Honored to be selected as recipient of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠. 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝘇𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 at Villanova University College of Nursing
Keynote recipient: Dr. Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN (CEO & Founder, Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program)
Title of conversation: Transformational Leadership & Team Building: The Audacity to Change the Face & Culture of Nurse Anesthesia through Grassroots Mentorship
I am thrilled to speak through an equity, purposeful action and agency development lens.
Information & Registration:
https://bit.ly/3Q617P8
This award is conferred upon a person who demonstrates; transformative leadership that has brought about change in nursing, health and/or health care; a visionary perspective; a commitment to excellence; a concern for human dignity, ethics, service, diversity, underserved and vulnerable populations, and social justice, nationally and globally, that reflects the values and mission of Villanova University and the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.
https://www1.villanova.edu/university/nursing/about-the-college/mlf-award.html
Thursday, November 14
5:30 pm
Larson Kelly Auditorium, Driscoll Hall
As per Bridgette M. (Brawner) Rice, PhD, MDiv, APRN, FAAN...
Huge congratulations to Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN, this year's recipient of the Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing Transformative Leadership Award for her work to diversify #Nursing #Anesthesia
Today, I am honored to be selected as recipient of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠. 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝘇𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 at Villanova University College of Nursing.
Keynote recipient: Dr. Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN (CEO & Founder, Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program)
Title of conversation: Transformational Leadership & Team Building: The Audacity to Change the Face & Culture of Nurse Anesthesia through Grassroots Mentorship
Bringing a bright light of my journey through the transformational lens of Nina Simone, Marian Wright Edelman and Toni Morrison.
This award is conferred upon a person who demonstrates; transformative leadership that has brought about change in nursing, health and/or health care; a visionary perspective; a commitment to excellence; a concern for human dignity, ethics, service, diversity, underserved and vulnerable populations, and social justice, nationally and globally, that reflects the values and mission of Villanova University and the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.
“If you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.” Toni Morrison
Huge honor to speak about my journey as a leader in diversifying the nurse anesthesia profession. It was an incredible event!
I was overwhelmed of the importance of the prestigious award by the President of Villanova University. Then, to be introduced by the Dean of the College of Nursing! CRNA was the first in the Philadelphia region to be selected as seen as a transformational leader in nurse anesthesia.
I loved sharing the historical context of Goldie Brangman, CRNA as the Program Director of Harlem School of Anesthesia and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1958. Thank you for seeing the contributory national grassroots evidenced-based work by this Fellow into three Academies. Villanova University acknowledges nurse anesthesia exemplary giants moving mountains and holding ladders for so many others across the country can climb.
#VillanovaUniversity
CRNAs as preceptors paying it forward…
Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop event hosted at Fairfield University.
As per Precious McGowan Boyd, CRNA: I had a blast, but I also had the opportunity to meet some amazing colleagues and educate future CRNAs on the importance of pre-op assessments!
If you’re interested in learning more about this incredible career, definitely check it out—you won’t be disappointed!
I see you CRNA colleagues: Precious McGowan Boyd, Joseph Alexander, Jamare Reed, Jennifer Mason, LaTonya Mims & Everett Moss!
CRNAs that are members of the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program interested in giving back can volunteer at these events and receive 16 AANA CEUs. Interested in volunteering in 2025, please email us at diversitycrna4u@gmail.com.
Diversity CRNA 2024 National Impact…
Historically excluded critical care nurses from across the country interested in applying to Nurse Anesthesia Programs attend 5 Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshops
In video: Dr. Christian Tekwe, PhD, CRNA - President, Association of Cameroonian Nurse Anesthetists of America was the Keynote Speaker at the 2024 Rosalind Franklin University event.
Watch this future CRNA workforce grow!
Fun fact: Out of a 65K CRNA Workforce, only 4% are Black CRNAs, 4% Hispanic CRNAs, 3% Asian CRNAs & 0.7% Indigenous CRNAs
Access & early professional socialization core to the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs.
2024 Health Policy Conference
Courageous Transformations Towards an Equitable Future
Current situation…
Attended the American Academy of Nursing’s (Academy) 2024 annual Business Meeting, which was held in-person at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC during the Health Policy Conference on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
The meeting comprises of remarks from the Academy's leadership about the organization's financial health, the state of the Academy, and other topics; plus, reports from the American Nurses Association and Nursing Outlook.
The meeting is an opportunity for Fellows in good standing to submit and present motions.
