of Nurse Educator for the Nurse Family Partnership, National Service Office.
Cuellar, Norma, DSN, RN, FAAN, is a full professor at the Capstone College of Nursing at the University
of AL. She has taught in a variety of nursing education programs and currently teaches in the DNP and
EdD program. Her background area is in cultural diversity, the use of alternative medicine in health care,
and sleep, specifically Restless Legs Syndrome. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the
National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurses where she served in their mentorship program for four years,
mentoring baccalaureate and graduate Hispanic nurses to become nurse scientists/researchers. She is
currently the Chair of the Nominations Committee, and on the Board of Directors for NAHN. She serves
on the committee of Diversity and Inclusivity for the American Academy of Nursing. She is a strong
advocate to promote education in Hispanic nurses to improve health care outcomes of Hispanics in our
country.
Cueto, Alana, MSN is a member of the Class of 2013 at Seton Hall University where she successfully
obtained an entry level MSN-CNL degree. Alana worked as a Graduate Assistant in the school’s nursing
lab, teaching Health Assessment and Adult I skills to undergraduate students. It is through this
experience that she learned the responsibility an educator has to their students. She also learned that,
through teaching and self-discovery, a student can become empowered to grow and succeed.
Alana’s accomplishments include being inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, and
accompanying the College of Nursing Dean to Washington D.C. to advocate on behalf of NJ State
nurses. Alana aspires to combine Public Health and Policy in her future work in nursing.
Delgado, Victor, MSN, ANP-BC, is an adult nurse practitioner specialized in pulmonary, critical care, and
internal medicine. He has been a member of NAHN since 2012; and is currently enrolled in the DNP
program at the University of Alabama. He will graduate in August, 2013.
Doyle, Patti Solis, is a political organizer and campaign strategist with unprecedented insight into several
of the most important campaigns of the past 30 years, including Richard Daley’s 1990 campaign for
Mayor of Chicago, Bill Clinton’s successful bid for President in 1992, Hillary Clinton’s historic election to
the US Senate in 2000 and her failed campaign for President, and Barack Obama’s landslide victory in
2008.
Solis Doyle served as a senior advisor to Hillary Clinton from the earliest days of then Governor Bill
Clinton’s presidential campaign, through two terms in the White House, her election and re-election to the
US Senate, and her presidential campaign. As campaign manager of Clinton’s presidential bid from
January 2007 through February 2008, Solis was the first Hispanic woman to lead a presidential effort in
the United States.
During the 2008 general election, Solis Doyle joined Obama for America campaign as Chief of Staff for
the Vice Presidential operations. In this role, Solis built a national team of policy, communications,
political, and field operatives in advance of the nominee’s selection. She later managed day-to-day
operations for Joe Biden.
A Chicago Sun Times profile noted Solis’s extraordinary rise “in a business where it is rare for females to
pilot major campaigns, and minorities in key posts are even harder to find.” A New York Times profile
noted her low key style “stands apart in the attention-grabbing world of political consultants.” Solis Doyle
was among the earliest staffers to join then Governor Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign, and she
was the first hired to work for Hillary Clinton. From 1993 to 2001, Solis Doyle served in the White House
as the Director of Scheduling and Advance for the First Lady, promoting administration policies on
children, health care, and women’s issues. She was also responsible for helping the First Lady build
political support for Democratic candidates nationwide.
Solis Doyle took a leave from her White House duties to serve as Chief of Staff of Clinton’s 2000 Senate
campaign, where she managed the campaign’s day-to-day operations and coordinated press, policy,
political, and scheduling operations. Following Clinton’s election, Solis Doyle founded and led HILLPAC,
Clinton’s political action committee, and Friends of Hillary, Clinton’s re-election campaign. From 2001 to
2007, HILLPAC became one of the largest and most successful sources of fundraising for Democrats.
Solis Doyle has been honored with the “2007 Latinas of Excellence Award” by Hispanic Magazine for her
accomplishments in the area of government, politics, and civil leadership. She also received the “Siempre
Inspiran” award from Siempre Mujer magazine, honoring remarkable Latinas whose achievements and
contributions to their communities are helping shape the future of Hispanic women in this country.
Hispanic Business Magazine recently named her one of America’s “100 Most Influential Hispanics.”
Elsebai, Natalia, MSN, is a member of the Class of 2013 at Seton Hall University, where she
successfully obtained an entry level MSN-CNL degree. Prior, Natalia attended Rutgers University and
received her degree in Biology. Natalia worked as a Graduate Assistant at Seton Hall’s nursing lab
teaching Health Assessment and Adult I skills to undergraduate students. It is through this experience
that she learned the importance of nursing education and educators’ influences in student’s careers.
Natalia also works at Robert Wood Johnson ER as a Registration Coordinator.
Natalia is a member of the Leaders in Health Care Club at Seton Hall University, and has also been
published in NCBI for her work in the sequencing of a C. Brenneri. Natalia is very passionate about
children’s health and hopes to work in Pediatrics, as a NICU nurse.
Etienne, Marie O., DNP, ARNP, PLNC, is a Professor at Miami Dade College (MDC), Medical Campus,
Benjamín León School of Nursing. Dr. Etienne is a recipient of the 2007 MDC Stanley G. Tate and Family
Endowed Teaching Chair for Excellence in Academia. Dr. Etienne is a 2012 Trailblazer of the National
Black Nurses Association (NBNA); the 2011 Health Information Technology Scholar (HITS) from NLN,
John Hopkins University & University of Indiana. Dr. Etienne serves as a consultant and Public Relations
Liaison for the National Association of Hispanic Nurses–Miami Chapter. Marie is a very active member of
the Haitian American Nurses Association of Florida where she served as Past President 2005-2007, and
Chair of the Public Relations Committee. Dr. Etienne is a 2011 Marie Claire Heureuse Leadership Award
recipient. In 2011, Dr. Etienne was appointed by NBNA to serve on the National Nursing Committee of
the American Red Cross, and was appointed to the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council
(SAC), currently serving in the Nursing and Caregiving Subcouncil in SAC. Marie has been awarded, and
will receive, the 2013 Florence Nightingale Medal by the International Red Cross in Washington, DC, on
October 23, 2013.
