MMPNO 75th Anniversary Program Book RO 1

75

TH

ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP CELEBRATION

A N N I V ER S A R Y Building a Legacy of Service: 75 Years of Community Service and Education

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 1:00 PM

www.marymahoney.org

Kaiser Permanente

Your health. Our cause.

At Kaiser Permanente, everything works together for one very important cause.

You.

-2-

President’s Message

Keondra Rustan PhD, RN, CHSE, CNE, TNCC, PMHNP-DNP(s) President Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization

Dear Members and Guests, Welcome to the 75th Annual Scholarship Luncheon of the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization!In celebrating three-quarters of a century, we honor our commitment to nursing excellence and the support of future nurses. Thanks to our sponsors and donors, we continue to empower aspiring nurses through scholarships.

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. Mentorship is the key to success, and that's the role we should all embrace – to guide, inspire, and support those around us. In doing so, we not only uplift individuals but strengthen our entire community."-Maya Angelou We are proud of our rich history that reflects these values. Let us reflect on this, celebrate our achievements, and renew our dedication to nursing excellence. Together, we'll honor Mary Mahoney's legacy, shape a brighter future for nursing, and advance healthcare for all.

Thank you for your continued support. Warm regards,

-3-

www.kcnurses.org

Congratulates MMPNO on 75 Years of Service & Education to the Community!

The King County Nurses Association (KCNA) is a professional organization of registered nurses, committed to supporting members and the communities they serve through education, advocacy, and service.

4649 Sunnyside Avenue North, Room 352 | Seattle, WA 98103 | 206-545-0603 -4-

Order of Program Welcome & ............................................................................................ Dr. Joycelyn Thomas Proclamation from Honorable Mayor Bruce Harrell Master of Ceremonies.......................................................................................... Xavier Orr Remarks.................................................................................................. Dr. Keondra Rustan Song............................................................................................. “Lift Every Voice and Sing" Invocation................................................................................................... Elaine Irons-Hunt Acknowledgement of Sick and Shut In & In Memoriam.......................... Xavier Orr Special Presentation............................................................................. Dr. Keondra Rustan Lunch is Served Spoken Word/Poem....................................................... Monique Franklin,Verbal Oasis Introduction of Keynote....................................................................Dr. Joycelyn Thomas Keynote Speaker..................................................................Wendy Barrington PhD, MPH University of Washington School of Public Health Anne Foy Baker Award.............................................................................Dr. Antwinett Lee Student Speaker................................................................................................... Lekasia Riley Scholarship Recipients Presentation............................................... Dr. Gayle Robinson Student Speaker................................................................ Heremela Yemane Gebrehiwot ASK.................................................................................................................................Xavier Orr Closing Prayer of Protection...................................................................Elaine Irons-Hunt

- 5-

Tiloben Publishing Company, Inc. is the largest African American owned and operated communications company in the Paci c Northwest. We target the African American and other communities of color with four newspapers: The Seattle Medium (Seattle, WA), The Seattle Metro Homemaker (Seattle, WA), The Tacoma True Citizen (Tacoma, WA) and The Portland Medium (Portland, OR).

We are one of the Northwest’s most quoted weeklies and a major force in community service, news, and editorial commentary; an in uential leader in the community.

We produce and distribute the publications of choice that residents of the Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland areas read to stay informed regarding issues and events that a ect and enhance the quality of life in the African American and minority communities. Tiloben Publishing, Inc., publishers of the Seattle Medium, Metro Homemaker, Tacoma True Citizen and Portland Medium, owns its printing plant and is in its 53rd year of service to the African American and minority communities of Washington and Oregon.

Proud Supporters of MMPNO! -6-

2024 Ann Foye Baker Award Recipient Chris B . Bennett Anne Foy Baker, one of the original twelve founders of Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization believed that Nursing was a “calling to serve” similar to the call to become a minister. She believed we have an obligation to provide service to our community and those who are committed to our care, a belief she demonstrated throughout her life work.

Chris B. Bennett Publisher/CEO of The Seattle Medium

Each year, we celebrate her life and legacy by bestowing the Anne Foy Baker Award to an outstanding community member who reflects our value of community service.

Chris B. Bennett, Publisher/CEO of The Seattle Medium newspaper, a second generation publisher of Seattle’s leading Black news source who exemplifies what it means to embrace the value of being a legacy newspaper, is this year’s Anne Foy Baker Award recipient. He continues to be at the forefront for new concepts, experiment in new and creative ways, and deliver impactful results for their companies. His willingness to share his success with others, provide important feedback to improve processes and products for advertisers, as he continues building in new categories, delivering fantastic results with branded content and email marketing, and experimenting in new and creative ways.

