76th MMPNO Program Book v3 by TwandaHillInc

Order of Program

Welcome & Acknowledgements

Dr. Joycelyn Thomas

Master of Ceremonies

Dr. Antwinett O. Lee

Remarks

Dr. Keondra Rustan, MMPNO President

“Lift Every Voice and Sing"

Jospehine Howell

Invocation

Rev. Dr. Margaret L Spearmon, Associate Minister, FAME Church

Special Presentation

Dr. Keondra Rustan, MMPNO President

Student Speaker

Sumaya Uthmaan

*** Lunch is Served ***

Music by Danny Walsh, Saxophonist

Song

Jospehine Carson

Introduction of Keynote

Dr. Joycelyn Thomas

Keynote Speaker

Elizabeth Wako, M.D., MBA

President and CEO of Swedish Health Services

Anne Foy Baker Award

Xavier Orr

Student Speaker

LaKenya Charlayne Townsend Brimmer

Scholarship Presentations

Dr. Antwinett O. Lee

Student Speaker

Grace Njoki Gitome

ASK

Alexander Vaughn Williams

Benediction

Rev. Dr. Margaret L Spearmon, Associate Minister, FAME Church

Keynote Speaker

Elizabeth Wako, M.D., MBA President and CEO of Swedish Health Services

Elizabeth Wako, M.D., MBA, is president and CEO of Swedish Health Services, which is an affiliate of the Providence family of organizations and the largest nonprofit health system serving the Seattle metropolitan area.

In this role, Dr. Wako oversees an organization with more than 1,500 licensed patient beds, 51,000 annual inpatient admiss-

ions and $3.6 billion in revenue. Swedish – which was founded in 1910 – is comprised of five hospital campuses: First Hill, Cherry Hill, Ballard, Edmonds and Issaquah. The system is also home to ambulatory care centers in Redmond and Mill Creek, and a network of hundreds of primary care and specialty care clinics which are located throughout the greater Puget Sound area.

Before stepping into her current role, Dr. Wako held several key executive positions at Swedish. Most recently, Dr. Wako served as chief executive of Providence Swedish's services in the Central Puget Sound area.

Dr. Wako is a proven leader, with a health-care career spanning over three decades that began as a registered nurse working in behavioral health. Dr. Wako received her medical degree from the University of Utah and returned to the University of Washington – her alma mater – to complete a medical residency in anesthesia, a fellowship in perioperative medicine, and finally, her MBA.

Dr. Wako lives in Seattle with her husband and four children, and in her free time enjoys hosting friends around the dinner table, traveling, and the occasional game of golf.

2025 Ann Foye Baker Award Recipient

Nathanial “Nate” Miles

For more than 30 years, Nate has been a major force in the national healthcare, community, and non-profit sectors. As the former Vice President for Strategic Initiatives for Eli Lilly and Company, Nate has been called upon repeatedly to serve his community, state, and country. He is recognized by local and national leaders, elected officials and advocates as a powerful agent of change and reliable voice of reason. In addition to his leadership in the business community, Nate has spent forty years building coalitions among some of the most diverse populations to support public policy initiatives and affect change.

Prior to joining the Lilly Company Nate worked on the Senior Management Team at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center (WSCTC). His efforts in government affairs, community outreach, facilities operations, retail development, labor negotiations and branding development were pivotal to securing $125 million dollars for the facility expansion. In the 1980s, he gained bi-partisan respect and commendations for his role as Chief Legislative Aide for state Senator George Fleming where he facilitated groundbreaking legislation to support economic development.

Locally Nate has served on boards, commissions, and provides support to numerous civic initiatives and organizations. He has a stellar record or philanthropic involvement

Nate’s work has been recognized on over three hundred occasions, receiving a variety of honors and awards. Born and raised in Washington State, he is a distinguished graduate of the University of Washington. He married his college sweetheart, and is the father of three young-adult children

Nathaniel “Nate” Miles Retired, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Eli Lilly and Company

Anne Foy Baker

2025 MMPNO Scholarship Recipients

Maryan S. Ali is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in August 2025. Maryan can be described as an incredibly high achieving, dedicated, thoughtful and hard-working student. Her compassion and ability to advocate for others is evidenced by her volunteer work in the community with the Somali Health Board. Her path into nursing comes from deep personal experiences. The loss of her grandmother from mismanaged health care and the ongoing struggle of her mother with severe asthma has shaped her desire to make a difference in the lives of others. She envisions a career where she will notonlyprovidehigh-qualitypatientcarebut actively contribute to improving access to healthcaretounderservedcommunities.

