Throughout my nursing career, I have championed the values of leadership, scholarship, and service that define Sigma Theta Tau. As a dedicated member engaged at local, regional, and international levels, I am honored to offer my candidacy for Sigma’s International Board of Directors. I believe strongly in Sigma’s strategic vision and am eager to contribute to its continued global impact.
Growing in value for members and nurses worldwide has been central to my service. As a Regional Chapter Coordinator and member of multiple Sigma committees, including the International Research Congress Planning Committee and Chapter Charter Review Committee, I have worked to ensure chapters are well-supported and sustainable. My mentorship efforts have helped nurses see themselves not only as caregivers, but as leaders, scholars, and advocates within the global profession. At the Nu Zeta Chapter, I led strategic planning and supported the chapter’s achievement of two Chapter Key Awards, reinforcing local engagement and visibility.
Creating and supporting strategic partnerships has been a hallmark of my leadership beyond Sigma as well. As Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer at a regional tertiary care facility, I built collaborations across clinical departments, academic institutions, and community organizations to enhance patient outcomes and workforce resilience. This included extending a nationally accredited RN Residency Program to 24 Critical Access Hospitals with the support of an AHRQ grant. I also helped form the Advanced Practice Provider Committee, elevating APRNs and PAs to fully integrated roles within our medical staff leadership.
In support of advancing knowledge, learning, and professional development, I have led initiatives grounded in Benner’s theory of practice, integrating them into interprofessional advancement programs. These programs now serve not only nurses but also respiratory therapists, social workers, and technologists. My volunteer roles on academic advisory boards and in workforce development initiatives, including the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center and the formative work of the International Society for Professional Identity in Nursing, reflect my belief that nursing excellence is cultivated through lifelong learning and intentional identity formation.
As a former president of the Kansas Nurses Foundation and trustee of two university foundations, I understand the transformative role of advocacy and philanthropy. During my presidency, our foundation’s assets tripled, allowing us to increase scholarship awards substantially. I also serve as President-Elect of my local Kiwanis chapter, where I continue to promote service and philanthropy beyond the profession.
Sigma’s founding principles, love, courage, and honor have guided my leadership for decades. I believe our organization must remain visionary, agile, and grounded in these timeless ideals as we confront global health challenges and opportunities. If elected to the International Board of Directors, I will bring experience, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication to support Sigma’s mission and help shape a future that strengthens nursing, empowers leaders, and inspires the next generation.
Serving Sigma at the international level would be both an honor and a culmination of a career rooted in service, collaboration, and purpose.