Anne Foy Baker

Bennett has been a leader and industry example of how to best use lifestyle content and category-specific content to bring in new advertisers and new audiences to The Seattle Medium. The Seattle Medium has always been a great supporter to MMPNO and it is our pleasure to bestow upon him the Anne Foy Baker Award.

-7-

We have a big tent that welcomes all nurses When we grow our membership and diversify it, we strengthen the voice we bring to all discussions.

MMPNO for 75 years of legacy and service!

-8-

Keynote Speaker Wendy Barrington, PhD, MPH Wendy Barrington, PhD, MPH is an Associate Professor with joint appointments in the Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing in the School of Nursing and the Departments of Epidemiology and Health Systems and Population Health in the School of Public Health at the University of Washington.

She is an instructor of public health and healthcare practitioners focused on understanding and addressing the social determinants of health in practice and serves as the inaugural director of the Center for AntiRacism and Community Health (ARCH).

As a health disparities researcher and social epidemiologist, Dr. Barrington’s own program of research falls within two main schema: promoting healthy communities and addressing racial disparities in clinical outcomes. She applies anti-racism and community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles to foster authentic community partnerships, collaborate with community health workers and promotoras, and transform health systems via optimizing policy, practices, and processes to disrupt mechanisms of structural racism and discrimination that limit the accessibility and quality of public health and healthcare services.

Dr. Barrington is a national public health leader through her work as part of the steering committee for the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) Framing The Future Initiative and member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) for which she chairs the Health Equity Committee. She is active in cross-institutional collaborations as part of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN), and as board member of the Intercultural Cancer Council.

“There is much work to do to become antiracist, not just as a society, but as a school, a university, a profession and a community. As the cornerstone for healthcare and advocates for the communities they serve, nurses are in the ideal position to do this work. The need to end racism is long overdue and nurses must do their part.”

–Executive Dean Azita Emami

- 9-

Tudor Foundation is proud to support MMPNO enrich lives through scholarships and mentoring for the next generation.

Happy 75th Anniversary!

Photo © Rmarmion | Dreamstime.com

Shanda Boyd salutes MMPNO for

years of Service and Education in the community.

- 10 -

2024 MMPNO Scholarship Recipients Ahmed Jama is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in June 2025. He chose nursing as a career observing his mother work as a nursing assistant. He enjoys direct patient care because it involves communication that enables authentic relationships of trust which benefits health. He states that during his first quarter, he has learned that patient advocacy is also important and it is important to not only advocate for your needs but also your patients. Ahmed’s future goal is to inspire African males and youth to become nurses and educate the community about health and wellness.

Brittany Wambui Tellis is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in June 2025. Brittany’s personal experiences with the dismissal of health care for serious health issues has influenced her passion to deliver health care for African Americans. She realizes now her families health issues were also being dismissed. She states that throughout her life, her mother was a large influence on why she desires to become a nurse. Her mother came from Kenya with three children. She observed her mother’s courage and never giving up her efforts in securing an ADN to her finally securing a Doctorate degree.

Chukwudi Okeke is enrolled at the University of Washington, Bothell campus and will graduate in August 2024. He is described as eager to gain experience and learn new skills. He shares that one of his passions lies in serving members of the unsheltered community, who struggle with substance use disorders. He has volunteered and partnered with police officers that provide shelter and handouts to individuals, who are a part of the unsheltered community Chukwudi also shared he was driven to become a nurse because he wanted a career that would help him live his life purpose and fulfill his desire to continue meeting the needs of the most vulnerable.

- 11-

2024 MMPNO Scholarship Recipients (continued)

Heremela Y. Gebrehiwot is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in August 2025. Heremela is described as having an intelligent curiosity. She aims for excellence, is recognized for her academic and community service, and selected to participate in the Alfie Scholars Program. As a leader, Heremela is committed to addressing healthcare disparities and advocating for others. She believes nurses are the heart of the medical field. As with her mother, volunteerism is essential. Her goal is to research chronic conditions and medications.

