Inclusion, Diversity, + Excellence Achievement Initiative (IDEA)
All are welcome here. We really mean it.
The need for a diverse nursing workforce has never been greater. Not just because patients want caregivers who look like them and speak their language - though that's part it it - but because we understand that you can't reduce health inequities, improve care and patients' health outcomes without a widened view of the world derived through engagement across difference, understanding, and humility.
IDEA creates structures that build belonging: through programming and events for students, faculty, and staff; support of student affinity groups; through learning opportunities, pilot classes, workshops, and community reads; through curricular and academic support of faculty to help them build and grow a culture of humility, respect, and belonging; and through its support and ongoing work to create holistic admissions processes that take into account applicants' backstories and experiences as well as their academic strengths and promise.
Black Student Nurses Alliance (BSNA)
The BSNA aims to create a stronger sense of community among the Black nursing population at UVA and the UVA School of Nursing. We dedicate our time to fostering and creating a community among Black nursing students of all years (1st-4th) and programs (undergraduate and graduate). This organization offers events and programming that promote belonging among those who identify as Black, African American, African, Afro-Latinx, or mixed race in the nursing community. Follow them on Instagram (@uva_bsna) for the latest information.
Faculty advisor: Christine Feggans-Langston
Diversity in Nursing for a Better Community (DNBC)
DNBC promotes the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive environment in both the School of Nursing and the nursing profession and unites nursing students by building camaraderie and teamwork through community service and humanitarian efforts abroad. Each year, DNBC leaders organize a "Dare to Dream" event for diverse high schoolers across Virginia, a half-day experience during which students curious about nursing get tours, talk one-on-one with students, take part in simulations and anatomy and physiology labs, and hear from admissions, financial aid, and recruitment professionals. Follow them on Instagram (@dnbc_uva).
Latinx Nursing Student Union (LNSU)
Established to empower and connect the Latinx Nursing students at UVA School of Nursing, help serve the community, promote the nursing profession to other Latinx students in the Charlottesville area, and educate and provide support to the Latinx students in the School of Nursing, LNSU organizes events, learning forums, meals, and fun activities for students. Follow them on Instagram (@lnsu_uva).
Men Advancing Nursing Club (MAN Club)
Established in 2012, the MAN (Men Advancing Nursing) Club is for people of all genders and backgrounds to promote nursing as a profession as well as providing community outreach to Charlottesville and the surrounding area. The MAN Club, affiliated in 2024 to the American Association of Men in Nursing, offers events, lectures, meet-and-greets, and works with area youngsters to inspire them toward a path in nursing. Follow them on Instagram (@man_club_at-uva).
Faculty advisor: Curtis Stowers
Asian American Pacific Islander Nursing Student Association (AAPINSA)
AAPINSA provides space for the community of AAPI nursing students at the UVA School of Nursing and was established to bring members of the community together to foster a sense of belonging and connect through similar identities, backgrounds, and experiences. The group holds general body meetings, does events, and organizes special activities for members, carries out initiatives for the community, and collaborates with other nursing organizations, other CIOS, and other institutions.
Follow them on Instagram (@aapinsa_uva).
Faculty advisors: Jeongok Logan and Ha Do Byon
qRN
qRN is a club for LGBTQIA+ and allied students and faculty and staff at the School of Nursing and hosts a variety of events, including community building programming, speaker series, and marks Coming Out Day. qRN has also done community events offering health checks, participated in marches and trips, and worked to build awareness through advocacy and fundraising the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ populations. Follow them on Instagram (@qrnatuva).
This group supports the School of Nursing's underrepresented students, including those who are racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ students, first-generation college attendees, students with disabilities, and any others who may feel marginalized due to a minority status or particular life experience. Advocates are publicly identified as people students can come to for support or to confidentially debrief and/or problem solve a situation.
