T’Anya Carter

MS, CRNA (Texas)

The Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program, in my opinion, signifies progress and much needed change. I met Dr. Wallena Gould, CRNA at the Annual Meeting in Minneapolis in 2008 as a trainee. And at the time, the statistics regarding the numbers of nurse anesthetists of color were abysmal. Through this program, minority trainees are being exposed to a career in nurse anesthesia in record numbers. Although the numbers are not yet where they should be, they are improving. As Gandhi so eloquently stated, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Wallena is a living testament to this statement. Through her vision and leadership, she has instilled in many of us along the way to continue to inspire others the way she inspired us. I subscribe to this school of thought and have made myself visible and available to a number of nurses and nursing students on their own quest to achieve the previously perceived unachievable career of nurse anesthesia. This is progress.