Congratulations to the 2024 #NAHNStrong Honorees!

#NAHNStrong is a program that recognizes individual NAHN members who treat others with dignity, respect, kindness, compassion, and civility, while working with or throughout their communities. #NAHNSTRONG honorees are NAHN’s good citizens who are dedicated to practicing social justice in their everyday lives. #NAHNSTRONG honorees are nominated by fellow NAHN members and supporters, and selected by the NAHN Communications Committee.

Adrienne Martinez-Hollingsworth
PhD, RN, PHN, WAN
NAHN Los Angeles

"Through service, research, and leadership, she actively contributes to the well-being of the Hispanic/Latino community and the diversification of the healthcare workforce, making her a deserving candidate for this award. She uses novel strategies, including art-based approaches, to uncover critical provider needs and elevate historically excluded voices to support the healthcare workforce."

Eloisa G. Tamez
RN, PhD, MSCJ, FAAN
NAHN San Antonio

"Dr. Tamez is an American civil rights leader, professional nurse, professor and a retired officer of the United States Army. Dr. Tamez has exemplified honor and respect throughout her years of service to the military and the nursing profession."

Esperanza Biggs
NAHN Phoenix

"Espy deserves recognition for her dedication to patient care and community impact. As a compassionate pediatric hem/onc nurse, she goes above and beyond for her patients. Her leadership in NAHN Phoenix reflects her commitment to uplifting others, truly embodying the spirit of NAHN Strong."



Jacqueline Crespo Perry
BSN, MSN, RN
NAHN Houston 

"Jackie demonstrates dignity by creating pathways for diverse nurses to excel, empowering them to serve underrepresented communities. Her leadership at Nurses On The Move Inc. ensures that all individuals receive the care and respect they deserve, especially vulnerable populations. Jackie's kindness shines through in her mentorship and guidance to fellow nurses. She has been recognized with 15 awards for service, including the President's Award from NAHN. Her support empowers her colleagues to overcome challenges with generosity and thoughtfulness."



Jennifer Sandoval
DNP, MSN, RN-BC
NAHN Illinois

"Jennifer Sandoval is a phenomenal nurse and has worked full-time serving veterans with impeccable integrity and compassion for the past eight years at Jesse Brown VA. She is also the lead educator who supports and encourages nursing students and faculty to contribute to their successes. She is an exceptional role model in diversity, equity, and inclusivity work and was recently honored with the DEI award by ANA-Illinois and received a scholarship for her work."



Josephine Foley
RN MS CCM
NAHN Michigan

"I am honored to nominate Josephine (Josie) Foley for recognition as an outstanding member of the NAHN. With over 25 years of dedicated service, she exemplifies the spirit, values, and our mission. Her commitment to our mission has left a lasting impression on our members, students, and communities."



Kimberly Torres-Kebelbeck
NAHN Los Angeles

"I have known Kimberly for over 20 years. I have seen her expediential growth within herself and as a nurse leader in multiple positions. She is a woman of integrity, trust and confidence....As a Latina nurse leader, she carries her dignity and unbending principles in her work ethic and style."

Krystal Mantei
NAHN San Antonio

"Krystal has done amazing work as a nurse director and leader, leading students and her manager into the role of nurse director over MSICU and MSPCU unit. She mentors with charisma, and truly has done an exceptional job over her units....Krystal is kind toward her patients in which her staff serve, especially when loss of loved ones is the outcome when all medical interventions have been exhausted."



Leda Garside
NAHN National

"Leda Garside embodies the leadership NAHN represents. She leads by example. She provides a strong voice to underserved populations. She is fearless in her ability to serve on boards, be on the policy making table and provide solutions. She truly is NAHN strong."



Ledys Janett Perez
NAHN New York and NAHN Philadelphia

"When a friend, family, or member of our NAHN community struggles, Ledys has been known to give hours of her time to help them through what they're going through. In the same breath, she celebrates others' accomplishments as if they were her own. Ledys has done so much in life for our Hispanic communities and more through her service in West Africa as a volunteer nurse. She is a hero to many and is a perfect example of what it is to be #nahnstrong."

Lizette Villanueva
NAHN Los Angeles

"Lizette has been an advocate for seniors with cognitive dysfunction for over 16 years. Her commitment to providing them care with kindness, dignity, compassion, and respect embodies all of the NAHNStrong qualities. She has been a leader and mentor in the Los Angeles chapter for years... Her commitment to culturally sensitive, compassionate care, equitable healthcare access and advocacy for underserved Latinx populations, especially in geriatrics and Alzheimer's support, underscores her dedication to reducing healthcare disparities."