Dr. Etienne is a nursing faculty service-learning facilitator at MDC -Medical Campus. Marie organizes and
volunteers with Project Medishare during post-earthquake in Haiti, and coordinated medical missions to
Dominican Republic Bateyes; and to Haiti with the Haitian American Professionals Coalition. Dr. Etienne
is a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Volunteer for the Florida Department of Health, receiving numerous
distinguished awards for her community service work including the 2011 Nurse.Com Nursing Excellence
Regional Award; the 2012 Florida Nurses Association Advanced Practice Nursing Award; and the 2012
FNA South Region Advanced Practice Award.
Estrada, Sylvia S., RN, WHCNP, CBCN, MSN, MSHCM, BSN, is the Clinical Program Coordinator for
the Wasserman Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Ms. Estrada is
nationally certified as a: Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner; Certified Breast Care Nurse; and
Certified Clinical Research Professional.
Her current clinical care and research interests involve the
screening of women, who are at high risk for breast cancer, provide genetic counseling for hereditary
Sbreast and ovarian cancer.
Ms. Estrada received her nursing degree from Los Angeles County /University of Southern California
(LAC/USC) School of Nursing and her Bachelor's in Nursing from California State University, Los
Angeles. She earned a Master's degree in Healthcare Management from California State University, Los
Angeles and a Master's degree in Nursing from California State University, Long Beach. She is currently
enrolled in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Western University of Health Sciences in
Pomona, California.
Ms. Estrada demonstrates a strong commitment to her volunteer work both locally and internationally.
She is President for the California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP) for the Greater Pasadena
Chapter, Newsletter Editor for the Greater Los Angeles Oncology Nursing Society, and President for the
Western University DNP Student Association. Internationally, she provides service and medical care to
the underserved populations across Central American countries, travelling abroad annually to address,
deliver and manage gynecological and obstetric health care needs of impoverished women.
Florez, Elizabeth, PhD, RN, is a graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a
double major in Biology and Psychology. She went on to pursue a master’s degree in nursing at DePaul
University. Her clinical experience included holding a charge nurse position at Advocate Illinois Masonic
Medical Center’s surgical-trauma intensive care unit, which is a level-one trauma center. She cared for a
range of critically ill patients that included acute cardiac care.
She recently earned her PhD in Nursing Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of
Nursing. Dr. Florez’s dissertation research explored the perceptions of risk of an acute myocardial
infarction and likelihood of action in response to AMI symptoms among Mexican Americans at risk for
CVD. Her future research focus is on CVD risk reduction by implementing interventions that combine
education and physical activity to empower Latinos to prevent CVD.
Dr. Florez is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at DePaul University’s School of Nursing in Chicago.
She is an active volunteer for the American Heart Association. Her involvement includes membership in
the Multicultural Leadership Committee in which her involvement began from her role as the liaison for
the Illinois Hispanic Nurses Association and American Heart Association partnership. She was recently
appointed Chair for the Metro Chicago Go Red for Women Ambassador Committee. Dr. Florez is also an
active member in the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society in which she serves as the
treasurer for the Zeta Sigma Chapter. Her other professional memberships include the American
Association of Critical-Care Nurses and the Midwest Nursing Research Society.
Garside, Leda Isabel, RN, BSN, MBA, is a bilingual, bicultural Latina registered nurse, Manager of the
Tuality Healthcare ¡Salud! Services/Cultural Liaison. The ¡Salud! Services program provides services to
Vineyard workers and family members working and residing in the north Willamette Valley. The program
also assists in the delivery of outreach services to the greater Laino community in Washington County.
Her career interests include cultural competencies in health care, health promotion, and prevention. She
is passionate about improving access to basic health care services, building a health care infrastructure
and delivery system that is effective, integrated, affordable, and one that decreases duplication of
services. Leda feels that a successful health system emphasizes and seeks ways to decrease barriers
and inequities, addressing racial or ethinic disparities to create culturally responsive services. In addition,
she believes that things can be accomplished when there is collaboration, cooperation, and commitment
by all key stakeholders to better serve the needs of the community, in particular the under-served and atrisk populations. Leda has earned the following:
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BSN – University of Alaska, Anchorage
MBA – Health Care Management – Marylhurst University, Oregon
Public Health Leadership Certificate – NW Public Health Institute, University of Washington
Health Care Management Certificate – Professional Development Center, Portland State
University
2013 American Leadership Forum fellow.
Garza, Paloma, RN, MPH, FNP-C, has been a San Diego chapter president and is the current treasurer
of NAHN at the national level. She has helped pass new policies and procedures related to NAHN’s
finances, resulting in greater accountability and increased transparency.
Ghannoum, Sarah, is currently attending Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. She expects to
graduate in May, 2014, with her Bachelors of Science in nursing. Sarah was able to partake in an
alternative spring break program for a week in Costa Rica. There, she was able perform full body
assessments and care for the local residents. It was then after her experience in Costa Rica where she
was certain that nursing was right for her. Outside of Sarah’s academic career, she enjoys spending time
with her family and friends and traveling the world every chance she get. After graduating, Sarah plans on
continuing her education in a Master’s program where she will specialize in pediatrics.
Gonzalez, Jaime G., DrPH, MSSW, MSHA, is a public health professional dedicated to improving the
health and well-being of the Hispanic/Latino community. In his role with UnitedHealthcare, Dr. Gonzalez
consults with UnitedHealthcare’s sales and account management teams, marketing teams, and clinical
teams; and trains them on the use of UnitedHealthcare’s various Hispanic-focused programs, services,
and resources, especially designed for clients with Spanish-speaking employees. Dr. Gonzalez also
maintains various relationships with numerous Hispanic-based professional and business associations
nationwide. Dr. Gonzalez strives to serve the Latino community with bilingual excellence by providing it
with access to culturally-relevant health and wellness resources that will help Hispanics to enhance their
health and well-being.