Lekashia Riley is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in June 2025. Lekashia is described as having an amazing story of struggle and determination to overcome many health challenges. Her nursing education is precious to her and is not taken for granted. She shares her desire to become a nurse stems from her personal journey as a patient since she was 13 months old and her care has ranged from mediocre to exceptional. Her goal is provide outstanding care to patients, be their advocate and guide them through the complexities of the health care system.

Lochelle Cox is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in June 2025. Lochelle has been observed as providing outstanding care with empathy, dignity, and respect to patients, often underserved, with complex medical and mental health needs.

She shares experiences with peers, demonstrating leadership, increasing understanding, and creating a rich learning environment. Lochelle is committed to advocacy by addressing healthcare disparities and working towards health equity. Her goal is to improve the overall wellbeing of individuals and communities.

- 12 -

2024 MMPNO Scholarship Recipients (continued) Maryan S. Ali is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in August 2025. She is described as consistent, reliable, conscientious, and dedicated. She has served as a leader with peers in small groups. Her desire to become a nurse is attributed to her feelings about the loss of her grandmother. Despite significant family setbacks, Maryan's resilience and dedication in her journey to become a nurse are evident. She has a strong desire to help others. Maryan’s patience, caring, kindness, and professionalism are essential qualities of a good nurse.

Michael Yosief Ghebremariam is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in August 2025. He is described as observant and brings forth meaningful questions, especially around practical applications of lessons learned. His interest in nursing was influenced by his grandmother, who was his role model, at an early age. He observed her treating people in the community. Michael gained insight into the struggles of people of various cultures in countries during his journey to the United States, which assisted him in his decision to become a nurse.

Nasro Ahmed is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in August 2025. Nasro is described as kind, compassionate, determined, and positive.

As a hardworking student, Nasro began taking college classes during her senior year. She graduated with her HS Diploma and her AA degree. She was inspired to become a nurse after losing her baby brother to a serious health condition. Nasro’s personal goal is to advocate for those who are underrepresented in the community, by helping them navigate the healthcare system for better health outcomes.

- 13-

2024 MMPNO Scholarship Recipients (continued) Sara Mulugeta Nemera is enrolled at Seattle Pacific University and will graduate in June 2025. Her interest in nursing stems from shadowing nurses in the hospital. She was motivated by the impact nurses had on patients’ daily and long term. As a certified nursing assistant, her core values are listening to the patient and showing compassion during the worse times in their lives. She is dedicated to addressing health disparities to reduce in maternal and infant mortality in her nursing career. Her future goal is to become a Nurse Anesthetist to treat marginalized patients.

Stephen Nderitu Mwangi is enrolled at the University of Washington and will graduate in June 2025. He made a decision to become a nurse as a results of deep understanding for the human condition and the art of compassionate care. He states I want to merge the science of health care with the art of compassionate care. He has worked with the homeless, in hospitals and family homes with emphasis on understanding cultural differences. His long term goal is to become involved in leadership roles to establish healthcare policies that involve equal access to quality care for all.

Sonia Edwige Tchamba Leckeu is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in June 2025. Sonia has been described as an excellent student with academic dedication as well as being a valuable team and community leader. Sonia shares that since childhood, she always knew she wanted to be a healthcare professional. She was very sick as a child and spent a lot of time in hospitals. She also has the experience of caring for her mother, who suffered serious burns.

These experiences have influenced her desire to become a nurse. Her goals for the future are to expand her role via nursing education.

- 14 -

Providence/Swedish Hospital

Congratulations MMPNO!

- 15-

Being a nurse is the most fulfilling careers you can choose!

Valorie M. Taylor, MN, BSN

Proud member and supporter of MMPNO!

Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization

- 16 -

2024 MMPNO O icers

Keondra Rustan President MMPNO Xavier Orr Vice-President MMPNO Elaine Irons-Hunt Secretary MMPNO Keandra Thompson Treasurer, MMPNO Jacinta Mwilu Parliamentarian, MMPNO

www.marymahoney.org - 17 -

Become a Member

PSARA Working across generations for social justice, economic security, dignity, and a healthy planet for all of us.

Membership is open to any registered nurse of African Heritage who is committed to the mission and goals of this organization. Monthly meetings are held on the rst Saturday of each month, September through June.

is proud to support MMPNO

www.marymahoney.org

information@psara.org

www.nwkidney.org

Congratulations MMPNO!

