Students

Romnick B. Aguilar is the chief nursing officer of San Pedro Jose Amante Emergency Hospital, and health system development officer for the city government of San Pedro, Province of Laguna, in the Philippines. In addition to leading the hospital’s nursing operations, he coordinates a patient referral and hospital financial assistance program for disadvantaged patients in San Pedro. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as the hospital’s infection prevention and control officer, and was named an international ambassador by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America in 2020. Romnick earned a BSN from the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna, an MA in Nursing from the University of the City of Manila, and a Diploma in International Health from the University of the Philippines. He is a Fellow and Certified Hospital Administrator of the Philippine College of Hospital Administrators.

Allan K. Anderson is the nurse officer in charge of the Mtimbira Health Center in the Malinyi district, located in the Morogoro region of Tanzania. In this role, he supervises the provision of nursing services to hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients, ensuring all services meet Ministry of Health guidelines. Allan collaborates with stakeholders to monitor utilization of health services among people living with HIV, utilization of reproductive health services among all community members, and provision of medical and surgical services at the health center. He also provides family planning and cervical cancer prevention services. During his short tenure, he has worked to reduce maternal and perinatal deaths in the Malinyi district. He earned his BSN at the University of Dodoma in Tanzania, completed an internship at Muhimbili National Hospital, and plans to pursue an MSN.

Lizett Bell, MSN, APRN, is an advanced practice nurse, health planner and public health policy specialist in Belize. As deputy director of Hospital Services and Allied Health and the chief nursing officer, she is responsible for workforce planning, policy and regulatory framework for nursing practice and education, and provides technical advice regarding nursing to the government. Her background includes 14 years with the Ministry of Health and Wellness in management, administration, health policy and strategic planning roles. Lizett earned an MSN from National Taipei College of Nursing in Taiwan and a BSN from the University of Belize. She chairs the Nurses and Midwives Council of Belize and the Caribbean Regional Human Resources for Health Commission, and is an executive member of the National Council on Aging.

Lindsey Harris, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, FAAN, is a legislative fellow in the office of Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL 14), a family nurse practitioner at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Medicine, and an Assistant Professor at the UAB School of Nursing. Her areas of focus include health care disparities, access to care, mental health and nursing advocacy, among others. Lindsey was the first person of color to serve as president of the Alabama State Nurses Association. She is also past president of the Birmingham Black Nurses Association, and a member of the Hispanic Nurses Association and the Philippine Nurses Association. She completed a fellowship with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in Health Policy in 2022 and was named a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in 2023. Lindsey earned her BSN from Samford University in Homewood AL, and an MSN with a concentration in Family Practice and her DNP from the UAB School of Nursing.

Ashley Kovacs, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, is a clinical nurse in women’s health at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where she advocates for women and their unborn children. At Cleveland Clinic, she has served as nurse preceptor, charge nurse, assistant manager and perioperative lead. Her 20-year nursing career includes labor and delivery bedside nurse at Parkland Memorial Hospital, and assistant nurse manager in labor and delivery at UT Southwestern Medical Center, both located in Dallas. Ashley earned her BSN from The Ohio State University, and will complete her Master’s degree in Nursing Leadership and Administration in August. She is a member of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, and holds two certifications in high-risk obstetrics and electronic fetal monitoring from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Cecelia C. Kpangbala-Flomo is a nurse with more than 15 years of experience leading health regulatory body and nursing/midwifery education and practice in Liberia. She has worked as a nurse educator and curriculum developer for public health and nursing/midwifery programs and currently directs policy formulation and comprehensive administrative activities at the Liberian Board for Nursing and Midwifery. In addition, she is a faculty member of the West African Postgraduate College of Nurses & Midwives. Cecelia earned an MPH from Cuttington University in Liberia in 2009 and a second MPH from the Royal Tropical Institute in the Netherlands in 2012. She is a chartered member of the Global Nurses & Midwives Rotary Club and a 2019 graduate of the International Council of Nurses’ Global Nursing Leadership Institute.

Tran Thuy Khan Linh leads the Nursing School at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, where she has implemented numerous academic and research-based improvements for the nursing staff, and forged links with international organizations. She is a strong advocate for nursing research led by nurses, a major change for Vietnam where most research is led by medical doctors. Linh’s research centers on competency-based curricula, clinical preceptors, evidence-based practice, palliative care, peripheral intravenous care, wound care, and mental health support for cancer patients and caregivers.
Linh earned a PhD at Queensland University of Technology, a Master of Science in Nursing from Lomo Linda University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City.