Gonzalez, Susana, RN, MSN, MHA, CNML, is the Director of Women’s Services at MacNeal Hospital, in
Berwyn, IL. She is responsible for developing and leading her department to great quality care, nursing
services, and promoting educational gains. She has extensive knowledge in program management,
resource development, public policy and advocacy, and community health outreach program
development. She has progressive supervisory experience in directing; managing, and providing
leadership for others in many settings. She enjoys the challenges of creating a culture, which promotes
professional growth and development in her staff.
Guipoco, Fil, MA, is the current Health Equity Director for the Northern Illinois, Southeast Wisconsin, and
Northwest Indiana territories. He has been with the American Heart Association for 11 years, and has
supported several Health Strategies efforts, both locally and nationally. The 2010-2011 year demanded
that Fil work closely with his volunteers and alliance partners in breaking new and exciting ground within
the Latino market for the area. He has been a champion and a leader in Latino initiatives within the
Healthy Equity field at both the local, regional, and national level. Fil’s victories at the American Heart
Association include support for passing the Clean Indoor Act in Chicago, Illinois; The Colleen O’Sullivan
Law mandating Automated External Defibrillators in locations of high cardiac exertion; and Funding for
CPR in Schools at the Chicago Public Schools. Fil has established several successful alliances with
community partners including Sigma Delta Theta, the Consulate General of Mexico, and the Illinois
Hispanic Nurses Association. Fil’s goal is to continue supporting community awareness related to
cardiovascular disease and stroke, and to increase the number of partners, alliances, and groups
engaged in this life-saving effort.
Gracia, J. Nadine, MD, MSCE, is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health and the Director of
the Office of Minority Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Office of
Minority Health is dedicated to improving the health of racial and ethnic minority populations through the
development of health policies and programs that will help eliminate health disparities. Under Dr. Gracia’s
leadership, the Office of Minority Health oversees the implementation of the HHS Action Plan to Reduce
Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities and the National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities.
A pediatrician with epidemiology training, Dr. Gracia previously served as Chief Medical Officer for the
HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. There, she provided policy and programmatic leadership
for a portfolio that included child and adolescent health, climate change, disaster preparedness,
environmental health, global health, Haiti recovery, and the White House Council on Women and Girls.
She led the development of the HHS 2012 Environmental Justice Strategy.
Dr. Gracia is a former White House Fellow, serving at HHS in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Health and the Office of the Secretary. She also served as a policy advisor in the Office of the First Lady,
assisting in the development of the Let’s Move! initiative to solve childhood obesity.
An honors graduate of Stanford University, Dr. Gracia received her medical degree from the University of
Pittsburgh, and holds a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Pennsylvania.
She completed postgraduate training at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, where she was a Chief
Pediatrics Resident. She served as a clinical instructor and general pediatrics research fellow at
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, conducting research on community risk factors for violence. Dr.
Gracia is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
A first-generation Haitian-American, Dr. Gracia is an advocate for minority and underserved populations,
and lectures nationwide on health disparities and health equity. She has been named one of The Grio’s
100 History Makers in the Making and one of Washington’s Powerful Women by BET. Dr. Gracia is a
National President Emeritus of the Student National Medical Association, and a past Postgraduate
Physician Trustee of the National Medical Association.
Heinz, Matthew G., MD, has joined the Office of Intergovernmental & External Affairs at the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services as Director of Provider Outreach. He brings a unique
perspective to this position as a practicing hospital physician from Tucson and former member of the
Arizona House of Representatives. Born and raised in Michigan, Dr. Heinz attended medical school at
Wayne State University, and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of
Arizona. During his medical training, he observed first-hand the many barriers to good medical care, and
how they adversely affect both patients and providers. These experiences prompted Dr. Heinz to run for
elected office to be a voice for positive change in health care policy to address the growing problems with
the system.
During his four years in the Arizona legislature, he was instrumental in the passage of over a dozen laws
with bipartisan support. He jointly led the effort to expand the well woman health check program for breast
and cervical cancer screening, which has already allowed dozens of lower income women to receive
treatment. While serving as a lawmaker, he was also a member of the LGBT caucus and active within the
advocacy community in Arizona. Dr. Heinz heads up provider engagement efforts within the Office of the
Secretary, and also serves on the Secretary’s LGBT issues coordinating committee as primary liaison for
the LGBT community. He continues to practice medicine on a part-time basis at a large community
hospital in Tucson.
Hernandez, P. Melissa, MA, has been at UIC for 12 years, working on special programs funded by
HRSA grants. Her passion is working in higher education and with under-represented minority students.
She is passionate in working on reducing health disparities in education and health care settings,
especially with the Latino population. She has devoted and volunteered a lot of time and energy to many
projects including health screenings, health fairs, Latino initiatives on and off campus for student
recruitment, and has taken on leadership roles in committees regarding these initiatives. Her master’s
degree or background is in education and leadership development.
LeBold, Mary M. RN, MSN, EdD, is the Executive Director of Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium
(CBNC) and Dean emeritus of Saint Xavier University School of Nursing. As Dean, she was responsible
for undergraduate nursing and graduate nursing programs. At that time, she worked with faculty to
develop several funded projects and with community members to develop and implement the Chicago
Bilingual Nurse Program. Dr. Lebold holds an EdD from Northern Illinois University in Adult and
Continuing Education, a MSN from University of Illinois Chicago, and a BSN from Saint Xavier University.