Naydu Lucas
DNP, MBA, CPC, ELI-MP
NAHN Washington State

"It's inspiring to be around Naydu. Her compassion toward others is evident in everything she does. She shows genuine care and empathy, always ready to support others and create a nurturing, inclusive environment for everyone... Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to justice truly set her apart. She embodies NAHN's values, inspiring others to bring their best selves forward. There's no one more deserving of this award-Naydu embodies what it means to lead with integrity, respect, and a passion for positive change."



Reyna Portillo-Marzocca
NAHN Sacramento

"Reyna leads our chapter with honor and respect as she strives to focus on our mission to empower the Hispanic community of the greater Sacramento area. Reyna plays close attention and actively listens to chapter members, students, partners and community members to ensure their feelings, wishes, rights of all are heard. Reyna greets all with a genuine smile, friendly handshake or hug. She is generous in helping others succeed professionally."

Tere Villot
BSN, RN
NAHN Houston

"Tere has led numerous initiatives to support underrepresented communities and has worked to ensure that nurses from all walks of life have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Her passion for equality and health equity drives her actions. Tere's kindness is evident in her dedication to volunteering and mission work. Her selfless actions, such as traveling to Puerto Rico, Guatemala, and Mexico to provide care, demonstrate her generous spirit and her desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others."



Zacnite Vargas-Avalos
NAHN Tennessee

"Zacnite has a strong sense of duty to break down the barriers to improve representation of Hispanic men and women in nursing. She desires to eliminate this gap to improve health outcomes for this population... Zacnite is always warm and kind. She has a generous and non-judgmental spirit. She is welcoming to all, and is a hospitable ambassador for NAHN."

 

2023 #NAHNStrong Awardees

Nohemi Alvarez-Landa, MSN, NP-C
NAHN El Corazon de la Tierra 

"Nohemi works tirelessly as a volunteer to enhance the health outcomes of our Kansas City Hispanic community.  She provides countless hours of her own time and works to make connections between social service organizations so that they can partner and make a stronger impact together, rather than working independently.  Of note, she worked to facilitate the opening of a primary care clinic for Hispanic individuals who are uninsured or underinsured regardless of documentation status. Other examples of the contributions she has made include setting up health fairs and facilitating free influenza and COVID-19 vaccines in neighborhood venues with high Hispanic populations."

Monica Najera, BSN, RN
NAHN Illinois

"Monica Najera's story with NAHN began during her time as a student nurse. She found in NAHN a supportive community within nursing, a haven brimming with inspiration and motivation. Throughout her journey, Monica has made it her mission to provide the same support and opportunities to Hispanic students and fellow chapter members.   

As the President of the NAHN Illinois Chapter, Monica has proven to be an exceptional leader, consistently putting others and the organization as a whole, first. Her dedication to NAHN is nothing short of admirable. Monica's journey with NAHN Illinois began as an active member and community volunteer, eventually serving as NAHN Illinois Treasurer, where she demonstrated her commitment to our chapter's stability. Following her tenure, she decided to take on the challenge of leading the chapter as President, with a vision to see it thrive and expand like never before.   

Monica is not one to shy away from challenges or turn down opportunities to serve our communities. Her kind and respectful nature extends far beyond her role as a nurse, they are integral to her character. She serves her multiple roles with dignity, embodying the essence of NAHN Strong values. Her kindness, respect, and compassion are not just qualities she possesses; they are the driving force behind her leadership and service."

 

Madeline  Feliciano-Weiser, MSN, RN
NAHN National

"Madeline, nurse manager on 5N at Lancaster Medical Center, has been committed to creating a culturally diverse workforce within her department since inception. The success of this venture can be seen in the unit's positive quality outcomes including patient satisfaction. Her involvement in DEI activities has a long history with PSH. While working as Clinical Coordinator for the Cancer Center at HMC, she served as an advocate for approximately 75 Limited English Proficient patients/families, ensuring adequate resources were available in their native languages thereby increasing their ability to comprehend their disease, prognosis, treatment plan side effects and available resources. As an RN IV working at Penn Medicine she developed oral and written chemotherapy education standards for Limited English Proficient patients and acted as the telehealth assessment RN for the same population. The success of the was increased patient satisfaction scores: Sensitive to Patient Needs- 100%, Staff Worked Together for Your Care- 88.9%.   Ms. Feliciano-Weiser acts as chair for LMC DEI Committee. She is a member of the Interpretive Services Advisory Group and contributed to the development of the system wide DEI Playbook. While at the Cancer Institute she was a member of Commission on Cancer Quality Improvement: Language Barriers in Oncology Service Line and the Diversity Committee: Increasing Diversity in Clinical Trials. 