Advocates are committed to building deeper relationships, mentoring underrepresented students and helping them navigate the academic environment, individuals who are keen to address obstacles, and people committed to reducing others' feelings of isolation. Advocates also develop genuine connections with students by gaining a fuller picture of their lives and concerns.
Advocates show up. In partnership with the Diversity Committee, advocates help plan and attend IDEA social functions and take part in community engagement activities that nurture a welcoming and inclusive climate in the School of Nursing.
Advocates always take time to respond. When something happens within the School of Nursing, at UVA, or takes place in contexts outside of UVA that impacts students, especially underrepresented students, advocates will serve as "first responders," and are committed to being visible and available to students in distress and working with the IDEA team and Diversity Committee to systematically address these issues in a timely and respectful fashion. While it is our aim to have all faculty and staff become advocates for our students, the role of faculty and staff advocates fills a gap that underrepresented students have identified and is above and beyond the usual advising role.
- Kim Acquaviva
- Elle Blevins
- Theresa Carroll
- Christine Connelly
- Lynn Corbett
- Katrina Debnam
- Julie Haizlip
- Ashley Hurst
- Jennifer Kastello
- Meghan Mattos
- Kathy McEldowney
- Emma Mitchell
- Kathryn Reid
- Austin Stajduhar
- Amelia Walton
- Malinda Whitlow
- Ishan Williams
The School of Nursing's Diversity Committee promotes and supports efforts to increase diversity of students, staff, and faculty; fosters an inclusive and respectful climate for minority and underrepresented groups of the School of Nursing community; and raises awareness of diversity and inclusion issues with students, faculty, and staff. They serve as the advisory group for Melissa Gomes, the associate dean for diversity and inclusion.
Members include:
- Malinda Whitlow
- Theresa Carroll
- Altea Guiterriez
- Brianna Harris
- James Nisley
- Grace Morris
- Crystal Toll
- Jeanne Wangler
Melissa Gomes
Diversity is more than difference. Diversity offers a perspective that allows counter thought to transcend boundaries. Without diverse inclusion, it is difficult to see the kaleidoscope the world offers. What a boring world we would live in, if not for varied experiences. Let us not get caught up in our own limited point of view, because, without the desire to understand another's plight, we will never move beyond our own understanding, and we will miss out on the cataclysmic beauty that can generate when differing worlds collide.
It is my mission to provide the spark that generates such synergy. And, there is no better place to do this than in an institution of higher learning. This is where change makers are born and resulting equity can illuminate the impact of diversification.
Ivy Hinton
As a statistician, I both appreciate and am committed to the idea that there are more similarities among us than differences. We all want the opportunity to be successful. We all need to feel connected. And we all need respect for our sense of autonomy.
But I have the highest regard for differences that exist among us, too. I have studied and learned as much as possible about as many people as possible, and cherish every lesson. By appreciating differences, I have provided support that is often unique to each individual. For me, diversity means appreciating what goes into making someone who they are. Equity means providing, to the best of our ability, people with resources they need to succeed. Inclusion means shaping a learning and work environment where everyone feels welcomed, acknowledged, and respected.
Our healthcare systems bring together a huge cross-section of humanity, and we must have a diverse workforce to provide the most appropriate care for each one of them. I can attest that we are great even as we strive for our better good.
Hannah Crosby
I believe we all have a piece of the puzzle and when we put it all together with dignity and respect, the beauty of community shines through. I understand that what you bring to the table is value-added and your voice and perspective matters! Therefore, I am continually guided by a quote attributed to Mother Teresa: “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”
It is my utmost desire to be a part of the growth process and I get to do that every day, here at UVA School of Nursing.
Diane Washington
Diversity, equity and inclusion is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of different groups of individuals. DEI encompasses people of different ages, races, ethnicities, abilities, disabilities, genders, religions, cultures and sexual orientations. That’s the textbook definition.
My daily walk and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion can be summarized by sharing a quote from the legendary author Maya Angelou: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Living this quote Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday is how you truly embrace diversity, equity and inclusion.