She has extensive experience in nursing education; and has published and presented papers related to
nursing curriculum, caring, and nursing education. Dr. Lebold is an active member of several community
boards; and currently serves as Secretary of the Alivio Medical Center Board. She was recently reappointed by the Governor to the State of Illinois to the Nursing Center Advisory committee, which is
currently working with the Illinois Health Care Action Coalition (IHAC) to implement the recommendations
of the IOM/RWJ Report on the Future of Nursing (2011) in Illinois.
Jones, Sandra “Sande” Gracia, PhD, ARNP, ACRN, ACNS-BC, FAACN, is an Associate Professor,
Nursing, in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami. Dr. Jones
teaches in the BSN, DNP, and PhD programs. She received her diploma in nursing from St. Luke’s
Hospital, New Bedford, Massachusetts; her BSN from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth; her
MSN from the University of Miami; her post-MSN Adult Nurse Practitioner and a Master’s in Adult
Education from Florida International University; and her PhD in Nursing from Barry University, Miami. Dr.
Jones is currently the Principal Investigator for the FIU Nursing HIV Prevention Education Project, which
is funded through the Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy, DHHS.
Dr. Jones’ research interests include HIV prevention for vulnerable populations. She has nearly two
decades of experience in HIV/AIDS care and prevention education. She is a Fellow in the American
Academy of Nursing; has served as an HIV/AIDS Nurse Expert for the American Nurses Association
(ANA); and has served as an Officer and Director for the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC). Dr.
Jones has presented and published on HIV/AIDS care. She has received several awards for her work,
including the Advanced Practice Nurse Award and the Nurse Researcher Award from the Florida Nurses
Association; the inaugural Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year Award from the American Nurses
Credentialing Center, ANA; and the inaugural HIV Prevention Award from the Association of Nurses in
AIDS Care (ANAC). Dr. Jones was recently named as one of the “Top 25 Nursing Professors in Florida.”
Dr. Jones and her co-authors received the Article of the Year Award from the Journal of the Association
of Nurses in AIDS Care (JANAC) for their 2008 article “SENORITAS An HIV Prevention Project for Latina
College Students at a Hispanic-Serving University.”
Lane, Patricia C., MBA, BSN, RN, is currently the Neuroscience Coordinator for Bon Secours Virginia
Health System with primary responsibility at St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center, and Watkins
Center in Richmond Virginia. Pat received her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Virginia State
University in 1984, Bachelor’s of Nursing from George Mason University 1988, and her Masters of
Business Administration in Health Care Administration from Regis University in May of 2008.
Pat serves as ambassador for the American Heart Associations Power to End Stroke Program, and was
named as the Ambassador for Greater Washington Region for 2007-2008. As the liaison for National
Black Nurses Association and AHA/ASA Power to End Stroke Program, she led NBNA to receiving the
2009 Strategic Alliance Award with the outcome of over seventy chapters educating and screening over
21, 000 persons in the community. Pat was selected to AHA/ASA Health Equity Summit 2020 Strategic
Goal Summit, and is the founding chairperson of the Virginia Stroke Coordinators Consortium
representing all 82 hospitals for the State of Virginia.
In 2005, she was appointed to the Virginia State Board of Nursing, and reappointed until 2013. In
December, 2011, she was also appointed as the first advocacy chair for the American Association of
Neuroscience Nurses for a two-year term. Pat was awarded the Virginia Magnet Nursing Leadership
Award of Excellence in 2009.
Pat has consistently presented at the Cardiovascular Institute for NBNA’s National Conferences; and she
speaks on behalf of many organizations on stroke, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. She has had
multiple media engagements centering on Healthy Lifestyle Initiatives. She has been featured in the
Washington Post, CW Network, and ADVANCE for Nurses, Chesterfield Observer, Channel 8 news, and
has a segment on You Tube on Stroke Education Awareness. Some of her most recent presentations
include the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, the Association of Black Cardiologist, and the
National Black Nurses Annual Conference where she presented Nursing Excellence Strategies for Health
Reform: Transformational Leadership Needed to Navigate Our African American Community. Pat was
also an abstractor reviewer for the 2012 Research Centers in Minority Institutions Cardiovascular
Scientific Sessions Submissions.
Levine, Margaret, RN, MSN, MPA, , has 36 years’ nursing experience—11 years as an Educator/CNS,
and 21 years of progressive management and leadership responsibility. As a CNS, her responsibilities
included providing clinical expertise, education, consultation, and research in a variety of adult critical
care settings. As a Director of Nursing, responsibilities have included personnel, operational, fiscal, and
quality management in diverse clinical areas, including critical care, med-surg., addictions, maternal-child,
ambulatory care, endoscopy, and NIH general clinical research centers.
Currently, she is Senior Associate Director of Nursing, Education, Research and Quality at Woodhull
Medical Center. Responsibilities include orientation, in-service and continuing education, staff
development, competency assessment and validation, clinical consultation, career development, school
affiliations, evidence-based practice standards, research, and nursing performance improvement.
Margaret has held joint appointments with several colleges and universities in the NY/NJ area, and is
currently an adjunct faculty member at The College of New Rochelle.
Lizarraga, Paulette is a Staff Registered Nurse at Chandler Regional Medical Center in Chandler, AZ and
works part-time for the City of Phoenix Housing Department under a HOPE VI HUD grant as the
coordinator of the With Every Heartbeat is Life Program, a heart health curriculum that utilizes residents
of public housing as promotoras to educate their community about preventative health. Paulette
graduated in 2011 with her Associates of Science in Nursing from GateWay Community College in
Phoenix, AZ. She is a current student at Arizona State University working towards her BSN. Paulette
began working on the Muevete USA project from its inception in 2011 as student nurse. Since then, she
has taken a leadership role with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses Phoenix Chapter on their
Executive Board and co-lead Muevete USA’s implementation in 2012 and 2013.
Marrero, Amy, MA, BSN, RN, PHN, is the California Nurse Consultant for the Nurse-Family
Partnership® National Service Office. She has worked in Public Health for over 20 years, beginning as a
generalist field nurse with Public Health Nursing. She worked with medically fragile infants and their
families, epidemiology, and TB investigations; and provided home visits to at-risk mothers and infants.