Madeline has been published in Becker's Healthcare Review: What Nurses of Color Want White Nurse to Know, Do Nurses of Color Feel Excluded in Hospitals? "Yes. Every. Single. Day." and Want Meaningful Diversity in Your Hospital? Promote Nurses of Color. She has also been interviewed regarding microaggressions within the nursing profession for articles including: How Nurses of Color Can Forge Their Own Paths: DNPs of Color Panel and DNPs of Color Discuss Microaggressions in the Workplace.   

Ms. Feliciano-Weiser's commitment to promote DEI is also evidenced by multiple speaking engagements including: 

  • National Association of Hispanic Nursing 48th Annual Conference: "Aliados a Complices (Allies to Accomplices)"
  • Pennsylvania College of Healthcare Sciences 2022 Colloquium: "Allies to Accomplices: Nurse Leaders Bringing Change" 
  • The National Organization for Arts in Health: Panel Member: "Inclusion in Healthcare Through the Arts" 
  • PSH Hispanic Heritage Month 2021: Panel Member: Providing Culturally Responsive Care to Hispanic/Latinx Patients and Cancer Disparities in the Hispanic and Latinx Communities 
  • Oncology Nursing Society Red Rose Chapter: Diversity in Nursing: Why It Matters" 
  • Penn State College of Medicine Healthcare Career Exploration Program: "Cultural Competence in Healthcare"

 Madeline extends her commitment to DEI through membership in: National Association of Hispanic Nurses (goal to achieve a local chapter in Lancaster, PA), National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives, ANA, PSNA and Oncology Nursing Society. She has also received the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace certificate from University of South Florida's Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education. 

Madeline's commitment spans nearly a decade and continues to build momentum."

 

Julio Santiago, RN, DNP, CCRN
NAHN Illinois

"Julio has been a dedicated member of NAHN for many years, and his commitment to our organization and the broader community is remarkable. His involvement with NAHN is nothing short of inspiring. He generously donates his time and expertise as an active member of the national finance committee. His contributions to the well-being of NAHN have been invaluable and helped our organization thrive. In addition to his work at the national level, Julio shines as a leadership mentor within our Illinois Chapter. Many of us, myself included, have benefited from his guidance and mentorship during times of uncertainty. Julio's willingness to offer a helping hand and share his wisdom is a testament to his commitment to the values of dignity, respect, kindness, compassion, and civility that NAHN holds dear.

Beyond his involvement with NAHN, Julio's impact extends to the broader community. He serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the ASPIRA organization, aligning with his dedication to community empowerment. ASPIRA's mission to empower the Puerto Rican and Latino community through advocacy, education, and leadership development resonates strongly with Julio, who works tirelessly to advance this cause.

Julio is not just a member of NAHN; he is a true NAHN Strong honoree. His commitment to our organization, his mentorship, and his community involvement are shining examples of the kind of individual we need to celebrate. I wholeheartedly nominate Julio Santiago as a #NAHNStrong example. He is a beacon of inspiration, a leader, and a true embodiment of NAHN values."

 

Jackie Dominguez, RN, BSN
NAHN Illinois

"Jackie is a true inspiration to everyone who knows her. Her unwavering passion for nursing is only surpassed by her genuine commitment to the well-being of the Hispanic community. Every time she speaks about NAHN, her appreciation for the organization shines through, and her enthusiasm for its positive impact on her life as a Hispanic nurse is truly contagious. Jackie considers herself fortunate to have found NAHN, but it is clear that our organization is the lucky one to have a member as exceptional as her.

What sets Jackie apart is her extraordinary kindness, resilience, compassion, and selflessness. Her dedication to serving the Hispanic nursing community is evident through her roles within the Illinois Chapter's Mentorship and Pre-nursing Committee, as well as at the national level with the Awards & Scholarships Committee. Jackie is a passionate community volunteer who generously contributes her time and skills to health fairs and community events with NAHN Illinois. Her involvement has significantly impacted the chapter and our community.

Despite pursuing her master's degree in nursing, Jackie's dedication to NAHN and the community remains unwavering. She inspires us all with her remarkable commitment to education and service to others. Jackie's leadership within our chapter's mentorship program is a testament to her character. Her mentees speak highly of her dedication and positive impact on their development. Jackie's ability to nurture and support the growth of others is truly exceptional. She is an admirable nurse, leader, and human being who exemplifies the best of what NAHN has to offer."

 

Carolina Mendez, MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC, FNP-C, CCRN, CFRN, CNRN, RNFA
NAHN Phoenix

"Mrs. Mendez has been a nurse for 16 years and became a Nurse Practitioner in 2019. NAHN Phoenix has had the pleasure of having Mrs. Mendez as the Education and Community Outreach Chair. Mrs. Mendez has contributed to improving health equity in the community through her work as a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner at Valleywise hospital where they serve the historically marginalized community.  I have witnessed Mrs. Mendez provide compassionate and quality health care to the community where she has sympathized and educated in English and Spanish. 

