An invitation to Lead Together

In June 2026, I had the privilege of serving as the Chartering Officer for Alpha Zeta at-Large Chapter’s induction ceremony. During the ceremony, the chapter welcomed Montclair State University School of Nursing to its charter. It was a meaningful celebration of scholarship, leadership, and service, and an exciting milestone for both the university and the nursing profession. It was truly an honor to be part of this special occasion. The ceremony gave me a chance to reflect on the value of professional nursing organizations and the role they play in shaping our careers and strengthening our profession. Professional organizations help nurses grow by providing education, networking, mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and a collective voice to advance healthcare.

Founded in 1922, Sigma brings together a global community of nurses committed to advancing nursing excellence through scholarship, leadership, service, and research.

For me, Sigma has been far more than a professional affiliation.

Sigma has provided opportunities that have shaped my career and expanded my perspectives as a nurse leader. Through Sigma, I have accessed continuing education, connected with nurses from around the world, secured scholarship and research opportunities, and developed meaningful professional relationships that continue to enrich my work today.

Perhaps one of the most rewarding opportunities was serving as a Sigma Liaison to the United Nations. In that role, I collaborated with global leaders, advocated for health equity, and helped elevate the voice of nursing in international conversations about health and the Sustainable Development Goals. Sigma's engagement with the United Nations demonstrates the organization's commitment to ensuring that nurses have a seat at important decision-making tables and that nursing expertise contributes to solving global challenges.

Sigma provides value from the moment a member joins, offering access to resources, knowledge, and a worldwide network of nursing professionals. The members who gain the most from Sigma are often the ones who get involved. They volunteer for committees, attend chapter events, present at conferences, apply for grants and scholarships, mentor students, participate in leadership development programs, and contribute their time and talents to advancing the profession. Through that involvement, they build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and discover opportunities they never imagined.

This message aligns perfectly with President Dr. Liz Westcott's 2025–2027 Organizational Call to Action: Lead Together.

The call challenges members to demonstrate Our Voice, Our Value, and Our Impact across our global communities, across nursing, and across Sigma. The call to Lead Together reminds us that meaningful progress occurs when nurses work collectively. Our voices are stronger when united. Our value becomes more visible when we engage with our communities and our profession. Our impact grows when we share our knowledge, mentor others, conduct research, advocate for change, and develop future leaders.

Healthcare today faces extraordinary challenges, including workforce shortages, health inequities, environmental threats, and rapidly evolving healthcare systems. Nurses are uniquely positioned to help address these issues, but none of us can do it alone. Professional organizations provide the support, resources, and relationships needed to turn individual passion into collective action.

For new Sigma members, my advice is simple: get involved.

Attend meetings. Volunteer. Seek mentors. Present your work. Apply for scholarships and grants. Network with nurses from different specialties and countries. Sigma's greatest strength is not its history, its awards, or its programs. Its greatest strength is its members. Each member brings unique experiences, perspectives, and talents that contribute to Sigma’s mission and impact.

As I shared with the new inductees at Montclair State University, Sigma membership is both an honor and an invitation. It is an invitation to become part of a global community of nurse leaders committed to excellence. It is an invitation to contribute your voice, your talents, and your expertise. Most importantly, it is an invitation to Lead Together.