She also coordinated the clinical start-up of the CA Breast Cancer Early Detection Program in Orange
County; and later participated in the start-up of the Nurse-Family Partnership there as a nurse home
visitor, then as supervisor and nurse consultant.
Messmer, Patricia R., RN, PhD, FAAN, has served as a consultant for Nursing Education and Research
at Miami Dade College in Miami, Florida since February 7, 2011. Prior positions include Director of
Patient Care Services Research at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri; Nurse Researcher
at Miami Children’s Hospital; Associate for Research at Mount Sinai Medical Center/Miami Heart Institute;
Director of Research/Magnet Project Director Mount Sinai Medical Center; and Director of Nursing
Education and Research at Tampa General Hospital. Prior academic appointments include Pennsylvania
State University, University of Cincinnati, Villa Marie College/Gannon University, and Edinboro University
of PA. Dr. Messmer has a diploma from Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing, a BSN and PhD from
the University of Pittsburgh, and a MSN and a MA in Rehabilitation in Counseling from Edinboro
University of Pennsylvania. Pat held adjunct positions at University of Miami, Barry University, Florida
International University, University of South Florida, and University of Florida.
Dr. Messmer serves as Chair of the American Nurses Association (ANA) nominating committee, and is on
the ANA-Political Action Committee (PAC) Leadership Society, having served as past trustee/secretary of
ANA-PAC. Pat was the former Treasurer/Trustee of ANF, and conducted a 56-year historical study of the
ANF scholars (1955-2012). Pat is the President of the Florida Nurses Foundation; and chair of the Nurses
Charitable Trust, a nurse philanthropic group. Pat is a Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Virginia
Henderson fellow, a past member of STTI researcher committee (3 terms), and Past President of Beta
Tau Chapter. Pat is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, and served on the AAN nominating
committee. Pat is the co-author of Private Duty Nurse Undine Sams: Passion, Power & Political Action;
and is in the process of authoring Fifty Years of the Nursing Program at Miami Dade College Focusing
on the Effect of the Cuban Crisis. Pat was the endnote speaker for a nursing research conference at
Cebu Normal University in Cebu, Philippine, November, 2012. In addition to Cebu, Pat has presented and
mentored nurses at Children Hospital is Guangzhou, China; Fudan University in Shanghai, China;
Veterans Administration Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan; Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan; Chiba
University, Japan; and Jiaozuo, Zhengzhou and Wuhan, China. Pat taught Physical Assessment at the
University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, November 2010, served on two Vietnamese
masters students thesis committee, and taught Nursing Leadership January 2-18, 2013; and is mentoring
four MSN students on their theses in Ho Chi Minh City. Dr. Messmer has numerous multi-faceted
presentations and publications.
Millan, Angie, RN, MSN, FAAN, is the Nursing Director of Children’s Medical Services, County of Los
Angeles, Department of Public Health. In her role, Angie Millan oversees approximately 230 nurses and
nursing staff in CMS. Since 1993, Angie has been a clinical Nursing Instructor at Los Angeles
Community College. Ms. Millan is the Past-President of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses
(NAHN), and is Muevete USA Project Director.
Concurrently, she serves and is affiliated with the following organizations: National Hispanic Health
Foundation, Board Member; National Council of Ethnic Minority Nursing Association (NCEMNA), Board
Member; Commissioner, Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) and California
Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission, (CHWPC).
She is a recipient of the following national and local honors and awards: National Hispanic Health
Foundation Leadership Award; Lifetime Leadership Achievement Award, NAHN Los Angeles Chapter;
Janie Menchaca Wilson Leadership Award; California Legislature Assembly Resolution, Leadership
Award, and most recently was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing.
Ms. Millan received her bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in Nursing at California State
University, Los Angeles. Soon after, she became a Nurse Practitioner with specialization in Women’s
Health from Harbor/UCLA Medical Center.
Mitchell, Mary J., MPA, created the MSI AHEC in 2004; and currently oversees the operation of several
health career exploration and academic enrichment programs, serving middle school to medical school
students. Ms. Mitchell actively supports the National AHEC Organization (NAO) as its current President,
former President-Elect, Secretary of the Board of Directors, and former Chairperson of the NAO Center
Director Constituency Group. In addition, she serves as Membership Chairperson for the Northeast
Region of the National Association of Medical Minority Educators.
Ms. Mitchell is an experienced educator having developed and taught curriculum for adult education
programs, health professions diversity and cultural awareness. She has delivered presentations at
national conferences to include the National AHEC Organization, National Association of Minority Medical
Educators, and the National Health Service Corps.
Ms. Mitchell holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, with a concentration in Health Care
Administration from Long Island University which included study in South Africa, a Bachelor’s Degree in
Community Health from St. Joseph’s College, and a Certificate in Non Profit Management from the
Columbia University Institute for Non Profit Management.
Nava, Adrianna, MSN, BSN, RN, Health Care Provider with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in Peoria, IL; and her Masters of Science in Nursing
(MSN) in Health Leadership and Health Policy from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.
During the height of health reform negotiations in the summer of 2009, she was placed as a Barbara
Jordan Health Policy Scholar in the Office of Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA) in Washington, DC. In
2011, she was elected President of the Illinois Hispanic Nurses Association (IHNA), a chapter of the
National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). She has had extensive training as a health care
provider in various clinical settings, serving diverse patient populations and advocating on behalf of
underserved populations within the Chicago land area. She currently sits on the membership committee
for the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), the multicultural leadership committee of the
American Heart Association (AHA), and the Health Task Force for the Office of Jesus Garcia, Cook
County Commissioner of the 7th District.