Zulika Musa Ararso is enrolled at Seattle UniversitySchoolofNursingandwillgraduate June2025.Zulikaisadedicatednursingstudent committed to breaking down healthcare barriers and advocating for underserved communities. Shaped by personal experiences of resilience, she excels academically while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and community leadership. With extensive experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), she has provided compassionate, patient-centered care to diverse populations. Known for her ability to connect with and advocate for those she serves, Zulika exemplifies the spirit of service. She is dedicated to making a lasting impact in healthcare by addressing systemic disparities and championing equitable access to quality care.

Maryan S. Ali

Zulika Musa Ararso

Mariya Aydiid is enrolled at Seattle University School of Nursing and will graduate June 2026. Mariya is a dedicated nursing student with a deep passion for addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities. Inspired by firsthand experiences with inequities in maternal and community healthcare, she is committed to advocacy, patient-centered care, and improving health outcomes—particularly for Black women and marginalized populations. Beyond her academic achievements, Mariya demonstrates strong leadership by mentoring her younger siblings and fostering educational success. Her unwavering work ethic, compassion, and dedication to equitable healthcare make her a powerful patient advocate. Mariya aspires to drive meaningful change in the nursing field, working toward a more just and accessible healthcare system.

Lydia I. Gacheru is enrolled at at University of Washington School of Nursing and will graduate June 2026. Lydia’s passion for nursing was inspired by witnessing her grandmother and others struggle with chronic illness in overcrowded, understaffed healthcare facilities. She deeply admired the critical role nurses played in providing care, which motivated her to pursue a career in the field. After immigrating to the United States, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), earning a reputation for her professionalism, compassionate patient care, and unwavering dedication to the profession. Known for her adaptability, reliability, and strong work ethic, Lydia demonstrates exceptional leadership and a genuine commitment to patient well-being. Despite the challenges of balancing work and studies, she has persevered, driven by her goal of becoming a nurse and making a meaningful impact in healthcare.

Mariya Aydiid

Lydia I. Gacheru

Aster Tesfaldet Gebregergis is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in June 2025. Aster, the mother of three children and husband’s job requires long absences, has done exceptionally well in balancing her studies and caring for her children. She is a first-generation college student and a new American citizen, who has maintained strong academic grades. She is described as one who is motivated to change the lives of others and make a long-term difference in her community. She shared her decision to become a nurse is deeply rooted in personal experiences that involved the death of her sisters who did not receive care in a timely manner following a serious car accident. Also, the loss of her aunt in childbirth due to inadequate medical care influenced her. She aspires to specialize in adult care and addressing the needs of older adults.

Grace Njoki Gitome is enrolled at University of Washington School of Nursing, Graduate Program and will graduate March 2027.Grace’s passion for nursing was shaped by her early experiences as a caregiver for her elderly grandmother, where she instinctively understood the importance of gentleness and compassion. These formative moments continue to guide her as she advances in her nursing education and clinical experience, specializing in long-term care for elderly patients. Dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare for individuals with chronic and terminal illnesses, Grace prioritizes building strong relationships with patients and families, offering empathy, and addressing their concerns. After graduating, she plans to pursue certifications in Palliative Care and Mental Health to integrate these essential services into primary care settings. Committed to advancing health equity, she aspires to lead initiatives that break down systemic barriers and ensure accessible, patient-centered care for all.

Grace Njoki Gitome

Leslie Gordon is enrolled at Washington State University and will graduate December 2025. For Leslie, nursing is more than a profession—it is a calling rooted in compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Her journey into nursing was shaped by firsthand experiences navigating the complexities of her daughter’s medical needs, strengthening her empathy and reinforcing her dedication to accessible and compassionate healthcare. She began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), recently earned her associate degree in nursing, and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Committed to lifelong learning, Leslie plans to advance her education with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), aspiring to take on leadership and advanced practice roles. She is passionate about fostering health equity and creating inclusive healthcare environments that ensure quality care for all patients.

Ramatoulie Jallow is enrolled at Pacific Lutheran University School of Nursing and will graduate in June 2025. Ramatoulie “Rama” has consistently demonstrated the qualities of an exceptional nursing student and future nurse. She is committed to nursing and demonstrates dedication to improving the lives of others. She is known by faculty and students to have a collaborative spirit and a willingness to help others. As a team member at work, she mentors new staff members and initiated a peer support program that improved staff retention and quality care. She is interested in pursuing a career in pediatric nursing. She also envisions contributing to the nursing profession through leadership and advocacy.