Huynh Hong Thuy Phuong is senior lecturer specializing in nursing research, cardiovascular nursing and critical care nursing within the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Technology at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. She is also a senior member of the faculty’s research team. A dedicated educator, Dr. Phuong serves as clinical instructor on the Intensive Care Unit and Cardio Intensive Care Unit at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Dr. Phuong earned a BSN from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Mihn City, an MAddNP at Saxion University of Applied Science in the Netherlands, and a MAppSnN and PhD from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane. She is a member of the Vietnamese Nursing Association and the Vietnamese Nurse Teacher Branch of the VNA.

Nguyen Thi Thuong is an enterostomal therapy nurse specializing in wound care for orthopedics patients at the University Medical Center in  Vietnam. Prior to that, she spent nearly 10 years caring for stoma patients the GI Department. Nguyen is co-founder of the Vietnam Stoma Association and participates in teaching programs on stoma care and wound management throughout the country. She earned her BSN and MSN from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, and a Master’s in Health Economics and Management from the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City.

Lydel Wright, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, has an extensive background working across the health care continuum in roles that range from hands-on clinical practice to executive leadership. As a health care influencer, he promotes discussions on key industry trends and challenges, and has help craft health care policies as a member of the Florida Board of Nursing. In his advisory role for the Horatio Alger Association, he developed the first venture accelerator, and through his nonprofit, The EmPACT Foundation, he champions STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) and creates opportunities for socioeconomically disadvantaged students. Lydel earned his BSN and MSN degrees at the University of Texas, Arlington and he is currently finishing his doctoral degree in business administration. He was a Johnson & Johnson Nurse Innovation Fellow, and was recently inducted into the National Academies of Practice.

Burama Badjie is the administrator of Bansang Hospital, part of the Ministry of Health in the Gambia. He began his nursing career more than 25 years ago as a bedside nurse and joined Bansang Hospital in 2014.  Before becoming administrator, he worked as principal nursing officer and head of Clinical Services. Burama is a seasoned national trainer, leading courses including Integrated Management of Childhood Illness; Emergency Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health; and Neonatal Care. He earned an MSN from the National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences in Taiwan. Additionally, he received his Higher National Diploma in Midwifery as well as RN certificate from the Gambia College, School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Fatoumata Bah is nurse-midwife in the Gambia. She worked for many years as a perioperative nurse, then later worked in pediatrics.  Fatoumata also worked as a midwife in one of the major health centers in the greater Banjul area (Faji-kunda Health centre). At this facility, she delivered reproductive health services at both base and outreach clinics. In 2005, she moved to academia where she educated registered nurses and midwives at The Gambia College School of Nursing & Midwifery (GCSNM).  She served in various academic leadership positions at the GCSNM and currently serves as the head of school. As a member of the GCSNM senior management team, she continues to be engaged in both teaching and administrative activities. She participants on a regular basis in policy and document validation reviews organized by the Ministry of Health in the Gambia. Fatoumata has a Master of Public Health and post graduate diploma in public policy from Curtin University in Australia.

Chancy Banda is a registered nurse and midwife who serves as the district nursing and midwifery officer for the Nsanje District Council, part of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in Malawi. In this role, she oversees the implementation of nursing and midwifery services and serves as district quality management coordinator. Chancy works to improve the quality of maternal, newborn and child health care through mentoring health care workers on quality improvement methodologies to reinforce the implementation of quality-of-care standards for maternal, newborn and child health. In collaboration with stakeholders, she coordinates the delivery of health care services in times of public health emergencies. Building on the partnership experience, Chancy established a network for Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and HIV and AIDS for stakeholders to facilitate a coordinated implementation of services in the district. She chairs the District Research Committee, which oversees the implementation of health care research. In addition, she is a secretary for the Institutional Integrity Committee, which coordinates anti-corruption efforts within the district council. Chancy earned a Master of Science in Midwifery and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a certificate in Midwifery from Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Malawi.

Tabu Chirwa-Gonani is a registered nurse midwife in Malawi with more than 18 years of experience. Currently, she heads the nursing department at Mulanje Mission Hospital, a faith-based health facility in Southern Malawi, where she is responsible for nursing care and quality improvement (QI) programs. A passionate QI advocate, Tabu leads a hospital-wide, standard-based accreditation program as part of Malawi`s Quality Management Directorate. Under her leadership, the hospital`s QI scores have significantly improved. She is also a sexual and reproductive health advocate. Tabu led the hospital’s COVID-19 response team, helping the Ministry of Health to educate health care workers in case management. Her volunteer work includes efforts to improve the health status of people living with HIV. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in business administration.