Niño, Teresa, is the Director of the Office of Public Engagement in the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services (CMS) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). She joined
CMS in May, 2009, when she was appointed by the Obama Administration to be the Director of the Office
of External Affairs and Beneficiary Services (OEABS). In that capacity, she guided 280 employees, and
managed a $550M budget to successfully achieve the strategic communication objectives that promote
the vital health care for more than 90 million Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
In April, 2011, Ms. Niño was selected to lead the newly created Office of Public Engagement within CMS.
The function of the office, as the name implies, is to engage the American public in CMS programs and
services such as Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance
Marketplace.
Ms. Niño has over 25 years’ experience in the field of Communications, and began her career in
journalism in 1986 as a Chicago TV Reporter. In 1989, she was soon tapped to assist the local mayoral
campaign that resulted in the election of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. Ms. Niño served as Mayor
Daley’s Assistant Press Secretary for the City of Chicago, and was also Deputy Campaign Manager for
the Mayor’s re-election campaign.
She first moved to Washington, DC, in 1993, to serve as Secretary Donna E. Shalala’s Director of
Outreach for HHS in the Clinton Administration. While working at HHS, Ms. Niño worked on Faith-Based
Initiatives, the Interagency Committee on Persian Gulf Mystery Illnesses, the Environmental Justice
Committee, the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, and the White House
Executive Order on Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s).
In 1996, Ms. Niño moved from Washington, DC, to San Antonio and was researcher for the book, The
Americano Dream, by Lionel Sosa. The following year, she joined the Greater Kelly Development
Authority (KellyUSA/Port Authority), a former military base converted to an international business park,
where she became the Director of Marketing and Business Development and was responsible for
International Marketing, Media Relations, Community Relations, Advertising, and the agency’s website.
In 2004, Ms. Niño worked for the San Antonio Express-News, first as Director of Community Relations,
where she oversaw the company’s philanthropic giving, and later as Director of Marketing. In 2008, and
prior to returning to DC and the federal government, she worked for the National Trauma Institute in San
Antonio, Texas, a national non-profit organization, where she served as the Director of Communications
and Legislative Affairs.
O’Connor, Amy leads the Digital Government Affairs Team at Lilly. She is a graduate of the
University of Notre Dame—Go Irish!—and the Georgetown Public Policy Institute—Hoya Saxa! Through
the course of her career, Amy has spent some time in London working for the British Parliament, a few
years assessing international operations for Lilly, and the last six in Government Affairs focusing on
strategy and business alignment. Most recently, Amy launched Lilly’s digital public policy effort with
LillyPad (@LillyPad), and the Campaign for Modern Medicines (@ModernMeds). Her goal is to develop
Lilly’s engagement on public policy issues to better promote innovative public policy solutions. In her
spare time, Amy can be found exploring Washington, D.C., out with her dog, playing competitive sports,
or cheering on her favorite team, and traveling to a new country. She is also a bit of a “foodie,” and enjoys
trying new restaurants and bringing friends together at her favorite places. With her finger on the pulse of
policy, political and advocacy worlds, Amy will share her experiences and blog about these issues on
LillyPad.
Regis, Steve, is a native born New Yorker, born in Brooklyn. Although he was born in Brooklyn, he grew
up in Bellerose, Long Island, since the age of 6. Having a father who is a Respiratory Therapist and a
mother who is an LPN, it seems he was given innate passion for medicine. After graduating from high
school in Floral Park, he is being blessed with being able to go through the experience of nursing school
at Adelphi University. His expected graduation date is December, 2013. He has always had a passion for
medicine, and nursing has opened his eyes to a true love for aiding others around him. In March, 2013,
he was presented with a chance to go to Costa Rica to experience health care through a perspective
outside of the US. This occasion did not get an opportunity to get a second guess. This event has grown
to be life changing for him. While in Costa Rica, he was able to take involvement in visiting community
kitchens, working first hand in clinics, and interacting with leaders of alternative medicine. He was also
able to feel a different level of appreciation by health-seeking individuals. Never had he met a group of
people so welcoming and grateful. Having gone through an experience like this, he is honored to present
a poster at the NAHN Conference to share with others issues that these amazing individual in Costa Rica
are dealing with. Other than medicine, Steve has a great passion for music. Being a classically trained
pianist his goal is to obtain a masters in music therapy, where he would be able to collaborate his nursing
craft with his musical dexterities; and put it together to change lives.
Yolanda Nitti, MSN, RN, received a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Hunter College in 1991, a
Master’s degree in Nursing (Midwifery) from Columbia University in 1996, and is enrolled in the PhD in
nursing program at Barry University. Ms. Nitti is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing
at Miami Dade College, where she teaches Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Pharmacology, Advanced Medical
Surgical and Leadership/Management for the ASN and the BSN nursing programs.
Ms. Nitti has been a Nurse Manager and Director for several hospitals in New York and Miami in the
Maternal/Child area. She also assisted in the construction of several OB Units, and was the Nurse
Manager of a Women’s Center at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Ms. Nitti
received the 2005 “Nurse Manager of the Year,” as nominated by the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center OB
medical staff in New York City. Ms Nitti also received the 2012 “March of Dimes Women Health Award;”
and was featured with Robbin Simmons (week-end Channel 7 news anchor ) in the March 2013 issue of
The FloridaNurse. Ms. Nitti is currently the Vice-President of the Miami Chapter National Association of
the Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), and was instrumental in the success of the Muevete USA Miami site
project. She has been an RN for over 20 years in education and administration; and is an influential
professional nurse and woman, who is respected by many professionals in academia and the communityat-large.
Paul, Carl-Robert, was born on January 10th 1990. Mr. Paul was raised by his Haitian parents in the
quiet town of Uniondale, New York. There, he attended elementary school, middle school, and high
school. After being inspired by his mother’s love for the career of Nursing, Mr. Paul decided to pursue his
bachelor of science in Nursing at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. During the spring, 2013
semester, Mr. Paul was presented the opportunity to visit the country of Costa Rica with a couple of his
college professors and fellow classmates. There, he was able to perform full body assessments, and
teach the natives of Costa Rica the importance of health care compliance. Mr. Paul enjoys traveling,
exercising, fine music, and fine cuisine. He aspires to someday be an Adult Nurse Practitioner, and to
continue to offer his skills to those in need all over the world.