-18 -

ENDOWED DONORS Dr. Kathryn E. Barnard, PhD, RN, FAA (Emeritus, Deceased) Mrs. Mary Lee Bell, MPA, BSN, RN & Mr. Henry P. Bell (Deceased) Ms. Helen Shirley Ann Fuller Murphy (Deceased) sponsored by Valorie Taylor, MN, BSN Mrs. Shirley M. Gilford, BSN, RN & P. Lloyd Gilford, BA, MA (Deceased) Cammie Lynn Hall (Deceased) sponsored by Frances Marcus Lewis, PhD, MN, MA, RN, FAAAN Ms. Verna Ward Hill, MSN, BSN, RN Dr. Gail Chapman Hongladarom, PhD, MN (Deceased) & Dr. Ty Hongladarom, MD (Deceased) Ms. Frankie T. Manning, RN, BSN, MAN sponsored by Dr. Elaine Walsh Mr. Paul A. Merriman Dr. Robert Monahan, PhD (Deceased) & Mrs. Marilyn Monahan Mrs. Vivian O. Lee Mrs. Mary Osborne, MN, BSN, RN (Deceased) Mrs. Rachel S. Pitts, BSN, RN (Deceased) Sponsored by Dr. Marla Salmon Mr. Roger & Mrs. Annette Rieger Owners, Tudor Foundation Dr. Lois Price Spratlen, PhD, RN, FAAN (Emeritus, Deceased) & Dr. Thaddeus Spratlen, PhD. (Emeritus, Deceased) Dr. Arthur R. Thompson, MD, PhD & Dr. Elaine A. Thompson, PhD, RN Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, MN, ARNP, RN (Deceased), sponsored by Dr. Richard Dion, MD & Mrs. Margaret (Peggy) Dion Mr. Lawson L. Turner & Mrs. Mary E. Noble Turner (Both Deceased) Sponsored by Mrs. Frankie T. Manning, MN. RN

- 19 -

Congratulations MMPNO on 75 Years of Community Service and Education in Nursing.

Elisabeth Ely Ely Living Trust Photo credit © Hongqi Zhang (aka Michael Zhang) | Dreamstime.com

- 20 -

We are committed to improving health and health equity in the United States. In partnership with others, we are working to develop a culture of health equity.

Dr. Marla Salmon proud supporter of Mary Mahoney Professional Nursing Organization

Sending very best wishes and thanks to all who make the MMPNO a community treasure. Your work has been a gift of nursing to those we serve. You have touched many lives, including mine. CONGRATULATIONS! With much appreciation and affection.

- 21 -

75

TH ANNUAL MMPNO SCHOLARSHIP CELEBRATION

2024 Sponsors

Dr. Marla Salmon

Shanda Boyd

THE TUDOR FOUNDATION

Participating Partners and Community Based Organizations Anthony Lee AWH Productions Ben Hassan Temple 64 Ely Living Trust, Elizabeth Ely Harris and Smith Public Affairs Lilly For Better Lives Lois Price Spratlen Foundation MultiCare Nate Miles Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action Seattle Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center Seattle University College of Nursing SEIU University of Washington, School of Nursing, Seattle, Washington Washington Center for Nursing Washington State Nurses Association - 22 -

75

TH ANNUAL MMPNO SCHOLARSHIP CELEBRATION

Special Thanks & Acknowledgements Dr. Joycelyn Thomas, Event Chair Xavier Orr – Master of Ceremonies Elaine Irons-Hunt – Speaker Dr. Wendy Barrington – Keynote Speaker Ms. Heremela Yemane-Gebrehiwot – Student Speaker Ms. Lekasia Riley – Student Speaker Ms. Monique Franklin – Verbal Oasis Ms. Frankie Manning – Registration Ms. Theresa Crimi – Registration Dr. Keandra Thompson Finances Ms. Charlotte Ruff – Editing Material Alive and Black Marketing Dr. Antwinett O. Lee – Ways and Means Co-Chair Ms. Rosa Young - Ways and Means Co-Chair Ms. Twanda Hill – Program Design Mr. Anthony Hopkins – Photos Ms. Mia Yoshihara-Bradshaw – Photos and Design Mr. Danny Welsh – Saxophonist Kusak Cut Glass

Sick & Shut In Frances Terry Verna Hill

In Memoriam

Beulah Mae “Bea” Smith November 23, 1935 – November 24, 2023 - 23 -

Beulah Mae “Bea” Smith Rest in Paradise

www.salalcu.org Salal Credit Union, a grass-roots nancial co-operative empowering, and empowered by you.

Proud to support MMPNO Scholarship Celebration.

Empowering Nurses for 75 years!