Francoise Chantal Melanie is a registered nurse and midwife in the Seychelles with 27 years of community health experience. Currently, she works at the National Youth Health Centre as a Nurse Manager within the Ministry of Health in the area of sexual reproductive health and rights. Francoise is a passionate advocate for marginalized and at-risk populations at the community, national, regional, and international levels. She is also a committed HIV and AIDS activist and member of the Seychelles Civil Society Activist Think Tank (SCATT). Francoise received an advanced diploma from the International Council of Nurses’ Leadership for Change Program and a bachelor’s degree in social science from the University of Seychelles.

Getrude Mwambui is a registered nurse and midwife and health leader in Kenya. She currently serves as a senior nursing officer at Mariakani Sub County Hospital, where she coordinates nursing services and leads the newly established Oncology Department. Gertrude is focused on provision of high-quality nursing services, health promotion and advocacy, health equity, community strategy advocacy in non-communicable diseases (NCD) care and control, and health workforce capacity building. Getrude began her nursing career in 2013 at St. Luke’s Mission Hospital as a nursing officer in charge of directing nursing services. Her experience includes technical advisor for two donor-funded projects, coordinating camps and outreaches and serving as a post-partum family planning program trainer. She joined the Kilifi County government in 2016 at Maria Sub County serving as a clinical nurse, then a nursing officer leading to appointments to local school boards and health committees, women and youth mentorship programs sharing her expertise in relief programs, outreaches, health education, NCD care and control, palliative care and cancer survivor support. Gertrude earned her BSN degree from Kenya Methodist University and is currently pursuing an MSN in Oncology at Kenyatta University.

Lydia Kakungulu Namutebi is a midwife, nurse and a public health specialist in adolescent health care and health services in Uganda. She currently serves as a coordinator for sexual reproductive health at the Mukono District Local Government in Uganda. Lydia is a strong advocate for adolescent health and reproductive health rights.  She advocates for adolescents’ physical and emotional wellbeing, the right for adolescents to remain free from unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, STIs including, HIV/AIDS, and all forms of sexual violence and coercion.
Lydia is alumna of Clarke International University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing and also attended the Uganda Christian University where she obtained a post graduate diploma in health administration and management. She attended Bugema University where she obtained a master’s degree in public health. Lydia has a certificate in home care that she received from Hospice Africa Uganda.

Olivia Ogoma is a registered nurse and midwife in Kenya. As a nurse leader, she is currently serving as chair of the County National Nurses Association and a member of the National Executive Council. Additionally, she is a program officer coordinating child and adolescent health services at the sub-county level. Olivia served as a research coordinator in the Kenya Medical Training Centre, helping to educate Kenya Regional Community Health Nurse students. With more than 25 years of experience in clinical nursing and education programs, Olivia aims to transform nursing and midwifery education and leadership through acquired knowledge and skills. She has worked with health ministries in Kenya leading child and adolescent health programs, providing technical support to various NGOs on the big three agenda: reducing teenage pregnancies, new HIV infections and sexual and gender-based violence. Olivia earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Jomo Kenyatta University and leadership certificates from the African Medical and Research Foundation and the Kenya School of Government.

Patricia Obiajulu Onianwa is Director of Nursing Services at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria. She began her nursing career in 1986 as a staff nurse and midwife focused on improving quality and safety outcomes for patient populations. Over the next 24 years, she rose from direct care nurse to nurse administrator in the Department of Clinical Nursing. Patricia’s leadership focuses on empowering frontline nurses to provide safe, high-quality care at the unit, ward, clinic level and building and sustaining safer health care delivery environments. Patricia received her BSN/B.Sc. Nursing degree from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and her PhD with a concentration in nursing management from the School of Nursing at the University of KwaZulu Natal in Durban, South Africa.

Chala Sadi is a health educator and communication expert in the Federal Ministry of Health in Ethiopia, where he designs social, and behavior change strategies and helps set national guidelines. Chala began his midwife career in 2004 at Nedjo Hospital in West Oromia. Later, he joined the Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs, working to increase the number of institutional deliveries among the refugee population. His background includes more than 15 years promoting sexual and reproductive health and family planning in humanitarian settings and development programs. Chala prepares national guidelines for menstrual health and hygiene, and water, sanitation and hygiene programs. He earned a master’s degree in project planning management from Debre Markos University, a bachelor’s degree in health education and Promotion from Jimma University and a midwifery degree from Addis Ababa University.