Quinn, Winifred V., PhD, Co-Director, the Center to Champion Nursing in America, an initiative of AARP
and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, helps to lead a national campaign dedicated to improving
health care through nursing, the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action. Within this role, she oversees a
team to support "Action Coalitions" in each state and the District of Columbia, so that they can implement
the Institute of Medicine's recommendations from its landmark 2011 report, The Future of Nursing:
Leading Change, Advancing Health. Winifred also helps to lead the Campaign for Action's diversity work
to help ensure a more diverse nursing workforce, faculty, and leadership.
Winifred also matrixes into AARP writ large to help address public policies that intersect with consumer
and nursing issues. Policy issues that she works on relate to improved funding for nursing education and
legal barriers that prevent all levels of registered nurses from practicing to the full extent of their education
and expertise. Winifred's federal policy work includes working on nursing education provisions within the
2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Winifred helped to initiate a national level coalition that
successfully achieved the win of Medicare supporting graduate-level nursing education for the first time in
its 47-year history. Her state level policy work is to oversee the technical assistance to Action Coalitions
and AARP state offices that are improving funding for nursing education and modernizing scope of
practice laws. Winifred is an alumna of Union County College in Cranford, NJ, and Douglass College,
Rutgers University. She received her master's degree in Counseling from Montclair State University, and
completed her PhD in Health Communication from Rutgers University School of Communication and
Information.
Regis, Steve, is a native born New Yorker, born in Brooklyn. Although he was born in Brooklyn, he grew
up in Bellerose, Long Island, since the age of 6. Having a father who is a Respiratory Therapist and a
mother who is an LPN, it seems he was given innate passion for medicine. After graduating high school in
Floral Park, he is blessed with being able to go through the experience of nursing school at Adelphi
University. His expected graduation date is December, 2013. He has always had a passion for medicine,
and nursing has opened his eyes to a true love for aiding others around him. In March, 2013, he was
presented with a chance to go to Costa Rica to experience health care through a perspective outside of
the USA. This occasion did not get an opportunity to get a second guess. This event has grown to be life
changing for him. While in Costa Rica, he was able to take involvement in visiting community kitchens,
working first hand in clinics, and interacting with leaders of alternative medicine. He was also able to feel
a different level of appreciation by health seeking individuals. Never had he met a group of people so
welcoming and grateful. Having gone through an experience like this, he is honored to present a poster at
the NAHN Conference to share with others issues that these amazing individual in Costa Rica are dealing
with. Other than medicine, Steve has a great passion for music. Being a classically trained pianist, his
goal is to obtain a masters in music therapy where he would be able to collaborate his nursing craft with
his musical dexterities, and put it together to change lives.
Rose, Knesha, MPH, is the Associate Director, Programs for the Louisiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s
Association. In this role her goal is to provide care and support to people with dementia and their families
by offering education programs promoting awareness and early diagnosis, care consultation, and support
groups throughout the state.
Prior to her work with the Alzheimer’s Association, Knesha was State Director of Program Services with
the March of Dimes Louisiana Chapter in Baton Rouge, LA. During this time, Knesha managed a variety
of responsibilities including advocacy, public relations, program implementation including grants, and
volunteer management.
With over six years of public health experience in community health, health disparities, and advocacy,
Knesha is passionate about serving vulnerable populations and ensuring health access and equity. She is
a member of the American Public Health Association, and a Board member of its Black Caucus of Health
Workers. Knesha also serves as an associate faculty with the University of Phoenix in the College of
Natural Sciences. Knesha obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in
Chemistry, and a Master’s of Public Health with an emphasis in Health Promotion from Northern Illinois
University.
Sayre, Stacy D., serves as MRC Regional Coordinator for Region VI (AR, LA, NM, OK, TX). She
provides technical assistance and support to the existing MRC units in the region, and helps people
interested in the MRC program to start a unit when there is not currently an active MRC in their local
community. Ms. Sayre works closely with individual units to advance the U.S. Surgeon General's public
health priorities, and coordinate with the goals of the Division of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve
Corps.
Ms. Sayre attended Florida State University and received her bachelor’s in computer science and
software engineering, with a minor in mathematics and physics. She began her career as an intern, later
becoming a scientific programmer and an IT project coordinator for the Magnet Science and Technology
Division of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory affiliated with FSU. She worked with leading
scientists from around the world at this facility on projects including computer modeling superconducting
and resistive magnetic technologies used in industrial magnets and research across industries, in addition
to cryogenic studies of rocket fuel for NASA.
Ms. Sayre then worked at the Florida Division of Emergency Management as the lead Geographic
Information Systems programmer, and worked on many public information projects to educate Floridians
and tourists about the hazards in their communities. During the 2004 Florida hurricane season, she was
involved in the response and recovery for a historic hurricane season of one tropical storm and four
hurricanes, assisting with coordinating efforts among the emergency support functions, public information
officers, and volunteers at the State Emergency Operations Center. It was this experience and working
with the volunteer agencies, most notably the Civil Air Patrol, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, and
AmeriCorps that began her true appreciation of volunteerism in disasters and the need for community
education before a disaster to empower all citizens.
Since 2005, Ms. Sayre has worked with the Medical Reserve Corps; and has supported many disaster
response efforts in the region including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike. Region VI faces tough
public health and disaster preparedness challenges; and she is constantly inspired every day by the work
that caring community members can accomplish to make our neighborhoods safer and healthier, which is
the goal of all Medical Reserve Corps volunteers and leaders.