Leslie Gordon

Somoto Obi-Iwuagwu is enrolled at Seattle University and will graduate in August 2026. Somoto “Somie” is described as one of the most compassionate students known by one of her nursing professors. This passion is described as one for her patients, her work and peers. When she commits to something, she gives it her full effort. It has been evident in the clinical setting. Her intent and goal are to provide superb care to every patient. Her choice of nursing as a profession has been influenced by her observation of quality nursing care provided her grandmother and the nurse’s positive response to her family. It was also confirmed during the care she provided her mother as she recovered from an illness. Her future goal is to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Sumaya Uthmaan is enrolled at at the University of Washington and will graduate in June 2025.Sumaya is currently a nurse tech at the University of Washington Medical Center. She is described as focused and devoted to her studies, skilled clinically and a leader within the nursing profession. Sumya is an outstanding student and is enrolled in the BSN honors program. One of her U of W activities is active involvement with the Nurse Camp for high school students who are considering a career in Nursing. She has participated in numerous activities in the community. She says her nursing journey is deeply rooted in a desire to address the healthcare challenges of older adults from underserved and immigrant communities.

Somoto Obi-Iwuagwu

LaKenya Chartayne Townsend Brimmer is enrolled at the University of Washington and will graduate in June 2026. LaKenya “Kenya” is a young woman whose life story is amazing. For the past eight years she has worked as a Certified Medical Assistant. The first five years she worked at the Odessa Brown Clinic located in central Seattle. She states health care is patient-centered and throughout her health care journey, she has advocated for them. In addition to her clinical expertise, she has made an impact in the community with groups that organize, inspire and mentor young people. She indicates her role as a student and future nurse is to make a difference by listening to patients, taking their concerns at face value regardless of race or ethnicity and advocating for their holistic needs.

LaKenya Chartayne Townsend Brimmer

Endowed Donors

Dr. Lois Price Spratlen, PhD, RN, FAAN (Emeritus, Deceased) & Dr. Thaddeus Spratlen, PhD. (Emeritus, Deceased)

Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, MN, ARNP, RN (Deceased), sponsored by Dr. Richard Dion, MD & Mrs. Margaret (Peggy) Dion

Dr. Arthur R. Thompson, MD, PhD & Dr. Elaine A. Thompson, PhD, RN

Mr. Lawson L. Turner & Mrs. Mary E. Noble Turner (Both Deceased) Sponsored by Mrs. Frankie T. Manning, MSN, BSN, RN

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

Ms. Frankie T. Manning, MSN, BSN, RN sponsored by Dr. Elaine Walsh

Mr. Paul A. Merriman

Dr. Robert Monahan, PhD (Deceased) & Mrs. Marilyn Monahan

Ms. Helen Shirley Ann Fuller Murphy (Deceased) sponsored by Valorie Taylor, MN, RSN

Ms. Verna Ward Hill, MSN, BSN, RN

Dr. Gail Chapman Hongladarom, PhD, MN (Deceased) & Dr. Ty Hongladarom, MD (Deceased)

Vivian O. Lee, MPA, BSN, RN and Mr. Owen G. Lee, ME, BA, AA (Deceased)

Michiko Sakohira and Alvirita Little, sponsored by Karen Matsuda, MN, BSN, RN Vivian O. Lee, MPA, BSN, RN, Dr. Lawrence Matsuda and Dr. Anthony Owen Lee

Dr. Kathryn E. Barnard, PhD, RN, FAA (Emeritus, Deceased)

Mrs. Mary Lee Bell, MPA, BSN, RN & Mr. Henry P. Bell (Deceased)

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

Keondra Rustan

President MMPNO

Xavier Orr

Vice-President MMPNO

Elaine Irons-Hunt

Secretary MMPNO

Keandra Thompson

Treasurer, MMPNO

Jacinta Mwilu

Parliamentarian, MMPNO

Become a Member

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 first Saturday of each month, September through June.

www.marymahoney.org

Thoughts & Prayers

We extend warm wishes to all the sick and shut-ins and hope that this acknowledgement allows you to continue to feel a part of our family. Verna Hill

We extend our heartfelt condolences to all the nurses and families mourning the loss of a beloved nurse this year. We also lift up prayers for those in war-torn countries. May God’s favor and mercy be upon you all.