Tereza Baley is a senior nursing leader in the Federal Ministry of Health in Ethiopia. She currently serves as Ethiopia’s national nursing education and training coordinator. She began her nursing career in 1985 in Gambella, where she helped establish family planning services in a remote region of the country. For 26 years, she worked in the Black Lion Specialized Hospital in positions that included staff nurse, anesthetic nurse, and critical care nurse. In 2013, Tereza joined the Federal Ministry of Health as chief nursing officer, and in that role contributed to the establishment of a nationwide nursing specialty program, including curriculum development for undergraduates. Tereza earned a Master of Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Nursing, a Bachelor of Nursing, and an advanced diploma in anesthesia from Addis Ababa University.

Gezashign D. Kassa is a national nursing and midwifery service coordinator in Ethiopia. She currently serves as coordinator of the hospital reform care team in the clinical service directorate at the Federal Ministry of Health in Ethiopia. In addition, she chairs a national working group on nursing and midwifery care, which developed a reference manual and other tools to improve quality of care nationwide. She is also a member of the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) working group and participated in the development of infection prevention guidelines. She has led numerous national hospital performance evaluation review meetings, which are organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with regions every quarter.  Gezashign earned a Master of Public Health from Hawassa University and a Bachelor of Nursing from Addis Ababa University.

Joseph Jatta is a nurse and public health expert in The Gambia. He currently serves as a senior research officer at the Directorate of Health Research in The Gambia’s Ministry of Health. He is focused on community service, health care advocacy, and health equity. He is a strong advocate for women’s reproductive health rights. Over his decade in the health care field, Joseph has also co-founded and led Grace Home-Based Care and acted as country director of the Slum to Rural Health Initiative. He is an alumnus of the Young African Leaders’ Initiative, where he trained in public policy and management. Joseph earned a Master of Reproductive Health from PAULESI-Pan African University Institute of Life and Earth Sciences and a bachelor’s degree from the University of the Gambia.

Judy Khanyola is a registered nurse and midwife and nursing leader in Africa. She currently serves as chair of the Center for Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda. With more than 25 years of experience in clinical nursing and education programs, Judy aims to transform nursing and midwifery education and leadership. She is secretary of AFREhealth, the convening body for health education and research in Africa and a board member of AfriPEN, the Africa interprofessional collaborative. She is also on the advisory council of Africa’s primary healthcare initiative, AfroPHC. She has worked with health ministries across Africa, led HIV programs, and provided technical support to NGOs. She is academic editor for PLOS One Global Health. Judy was the 2019 recipient of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) Global HIV award. Judy earned a Master of Advancing Health Care Practices from the University of Manchester and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Eastern Africa.

Patrick N. Kpanyen is a nurse, epidemiologist, and public servant in Liberia. He currently serves as deputy director general for administration at the National Public Health Institute of Liberia. He provides oversight to safeguard and protect public health. Patrick has helped oversee the nation’s COVID-19 response. With more than 20 years of experience leading health-related organizations, as well as training and research institutions, Patrick has served as a faculty member at the Cuttington University Graduate School and published articles on infectious diseases. He is principal investigator on several public health projects in Liberia in partnership with the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and Washington University in St. Louis. Patrick earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Public Health from Cuttington University and a doctorate in epidemiology and biostatistics from the Medical College at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China.

Thokozire Lipato is a registered nurse and midwife and expert in midwifery practice, education, and health policy in Malawi. She currently serves as a district consultant for the United Nations Joint Program on Health Systems Strengthening, which aims to create equitable health and nutrition outcomes. She also heads the Midwifery Department at Mulanje Mission College of Nursing and Midwifery. Over 20 years, Thokozire has worked to improve midwifery standards and access to equitable sexual and reproductive health services and family planning nationwide. For six years, she was the director of monitoring, evaluation, and investigations and research for the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi. Throughout, she has focused on delivering quality reproductive health services, HIV diagnosis, treatment, and care. She has led diverse teams and managed large USG grants and private philanthropic funds. Thokozire earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Malawi.

Simangaliso Mafa is a nursing leader and community and maternal child health leader in Zimbabwe. He currently serves the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health as a community health officer in the Zvimba Rural District Council. He a board member of the Premier Medical Aid Society and CrossBoarder Health Solutions and belongs to the Institute of Directors Zimbabwe. Simangaliso is the immediate past president of the Zimbabwe Nurses Association and has served on various local, regional, and international boards. He earned a Master of Science in maternal child health from the University of Zimbabwe and an Executive Master’s in Business Administration (EMBA) from Midlands State University. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science from Zimbabwe Open University.

