What was the context of your early life that brought you to nursing?
Growing up in Trinidad, I began life in simple, modest, and often complex circumstances. We had no running water and no electricity—kerosene lamps lit our evenings, and every small improvement, like finally getting running water, felt like a luxury. Those early experiences shaped my resilience, gratitude, and understanding of what it means to persevere.
My first inspiration for nursing came from my aunt, who migrated to Canada and became a nurse. The pride my family felt for her planted a seed in me, but the defining moment came years later when my grandmother fell into a diabetic coma. Visiting her in the hospital, I found her poorly cared for—dry mouth, caked saliva, boggy heels, and the beginnings of a pressure ulcer. She was not being turned or repositioned. That moment broke my heart and ignited a promise within me: I would become the kind of nurse who ensures no patient is ever neglected.
Determined to create a better life for my two young children, I migrated to the United States with just $10 in my pocket and a dream. I worked tirelessly—cleaning houses, serving as an au pair, and caring for older adults—to pay for my education. In 1993, I earned my Associate Degree in Nursing, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey fueled by determination, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to compassionate care.
As my career progressed, I realized I had more to give and wanted to function at the highest level of my scope of practice. After earning my MSN in Education and actively pursuing my nurse practitioner licensure, I sought guidance from the nursing professional development specialist for the mental health service line. During our conversation, she encouraged me to reflect deeply on my long-term goals and what path would bring me the greatest fulfillment. Her wisdom, drawn from over 33 years as an RN and 16 years of service at the Veteran’s Administration, helped me clarify my vision.
That evening, after careful consideration, I made the decision to transition from the NP track to a doctoral pathway focused on leadership—a choice that aligned with my passion for influencing systems, mentoring others, and driving organizational excellence. On January 12, 2026, I was conferred with a Doctor of Executive Leadership, and I will proudly walk in May 2026 to receive this degree. This milestone represents not only my commitment to advancing nursing leadership but also the culmination of a journey that began in humble circumstances and continues with a mission to create meaningful impact within the healthcare community.
What do you feel was the pinnacle of your career or your proudest achievement?
The pinnacle of my career was earning my Doctorate in Executive Leadership. That achievement represents decades of perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to excellence. It symbolizes the journey from a childhood without electricity to becoming a healthcare leader.
After earning my associate degree, I worked the night shift for six years—the change no one wanted—because the differential helped me support my family. After a lengthy immigration process, I was finally able to bring my children to the United States. I later joined the United States Army Nurse Corps as a junior officer, serving for 10 years and earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I continued in the Army Reserve before separating from active duty to prioritize my family.
My children’s success became one of my greatest joys. My daughter is now an attorney who served 10 years as a JAG officer and continues to serve in the reserves while working for the Commonwealth. My son became an educator and now serves as a paramedic and firefighter. They are my proudest accomplishments.
Over the years, I advanced my education—earning a Bachelor’s in Nursing Science, a Master’s in Nursing Education, and ultimately my Doctorate in Executive Leadership. Alongside these academic achievements, I have advocated for improved care for veterans and appropriate nurse staffing at the Virginia State Capitol and on Capitol Hill, speaking before the House and the Senate. I also served two terms as President of my local Virginia Nurses Association chapter, championing nurses' voices and advancing professional standards.
These experiences collectively represent the pinnacle of my career. They reflect not only personal achievement but also my lifelong mission: to lead, advocate, and ensure that every patient receives the dignity and quality of care they deserve.
What motivated you to join the Virginia Nurses Association?
I have been a proud member of the American Nurses Association since 1998, beginning with the Connecticut Nurses Association. When I moved to Virginia in 2014, I continued my membership through the Virginia Nurses Association. For many years, I was what I call a “dues-paying member”—supportive but not actively engaged.
Over time, my perspective evolved. I embraced the belief that nurses are charged to be lifelong learners, and I realized that passive membership is not enough. To provide the most current, evidence-based care, we must engage in stewardship, networking, and professional collaboration. That realization motivated me to step forward and become actively involved in VNA.
Through VNA, I have had the privilege of advocating for veterans, addressing staffing concerns, and speaking before legislators at both the state and national levels. Serving two terms as President of my local chapter allowed me to mentor emerging leaders, strengthen the voice of nursing, and help shape policies that impact patient care and professional practice.
Joining VNA—and becoming actively engaged—was a commitment to leadership, advocacy, and the advancement of nursing.
What makes a good leader?
My leadership philosophy is grounded in service, integrity, and empowerment. Leadership is not defined by titles or authority; it is characterized by responsibility. A leader serves others by creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to excel.
I lead with vision and purpose, ensuring that every team member understands how their role contributes to the broader mission. Integrity and accountability guide my decisions—I act with honesty, transparency, and a willingness to own both successes and challenges.
Lifelong learning is central to my philosophy. Nursing requires continuous growth, and leadership demands the same. I stay informed, adapt to change, and encourage my team to pursue excellence through ongoing learning.