Mrs. Mendez has been a trail blazer for the phoenix chapter. Her passion to serve the community and provide education is inspiring. She spearheaded Sound the Alarm volunteer opportunity where our chapter collaborated with the local fire department and Red Cross. She led the group as we went knocking door to door to install fire alarms, educate and create a fire safety plan. Our chapter had 16 bilingual volunteers and installed 70 fire alarms. In addition, she led the First Aid tent at the Pancreatic Cancer Walk. Mrs. Mendez is instrumental to the education access and quality for our Hispanic community as she assists in coordination of our monthly meeting speakers and ensures we offer Continued Nurse Education credits. Every month she creates three educational materials on hot topics and how they relate to the Hispanic community. For example, she has created educational content for Autism Awareness, Testicular Cancer, Colorectal Cancer and much more.  As an Acute Nurse Practitioner, she advocates for her students and creates a safe learning environment."

 

Araceli Orozco BSN, RN-BC, IL PEL-SN, NCSN
NAHN Illinois

"Araceli embodies the mission and values of our organization and is friendly, approachable, and willing to support NAHN and the nurses and communities we serve in any way possible. Araceli is phenomenal school nurse who advocates for services and support initiatives involving immunization, vision/hearing screening, dental and ocular health for students. Araceli also collaborates with nurses from other districts to ensure that resources and professional development opportunities are accessible to nurses working in underserved and low-resource school communities. She embodies the role of a school community nurse and is an exceptional Clinician. Her compassion and commitment are beyond description. She goes above and beyond to volunteer and assist with our chapter's initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and events. She is an exemplary Certified School Nurse and Transformational Leader, as well as a passionate and invigorating member of NAHN-IL."

 

Alejandro Roldan, APNP, FNP-C
NAHN Milwaukee

"Alejandro Roldan exemplifies the values and spirit of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. As a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and the Academic Liaison for GMNAHN, he has consistently demonstrated commitment, passion, and excellence in his roles.   

His dedication to the nursing profession is evident in the numerous ways he contributes to GMNAHN. Alejandro has taken on the responsibility of bridging the gap between academia and practice, ensuring that the association remains at the forefront of nursing education and best practices. His insights and expertise have paved the way for the successful implementation of several initiatives within GMNAHN, furthering our mission to uplift and support Hispanic nurses.

Alejandro's dedication extends far beyond his immediate responsibilities. He has been a fervent advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in both the nursing profession and the broader healthcare system. His commitment to DEI is not just limited to advocacy; he takes tangible steps to ensure that our healthcare system becomes more inclusive and equitable. One such endeavor is his relentless effort to collaborate with academic institutions to develop support systems tailored for students of color. He recognizes the unique challenges these students face and strives to create an academic environment where they can thrive and excel in their nursing journey.

Mental health and neurodiversity are causes close to Alejandro's heart. He understands the profound impact mental well-being and neurodiverse conditions have on overall health. In addition to spearheading initiatives aimed at destigmatizing mental health issues, Alejandro has been a strong advocate for neurodiversity within the Hispanic and Latino community. He's organized awareness campaigns to educate the community about conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. By providing resources and training sessions, Alejandro aims to ensure that neurodiverse individuals receive the understanding, support, and accommodations they need. His commitment to this cause is evident in the collaborative events he's hosted with schools and other community institutions to facilitate a more inclusive learning environment for neurodiverse students.   

Furthermore, Alejandro's commitment to uplifting the community is evident in every project he undertakes. He believes in empowering individuals, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, and providing them with the tools and resources to succeed. This empowerment is not just about professional growth; it's about fostering a sense of belonging, building resilience, and creating a community where everyone feels valued and heard.   

It is with great pride and conviction that I nominate Alejandro Roldan for the #NAHNSTRONG Member Recognition. His tireless efforts, unparalleled dedication, and unwavering commitment to the community and the nursing profession make him an exemplary candidate for this honor."

 

#NAHNStrong Criteria

Nominee Criteria:

  • Nominee must demonstrate one or both of the following #NAHNStrong qualities:
    • Treat others with dignity, respect, kindness, compassion, and civility, while working with or throughout their communities.
    • Good citizens who are dedicated to practicing social justice in their everyday lives. 
  • Nominee must be an individual member of NAHN in good standing through at least December 31, 2023.
  • NEW! All individual member types are eligible, including general, student, nursing affiliate, international affiliate, emeritus, and affiliate.
  • NAHN members can only receive #NAHNStrong award a maximum of two times.
  • Members cannot receive awards 2 consecutive years in a row.

#NAHNStrong honorees will be chosen by the NAHN Communications Committee from the nominees, and will be recognized on NAHN's social media, website, and newsletter.