Omar Manjang is a director of nursing and midwifery services in The Gambia. Omar currently serves the Gambia’s Ministry of Health, where he supervises and manages the nursing workforce and excels at facilitating career development and leadership opportunities. He also coordinates and implements the policies, plans, and budgets of the Nursing and Midwifery Services. Omar earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of Benin in Nigeria, where he specialized in reproductive and family health nursing, particularly the impact of maternal hand washing on infectious diseases among neonates. He earned a Master of Science in Nursing Sciences from the National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences. In addition, Omar earned a registered nursing certificate from the Gambia College School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Lucy Mkutumula is a registered nurse and midwife and health leader in Malawi. She currently serves as the deputy director of nursing and midwifery services on the senior management team for Malawi’s Ministry of Health. She oversees hospital and community-based nursing and midwifery programs and leads policy reviews and the development of guidelines. She is also interim chairperson of the institutional integrity committee for the Ministry of Health, which aims to minimize fraud and corruption risks. In addition, Lucy represents the Ministry of Health on the Investigations Committee of the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi and on the Health Board of Nkhoma Synod, a major partner in health service delivery. Previously, she was the chief nursing officer at Kamuzu Central Hospital. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Malawi.

Mary Consolata Ishepe Nandili is a registered nurse and midwife and a health leader in Kenya. She currently serves as director of nursing and midwifery services at Kenya’s Ministry of Health, where she has worked for more than 30 years. Working with the United Nations, the World Bank, and other donor partners, Mary coordinated the Health Sector Support Project. She provides consultancy services on health-related projects internationally, including work in Asia and Africa. As a volunteer, she shares expertise on immunization, vulnerable communities, and relief programs. She has published a book on the effects of civil society organizations on health, nutrition, and economic status of people living with HIV/AIDS. Mary earned both a PhD in Public Health and Master of Public Health from Kenyatta University and a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in research and health from Nairobi University.

Nyangi Philemon Ngomu is a registered nurse and health leader in South Africa. He currently serves as the national professional officer for the Africa regional office of the World Health Organization, where he coordinates medical services and medical evacuations. He previously worked as a South Africa-based regional nursing advisor for a program on global nursing capacity-building run by ICAP, an entity created by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health to deliver transformative solutions to strengthen health systems in countries worldwide. He has earned an advanced health management program certificate from the Foundation for Professional Development in South Africa in collaboration with Yale University. Nyangi earned a Master of Science in Nursing, Critical Care, and Trauma Nursing from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a postgraduate diploma in HIV/AIDS Management from the University of Stellenbosch.

Francisca Okafor is a registered nurse and midwife in Nigeria. She currently serves as the director of nursing (chief nursing officer) in the nursing division of the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja, where she advises the government on nursing issues and creates and oversees nursing policies and programs across Nigeria’s 58 federal tertiary hospitals. She also represents the Ministry of Health on the Board of Nursing and Midwifery Council. She also serves as a liaison with national nursing associations, coordinating with nursing directors at a sub-national level. In addition, Francisca collaborates with international organizations such as the World Health Organization, USAID, and UNICEF. Francisca earned a Master of Public Health in Health Services Management and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Calabar.

Dolorence Wakida is a nurse educator, mentor, and leader in Uganda. She currently serves as the executive corporate director of a consultancy firm that supports health training institutions in Uganda. Dolorence has been an institutional health administrator and manager for more than 30 years. Dolorence has implemented multiple international surveys, studies, and initiatives on nurse education, the nursing labor market, and nursing recruitment. She chairs the Faculty of Education at the East, Central and Southern African College of Nursing (ECSACON) and serves on the national central executive committee of Nursing Now. She also serves on the committee on national continuing professional development and accreditation for the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council. Dolorence earned a Master of Human Resource Management from Makerere University and a Master of Public Health from NEXUS International University.

Benjamin Yamusah is a nursing leader in Ghana. He currently serves as the Chief Nursing Officer of the Chereponi Government Hospital, where he provides leadership for ward managers and contributes to the development, implementation, and monitoring of standards,policies, and procedures for the delivery of high-quality nursing care. Benjamin has worked as a bedside nurse in surgical, medical, and pediatric wards and often acted an interim medical superintendent. Benjamin earned a Master of Philosophy in community health and development and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc) from the University for Development Studies and an advanced diploma in ophthalmic nursing from the Ophthalmic Nursing School in Ghana. He earned a state-registered nursing certificate (SRN) from the Tamale Nurses Training College.