Empowerment is essential. I invest in mentoring and developing others because leadership is about building future leaders. I delegate effectively, trust my team, and celebrate their achievements.
Advocacy is another cornerstone of my leadership. My experiences speaking at the Virginia State Capitol and on Capitol Hill, as well as serving two terms as President of my local VNA chapter, reinforced my belief that leadership extends beyond the workplace. It involves shaping policies, advancing the profession, and ensuring that patients and communities receive the highest standard of care.
In essence, my leadership philosophy is: Lead with integrity, serve with purpose, empower others, and advocate for meaningful change.
Segregation practices of the past set the stage for health disparities. What are your thoughts on how we break down those disparities that exist today in our communities?
I believe the segregation practices of the past, especially policies like redlining, absolutely set the stage for the health disparities we see today, and breaking those disparities down requires a very intentional, multi‑layered approach. Historic redlining created neighborhoods with poor housing, limited access to healthcare, and higher environmental hazards, and the effects persist decades later. Life expectancy in formerly redlined (HOLC “Grade D”) areas is approximately 5 years shorter compared to “Grade A” neighborhoods. These disparities contribute to overall community life expectancy gaps.
In the U.S., Black women experience pregnancy-related mortality at more than three times the rate of White women, and this disparity persists across educational levels. Recent data show approximately 50 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births among Black women versus about 15 per 100,000 among White women.
Similarly, Black infants die at more than double the rate of White infants—for example, 10.9 deaths per 1,000 Black infants compared with 4.5 per 1,000 White infants.
Alarmingly, the Black–White infant mortality gap has widened since the 1950s, growing from being 92% higher to 115% higher for Black infants compared to White infants.
Each of these disparities reflects systemic and structural racism, not differences in biology alone. The disparities are deeply rooted in policy-driven inequities and demand intentionally dismantling structural barriers to advance health equity. We see the same pattern in maternal and infant health. As a Black woman and a healthcare professional, it is heartbreaking to know that Black women die from pregnancy‑related causes at more than three times the rate of White women, and Black infants die at over double the rate of White infants. What is even more troubling is that the Black–White infant mortality gap has widened since the 1950s. These disparities are not about biology; they are about systems.
To address these disparities, we must be honest about their roots and bold about the solutions.
First, we need policy reform that addresses structural racism head‑on—things like housing equity, community reinvestment, and zoning changes that improve the environments people live in.
Second, we must expand access to quality healthcare. That means strengthening Medicaid, integrating care systems, and improving the quality of hospitals that serve underserved communities.
Third, diversifying the healthcare workforce is essential. Patients have better outcomes when they are cared for by providers who understand their cultural context and lived experiences.
Fourth, we need strong advocacy and partnerships. Professional organizations, community leaders, and healthcare systems must work together to influence legislation and push for equity.
And finally, we need transparency. Tracking equity metrics—and tying funding to actual reductions in disparities—creates accountability.
For me, breaking down disparities is not just a policy issue; it is a moral one. These inequities were created by design, and dismantling them requires the same level of intentionality. We can make real progress, but only if we commit to addressing the structural causes, not just the symptoms.
Do you think we have made progress on racism as a society?
In my view, we have made progress as a society when it comes to racism, but I also believe that in recent years, we have been moving backwards. Over the past few decades, I’ve seen positive changes—greater visibility, more conversations, and more opportunities for people of color. But I cannot ignore what I’ve personally experienced.
When I first came out of nursing school in 1993, I might occasionally be referred to as “colored,” and even then, it was hurtful. Today, I hear the N‑word used openly, without hesitation, and often with a level of venom that feels far more aggressive than what I encountered decades ago. I have been told directly, “You don’t belong in this neighborhood,” something I never expected to hear so blatantly today.
I also see how many of our achievements are dismissed as tokens or reduced to DEI checkboxes, rather than being recognized for the hard work and excellence behind them. At the same time, attempts are being made to rewrite history in ways that minimize or erase significant Black contributions. That kind of erasure is dangerous because it shapes how future generations understand our place in this country.
And perhaps most concerning, many of the civil rights that people fought and died for are being chipped away. Hard-won rights are now being questioned, restricted, or rolled back.
So yes, we have made progress, but progress isn’t linear. My lived experience tells me that while we have moved forward in some ways, we’re also facing a resurgence of attitudes and behaviors that I had hoped were long behind us.
What have been your proudest moments/most significant challenges in your personal life?
My proudest moments come from watching my children grow into the people they are today. My daughter becoming an attorney—after serving ten years as a JAG officer and continuing her service in the Army Reserve—remains one of the most significant sources of pride in my life. Her discipline, integrity, and commitment to justice reflect everything I hoped to instill in her. My son’s path has been just as meaningful. Seeing him become an educator and then step even further into service as a first responder, firefighter, and paramedic has been profoundly humbling. Their achievements are not just professional milestones; they are reflections of their character, resilience, and the values we built together as a family.