Thank you, Dr. Everett Moss, DNP, CRNA for presenting on DNP/DNAP Scholarly Projects through an equity lens to diverse ICU RNs across the country at the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at Fairfield University!
As per Dr. Moss:
“Doubt has killed more dreams than failure ever will!”
April 2019 I attended my first Diversity CRNA workshop as a RN
2022 I attended as a SRNA.
2024 I present as a CRNA.
Be unstoppable! A roadblock doesn’t end the trip!
Shoutout to momma @lenagould and the entire DNAMP crew. We had a great time @FairfieldU
2025 Diversity CRNA dates coming soon…
A Story Worth Sharing with the Dayton, Ohio Community...
Last year, I was humbled to be asked by the editor of The Dayton Weekly News - An African American Community Newspaper to publish an article during Minority Health Month with Edward Jones, DNP, CRNA.
Dr. Jones, a Black Nurse Anesthetist and Dayton native addressed issues on the importance of colonoscopy screenings, breast mammograms and awareness of Black maternal mortality and anesthesia considerations.
Also, in the article, Dr. Jones discusses his own change in career trajectory from Respiratory Technician to critical care nurse and recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati Doctor in Nurse Anesthesia Practice Nurse Anesthesia Program.
Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN
Saturday…
Keynote Speaker, Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Fairfield University
Dr. Jose Castillo, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, APRN (Tenured Associate Professor) on anesthesia consideration on gender affirming care for trans & non-binary patients.
Thank you Dr. Castillo for sharing your expertise on this topic with future diverse CRNAs from across the country.
New Brainchild of CRNA, Levia Sutton!!! Launching the Diversity CRNA Wellness & Joy Collective...
Early Sunday morning, immediately before the Diversity CRNA Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at Fairfield University starting in front of the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies at 6:30AM!
CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents and ICU Nurses will start our day with movement. Let’s do it!
Whew! My book proposal is done!
"If there's a book that you want read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."
~ Toni Morrison
Now, looking for a publisher. It will happen.
Onward to the next chapter!
Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FAANA, FADLN, FAAN
Founder & CEO, Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program
www.diversitycrna.org
In Nurse Anesthesia Faculty News…
Congratulations to Dr. Maiko Yamashita, DNP, CRNA (Program Director, Rush University Nurse Anesthesia Program, a fierce advocate in admission equity and Board Member, Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program) supporting her nurse anesthesia residents in advancing linguistic literacy.
As per Dr. Yamashita:
I had the pleasure of presenting “Bridging Gaps, Building Health: Advancing Equity Through Linguistic Literacy in Healthcare” at the ISAPN Midwest Conference with Kimberly Zielinski (‘25 cohort) and Sergio Cruz Gutierrez (‘25 cohort).
It was just yesterday that I was interviewing them. Now they’ve got 10 months to go (who’s counting) and they’re off into their own CRNA careers. This is one of the best parts of being a Program Director… opening eyes to all of the potential within ourselves and making an impact in the communities that we serve.
Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop event hosted at Fairfield University.
Board President of Diversity CRNA & Preceptor, Dr. Mark Giles, DNP, CRNA reviewing safety measures at the anesthesia machine station with diverse ICU RNs across the country before applying to nurse anesthesia programs.
Now, critical care nurse. can write about their immersive experience in nurse anesthesia admission personal statement. Out of a 65K CRNA Workforce, only 4% are Black CRNAs, 4% Hispanic CRNAs, 3% Asian CRNAs & 0.7% Indigenous CRNAs.
Access & early professional socialization core to the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs.
Key to the future…
Over three years ago…this image posted during his first week of Nurse Anesthesia DNP Program at Loma Linda University!
Today, Dr. Howard Booth, DNP, CRNA delivering anesthesia in communities that need his presence the most!
Fun fact: Out of a 65K CRNA Workforce, only 4% are Black CRNAs, 4% Hispanic CRNAs, 3% Asian CRNAs & 0.7% Indigenous CRNAs
Access & early professional socialization core to the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs.
Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Fairfield University.
The best part on Dr. Everett Moss, DNP, CRNA presenting on DNP/DNAP project ideas through an equity lens with the benefit on having CRNAs describing it themselves to ICU RNs of color from across the country interested in Nurse Anesthesia.
Dr. Nathaly Palacios, DNP, CRNA, Proud Afro-Latina CRNA & OB anesthesia clinical expert speaking on her DNP scholarly project: Instituting an Information Session about Epidurals Prior to Labor.
Planting necessary seeds on DNP/DNAP projects through an equity lens for future diverse CRNAs via Diversity CRNA Program.