Santos, Giannina, MS, ARNP, NP-C, first began in Nursing as a practical nurse in 1999. She worked in
telemetry and medical surgical units. In 2003, she obtained an Associate in Science in Nursing from
Broward College. As an RN, she worked in Endoscopy for 8 years, which became her passion. Later,
she decided to advance in her profession, and obtained a BSN degree in 2006; and MS (Family Nurse
Practitioner) in 2009 at Florida Atlantic University. After working for almost a year with an underserved
population as a Nurse Practitioner, she noted that Hispanic children are becoming obese at a younger
age. While working with the students, many of them were having health issues such as obesity and being
overweight. This helped her to implement a web-based educational program for Hispanic college students
that teaches them how to eat properly and the benefits of physical activity.
Torres-Suarez, Vivian, MBA, BSN, RN, for the past 30 years, has dedicated her professional life to
community-based health care--serving as a clinician, an advocate, an innovator, a manager, and a top
level executive. Ms. Torres-Suarez was the guiding force behind the development and implementation of
the first pediatric long-term home health care program in New York State.
Ms. Torres-Suarez has been recognized with a number of honors, including an award for outstanding
service to the people of Queens; and recognition from the Queensboro Council for Social Welfare. Ms.
Torres-Suarez was honored with the 2010 Homero Rosado Leadership Award from Raices and the 2007
Excellence in Health Care Award from the Home Care Association of New York State. Ms. Torres-Suarez
is a 2008-Fellow of the Robert Wood Johnson Nurse Executive Fellowship Program. She was
instrumental in the launch of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses Mentorship Academy in 2011.
Currently, Ms. Torres-Suarez is the Vice President of Children and Family Services at Visiting Nurse
Service of New York. She is responsible for planning, directing, and evaluating Children’s and Family
Services’ service operations. She also develops and implements strategic goals and objectives for the
divisions that are supportive of the programs and consistent with the agency’s overall strategic plan,
policies standards, and procedures.
Uriri-Glover, Johannah, PhD, MSCR, RN, is a clinical associate professor at Arizona State University
College of Nursing & Health Innovation (ASUCONHI). She also serves as one of the core directors for
ASUCONHI John Hartford Center for Geriatric Nursing Excellence. She currently teaches geriatric
nursing in the PhD program and Evidence-Based Practice Nursing in the DNP and BSN programs. Other
graduate courses taught at ASUCONHI include Biostatistics and Health Policy. Dr. Glover received her
PhD at Oregon Health and Sciences School of Nursing in 2002, with a minor in methodology and
gerontological nursing research. In 1992, she received a Master’s of Nursing Science from the University
of Arkansas for Medical Graduate School, specializing in gerontological nursing and a minor in Nursing
Administration. She also received a BSN and nurse practitioner certificate from the University of Arkansas
for Medical Sciences College of Nursing in 1987. Dr. Glover has also completed post-doctoral studies in
2005 at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine in the Department of Mental Health
and Aging with an emphasis on dementia research. During this time, she received a Master’s of Science
in Clinical Research from the Medical University of South Carolina Department of Biometry and
Epidemiology, with an emphasis in biostatistics, randomized clinical trials, genetic research, and public
health research. Dr. Glover is the chairperson on the Center for African American Health Arizona. She
currently is on the Arizona Governor’s Aging Advisory board, and serves as a committee member on the
Alzheimer’s Disease Committee for the state. Dr. Glover was selected by the governor’s Advisory Board
on Aging to serve on the Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force; and is currently working on recommendations
to legislators in the area of education and regulation of professionals and nonprofessionals, caring for
individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and other related dementia in Arizona. Dr. Glover
currently serves on the ASUCONHI PhD Leadership Committee and Clinical Track Search Committee.
Research studies include the following: An Exploration of Perceived Racial/Ethnic Discrimination in
Cancer Care Delivery; A Warm Lavender Oil Towel Bath to Promote Sleep in Persons with Dementia
Experiencing Sleep Disturbance; and the Perceptions of Family Cares on Bathing Persons with
Dementia. She also is a member of both the American and Arizona Geriatrics Nursing Society. Recent
publications include the following:
Uriri-Glover, J. McCarthy, M., Cesarotti, E. (2012).CE Connection Alzheimer Disease: What the
Evidence Shows. Nursing Management, Practitioner, 43, (11). 26-31.
Uriri-Glover, J. McCarthy, M., Cesarotti, E. (2012). Solving the Puzzle of Alzheimer Disease. Nurse
Practitioner, 37, (9) 5-56,
Laura J Blank, L. J.,* Benyo, E. B. Glover Uriri J. (2012). Bridging the Gap: A Closer Look at
Medication Rreconciliation, Journal of Geriatric Nursing, 33(5), 401-409.
Allen, A, Coon, D., Uriri-Glover J. ((in press) Sleep Disturbance in Older Adults in Inpatient Rehabilitation
Facilities. Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing.
Campesino M., Ruiz, E. Glover, U. J., Koithan, M (2011). Surgical Treatment Differences Among African
American and Latino Breast Cancer Survivors. Oncology Nursing Forum, 3, (4) E324-E31.
Vasquez, Mary Theresa, RN, is a Registered Nurse with over 42 years in the Hospital and Home Health
Setting with experiences including the care of people with Alzheimer’s Disease. Additionally, she has
written a book which she self-published. Her book is entitled: “Mi Mamacita Tiena Alzheimer’s,” and is
about the care of her beloved mother with Alzheimer’s Disease. It is a personal story of her experience
taking care of her mother 24/7 to ensure that she was properly cared for. Mary wrote this book to help
her Hispanic communities to learn how to better cope with this disease with the qualities of family, culture,
love, and faith.
Villegas-Murphy, Lorenzo, A., MSN, RN, is a third-year PhD student at the Arizona State University
where her research focus is addressing the health disparities of the migrant seasonal farm worker. Her
work as an oncology nurse has brought her to identifying the migrant seasonal farm worker as a high-risk
group for developing cancer. Her research will build a foundation for future research in identifying the
health and educational needs of the migrant seasonal farm worker.