Those proud moments are deeply connected to the most significant challenges I faced earlier in my life. Raising two small children while working night shifts and pushing myself through nursing school was a season defined by exhaustion, sacrifice, and determination. I would finish a shift, head straight into classes or clinicals, and then come home to be fully present as a mother. There were days when sleep was a luxury, and the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming. But those years taught me endurance, discipline, and purpose. They shaped the leader and nurse I eventually became.
Looking back, the challenge of balancing motherhood, work, and education became the foundation for everything that followed. And seeing my children thrive—each choosing a life of service in their own way—has been the most powerful affirmation that every sacrifice mattered.
What guidance or advice would you share with an individual contemplating nursing as a career today?
Nursing is one of the most meaningful careers a person can choose, but it is not a path for someone seeking easy or quick money. This profession demands heart, discipline, and a genuine calling to serve. My guidance to anyone considering nursing today is to enter it with intention, humility, and a deep respect for the people you will care for.
Treat every patient the way you would want someone to treat your mother, your father, your siblings, or yourself. That mindset will keep you grounded when the work becomes difficult, and it will. Patients remember how you made them feel long after they forget the details of their diagnosis or treatment plan. Compassion and respect are not optional; they are the foundation of safe, ethical care.
Listen to your patients. They will tell you what they need if you slow down long enough to hear them. Nursing is as much about presence and communication as it is about clinical skill. Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust, reduce fear, and advocate for someone who may not be able to advocate for themselves.
Be ready to grow continuously. Healthcare evolves quickly, and nursing requires lifelong learning. You will make mistakes, you will be stretched, and you will be humbled, but each experience will shape you into a stronger, wiser clinician.
Most importantly, be prepared to advocate fiercely, even when it is uncomfortable or when others doubt you. Advocacy is not just part of the job; it is the essence of nursing. You will often be the voice that ensures your patients' safety, dignity, and fairness. That responsibility is sacred.
If you choose nursing for the right reasons, for service, for purpose, for humanity, you will find a career that challenges you, transforms you, and gives back to you in ways no paycheck ever could.
What life lessons do you want to pass on to today's Nurses?
I want today’s nurses to carry forward a few lessons that have shaped my own journey and sustained me through the hardest seasons of this work.
First, lead with humanity. Every patient you encounter is someone’s mother, father, sibling, or child. Treat them the way you would want your own family to be treated—especially when they are at their most vulnerable. Skill matters, but compassion is what patients remember, and it is what anchors you when the work becomes heavy.
Second, listen deeply. Patients will often tell you what is wrong, what they fear, and what they need if you create the space for them to speak. Listening is one of the most powerful clinical tools you have, and it builds trust in ways no algorithm or protocol ever can.
Third, stay open to growth. Nursing will stretch you, humble you, and teach you something new every single day. Allow yourself to evolve. Seek mentorship and become an active member of different nursing organizations. Ask questions. Reflect on your practice. Growth is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of commitment to excellence.
Fourth, be ready to advocate fiercely. You will face situations where you are the only voice standing between a patient and harm, or between a team and an unsafe decision. Advocacy is not optional in nursing; it is the heartbeat of the profession. Stand firm, even when it is uncomfortable or when others doubt you.
Fifth, remember that this work is a calling, not a shortcut to financial gain. Nursing demands sacrifice, resilience, and heart. If you choose it for the right reasons—for service, for purpose, for humanity, you will find a career that gives back to you in ways far more profound than a paycheck.
Finally, take care of yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Protect your boundaries, nurture your well‑being, and give yourself grace. A healthy nurse is a safer, stronger, and more compassionate nurse.
These lessons are not abstract—they come from lived experience, from years of caring for veterans, supporting teams, and navigating the realities of mental health and substance use care. If today’s nurses carry these values forward, the profession will remain strong, honorable, and deeply impactful for generations to come.
What haven’t you been asked about that you would like to share with Virginia nurses?
Do you love being a nurse? Yes, I do. I love being a nurse because this profession has allowed me to live out my purpose in a way few careers can. Nursing has given me the privilege of serving people at their most vulnerable moments, advocating for them when they cannot advocate for themselves, and offering dignity, compassion, and safety when they need it most.
What I love most is the humanity of the work. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference, sometimes through clinical skill, sometimes through listening, and sometimes through simply treating someone the way I would want my own mother, father, or siblings treated. That standard has guided me throughout my career.
I also love the growth that nursing demands. This field never lets you stay stagnant. It pushes you to learn, evolve, strengthen your voice, and become a better version of yourself. And in mental health and substance use care, especially, you learn quickly that advocacy is not optional; it is essential. Standing up for patients, even in the face of resistance or naysayers, has shaped me into a stronger leader and a more grounded human being.
