Testimonial
Rosanna Peralta
BSN, RN, CCRN
“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your guidance. The Diversity CRNA information session in 2016/2017, essay workshop, and mock interviews helped me tremendously. Dr. Sanchez also helped me with 1:1 mock interviews. I got accepted to the University of Maryland’s CRNA program and got waitlisted for Columbia University. I am over the moon. This was my third time applying and I retook all of my science courses. I could not have done it without your support. I hope to become a part of diversity CRNA and help others the same way you all helped me.”
“My name is Rosanna Peralta and I was recently accepted to the University of Maryland CRNA Program. I am over the moon with excitement and have gratitude towards the guidance I received from the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program. I participated in two Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshops, a personal statement workshop, and three group interview sessions. In addition, I completed graduate pathophysiology, graduate pharmacology, and retook most of my science courses. I remained positive and took it one step at a time to become a strong candidate. Every semester I had goals to improve myself academically and as a critical care RN. I re-applied to these programs and did not become discouraged. It is important to keep a clear image of your dream and not give up just because you need to wait a year or more. I am not only the first in my family to attend a university, but now I am the first in my family to work towards obtaining a doctorate. Thank you Dr. Gould for creating an organization that uplifts and encourages all to follow our dreams.”
“I had originally emailed you with my acceptance into the University of Maryland CRNA Program, but I was later accepted into Columbia University CRNA Program. It was a hard decision but I will be attending Columbia. I could not have done this without the diversity CRNA! I wanna thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. Have a great day.”
~Compiled from three separate emails
Monique Dennis
BSN, RN, CCRN
“What an amazing weekend! Dr. Gould walked so we could run! I promise I will return as a nurse anesthesia student to serve on the graduate panel for a future Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop!
I am truly grateful for her passion for diversifying advanced practice nursing amongst minorities. She has been actively making efforts to encourage minorities, especially black men and women to take their careers to the highest levels. This was a weekend of networking, connecting, and celebration. I was already on the path to taking my career to the next level, but the energy this weekend was confirmation that I’m going in the right direction and I’m more than capable.
As Dr. Gould said, “you can’t be what you can’t see” a quote by Marian Wright Edelman, is so true! I saw my sisters and brothers in the highest level of patient care and that was the most beautiful thing to see. I want to be a part of that. Be a part of closing the gap of a healthcare system that is not representative of the population it serves. And show other Black little girls that they too one day can do the same thing and greater!”
Vincent Crump
BSN, RN, CCRN
Accepted @ Youngstown State University / St. Elizabeth Health Center School for Nurse Anesthetists
“It’s been a long time coming! I remember just how inspired I was by everyone I met at the Diversity CRNA 2019 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at Augusta University and now I hope I can do the same.”
“Anyone reading this post, please know there are few limits outside of the ones you put on yourself. As Dr. Gould would tell you to say, “Repeat after me. I will be a CRNA.”
Danielle Parker
BSN, RN, CCRN
Accepted @ Mary Baldwin University Nurse Anesthesia Program
“I was discouraged after not being accepted last cycle, but with the help of Diversity CRNA and Dr. Gould. I took advantage of all of the available resources to me and attended the Diversity Conference at VCU which was pivotal in my acceptance to Mary Baldwin University Nurse Anesthesia Program. And, no GRE as a requirement for admission into the dual program too! Checkmate!”
Freddie Chen
BSN, RN, CCRN
SRNA @ Texas Wesleyan University
“I was still in nursing school when I attended a DNAMP event in 2019. “You will see me again!.” I told Dr. Gould, who still inspires me with brief moments filled with words of wisdom- “Choose the program that wants you the most!
As an immigrant from China, the 1st college graduate in my family & member of the LGBTQAI community, the choices I make not only represent who I am but also demonstrate the possibilities for the people like me. Find your drive & seek out mentors! And, I am a proud member of DNAMP!
out, I worked religiously and did whatever I needed to ensure I was the ideal candidate for CRNA school. I had the fantastic opportunity to attend the Diversity CRNA Mentorship Conference at VCU last fall, and that experience reinforced my desire to become a CRNA.
Today, I can proudly attest that I am a product of outstanding mentorship and guidance. There’s a saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” so it’s fair to say that the Diversity CRNA Mentorship Program is our village with countless mentors helping and guiding minorities like me to realize and attain our dreams of becoming a CRNA.”
Daneilio Absalom
BSN, RN, CCRN
Accepted into Excela School of Anesthesia/Saint Vincent College
“Four years ago, I left a progressive career in the Hotel Industry to become a CRNA. I attended nursing school at Johns Hopkins and worked in various ICUs. I set goals and pursue them relentlessly.
Day in and day out, I worked religiously and did whatever I needed to ensure I was the ideal candidate for CRNA school. I had the fantastic opportunity to attend the Diversity CRNA Mentorship Conference at VCU last fall, and that experience reinforced my desire to become a CRNA.
Today, I can proudly attest that I am a product of outstanding mentorship and guidance. There’s a saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” so it’s fair to say that the Diversity CRNA Mentorship Program is our village with countless mentors helping and guiding minorities like me to realize and attain our dreams of becoming a CRNA.”
Janiera Jackson
SRNA, Drexel University
“This Nurses’ Week I am full of gratitude. I am grateful to be in this profession. The impact of nursing is far beyond the clinical setting. I am even more grateful to know, meet, befriend, and experience so many successful black nurses.
Every Diversity CRNA event I attend is like a family reunion and feels like a big hug. These events are always inspirational and motivating to keep going harder! I have attended as a RN and now as a SRNA and each time I leave full of hope, joy, and pride.
I am grateful to @lenagould for her vision and her team! I am grateful for those who came before me, those with me now, and those to come!”
Vincent Doan
BSN, RN, CCRN
A crna•ish moment of change…
“Saturday & Sunday is even more impressive!”
Vincent Doan, BSN, RN, CCRN making his presence known at the Meet & Greet for the Diversity CRNA 2022 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at Virginia Commonwealth University!
Representation matters!
Ellen Suleiman
BSN, RN, CCRN
SRNA, University of Pittsburgh DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program
persevere, get that admission, work tirelessly when you are in school, and ultimately DIVERSIFY the profession.”
Rogel Gonzales
BSN, RN, CCRN
SRNA, University of Miami DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program
On July 2, 2020 – “This July issue of eNewsletter is full of very important information about diversity. You have talked about the historical outcry for justice and equality among people of color. I know change is happening and everybody, especially the minorities in this country will continue this fight until discriminations and prejudices are completely gone.
I thank you for including my story in this month’s eNewsletter. I am honored and humbled. Without Diversity CRNA, I wouldn’t be in the place where I am right now. Being accepted in a program was not easy, but because of what I have learned from the Diversity CRNA workshop, getting the exposure and having a chance to network in this profession through the mentoring program of this organization, I am now 1 step closer to achieving my ultimate goal. I pledge that I will give back, reach out to the people of color, and mentor those who want to become a CRNA. I will continue what CRNA legend, Dr. Goldie Brangman, and yourself have started. Thank you Dr. Gould for what you do, and thank you for making this world a better place.”
Respectfully yours,
Rogel Gonzales BSN, RN, CCRN