As Hispanic Heritage Month comes around, I’m feeling extra grateful this year. I recently began my new role as a Member of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)—a move that feels both an honor and a responsibility. This is a particularly special moment, as NAHN celebrates 50 years of uplifting Latino nurses and advocating for both our nursing profession and our wider Hispanic community. In my brief time on the board, I’ve witnessed firsthand how meaningful progress happens: thoughtful, well-run meetings, true collaboration, and tireless advocacy reaching far beyond our membership.
NAHN’s impact is remarkable. We are proud to represent nearly 450,000 Latino-identifying nurses across the country—a significant and vital force within the healthcare system. With over 3,200 active members and 46 chapters in 44 states, we form a nationwide tapestry of representation and support. NAHN has woven alliances with 31 strategic partners, 13 educational partners, 75 sponsors, 12 corporate members, and 5 corporate board members. Every year, we confer more than $200,000 in nursing scholarships, helping pave the way for the next generation of Hispanic nurse leaders. Our commitment goes beyond recognition—we believe in action, such as the Immigration Toolkit developed by Arizona nurse leader Ashley Merida, empowering our community to navigate the changing immigration landscape—which is affecting every Latino community across the country. Additionally, we’ve joined numerous like-minded organizations—advocating on Capitol Hill for protections for programs like SNAP and Medicaid, and for continued investment in nursing education, research, and practice.
While NAHN has made great strides, we know that significant challenges remain for Latino nurses—in education, professional advancement, and in addressing healthcare disparities in our communities. These obstacles remind us why our advocacy, partnerships, and collective action are so important, and why our mission remains urgent.
This advocacy is fueled not only by professional dedication, but also by the cultural values that shape our community. The more I reflect on U.S. culture, the more I appreciate the gifts Latino culture brings. American society is built, in many ways, upon fierce individualism and personal autonomy—values that spark innovation and drive competition. These are strengths, no doubt. Yet when individualism overshadows all, it can steer us into divisive, even isolated, territory—making it harder to reach prosperity as a nation, for all.
Here, Latino collectivism offers an invaluable counterbalance. In our Latino culture, we are taught to see ourselves as fundamentally connected—identities formed not only by personal achievements, but by our roles within families, communities, and networks. “We” always matters as much as “I.” This isn’t just philosophy; it’s a lens that transforms how we behave and solve problems, including in healthcare. For example, collectivism stresses prevention: we can look out for each other, we can share responsibilities, and we can invest in community health before issues become crises. This mindset saves resources, improves quality of life, and makes us stronger together.
As we face increasingly complex challenges—whether in healthcare, politics, or society at large—I believe that our Latino heritage can help our country move beyond reactionary, divisive responses. Collectivism reminds us to listen, to empathize, and to seek solutions that serve not only ourselves but the greater good. It offers a pathway to more constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and sustainable progress. For U.S. society, embracing it could mean becoming less polarized and more open to collaboration—choosing to truly hear the other side, and to build ways forward together.
As I reflect on the legacy and future of NAHN, I’m reminded that hope alone is not enough—it must be paired with a clear strategic vision and purposeful action. That’s exactly what NAHN brings to our community and our profession. For fifty years, our impact has reached across generations and across the country. Moving forward, our hope fuels a commitment to work collaboratively—with our more than 100 partners—whether on Capitol Hill influencing policy, in elementary schools inspiring the next generation, or in the hospital caring for the most vulnerable. Together, we will continue to advocate, empower, and uplift- so that both the Latino community and the nursing profession thrive in every corner of the nation.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! ¡Adelante juntos! Onward together!