A crna•ish story of a
#firstgen graduate & ICU Nurse surrounded by CRNA mentors navigating journey.
Dr. Michelle Rodriguez Gonzalez, PhD, CRNA, CHSE-A, FAANA (Program Director, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Nurse Anesthesia Program) at the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Fairfield University as preceptor at anesthesia machine station.
Dr. Gonzalez is a former Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program Board Member and a long standing proponent of its mission.
Out of a 65K CRNA Workforce, only 4% are Black CRNAs, 4% Hispanic CRNAs, 3% Asian CRNAs & 0.7% Indigenous CRNAs
Access & early professional socialization core to the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs.
Whew!
I had an amazing time at the DNPs of Color Conference at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
Topic: We Belong Here: Disability and Advocacy Nursing
As a CRNA of color, I only find evidenced-based content on empowerment, HBCU excellence, health disparities, reproductive justice, disability, ableism & diverse workforce solutions at NBNA, DNPs of Color & Diversity CRNA Events!
For us, by us!
For 10 years, Black CRNAs have committed to increasing pathway initiatives by visibly making ourselves known to Black nursing students at Diversity CRNA HBCU School of Nursing Tours 2014 - 2024.
We hand each student photo collages of Black CRNAs standing in front of the anesthesia machine.
Our next Diversity CRNA 2025 HBCU Tour will be announced in a few weeks, a closed event to nursing students of the selected campus.
All of this is intentional, of course.
CRNAs that are members of the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program interested in giving back can volunteer at these events. Interested in volunteering in 2025, please email us at diversitycrna4u@gmail.com.
Out of the blue…
Enjoying this incredible moment when a CRNA whom you mentored before he enrolled in Villanova University Nurse Anesthesia Program 15 years ago...sent me this text.
"Today, we stand on the shoulders of those who sacrificed and paved the way".
Priceless. ((HUGS))
Thank you Chris Scott, CRNA, MSN
#humbled
New publication alert…
Our manuscript published by founder Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program & VCU PhD Researcher in the Nursing Outlook Journal: Dr. Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN, & Dr. Jiale Gary Hu, PhD, RN, FAAN (VCU, Director of Research & Global Outreach)
Underrepresented nurses' perceptions of a mentorship program supporting their applications for advanced practice nursing programs: A descriptive cross-sectional survey study.
An original contributory work in building a diverse national nurse anesthesia workforce from 2007 - 2019.
This study aimed to evaluate a national mentorship program supporting underrepresented nurses’ applications for nurse anesthesia education programs with 1,133 participants.
Finally, our voices are being heard, recorded and published!!!
After much consideration, Dr. Gould has decided to deactivate her Twitter account.
Moving forward, she will be sharing insights, updates, and engaging with her community on Blue Sky.
You can now follow Dr. Gould on Blue Sky at: @drlenag.bsky.social
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to connecting with you in this new space!
This is only the beginning of Joseph Alexander's Nurse Anesthesia journey...
In 2019, as a critical care nurse, Joseph attended and actively participated at the Diversity CRNA Info & Airway Lab at Augusta University. In 2022, Joseph Alexander CRNA graduated from Florida State University Panama City Nurse Anesthesia Program.
In October 2024, he served as a CRNA preceptor at the Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Fairfield University. A truly full circle moment.
As per Joseph:
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step.”
A crna•ish discovery of empowerment from the National Black Nurses Association Annual Conference, DNPs of Color Conference & Diversity CRNA 2024 Event
In July, A beautiful evening at the NBNA Gala President Dinner in San Francisco.
In October, A weekend of learning advocacy at the DNPs of Color Conference in Philadelphia, with a Future CRNA, Samantha Lubin, BSN, RN, CCRN who also attended the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop Event hosted at Fairfield University in Connecticut!
Always mentoring in welcoming spaces! As Samantha's CRNA mentor, staying in close proximity to excellence pays off, wonderfully.
A CRNA Paying it Forward…A Diversity CRNA Full Circle Moment...
As per Joseph Alexander, CRNA, a proud graduate from Florida State University Panama City Nurse Anesthesia Program in 2022.
Joseph attended and served as a CRNA preceptor at the Diversity CRNA Information Session Airway Simulation Lab Workshop Event hosted at Fairfield University.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
In 2019, I attended my first Diversity CRNA workshop as a RN. This weekend I had to pleasure of supporting this tremendous cause as a CRNA.
Salute to Mama G (Lena Gould) and the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program for leading and continuing the charge.