In 2019, I joined the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) Phoenix Chapter. I was thrilled to see people who looked like me be successful; I felt represented and included. I met my mentor, Ashley Merida, who has been there for me throughout my nursing journey.

Through my volunteerism, I have assisted with the registration table at monthly meetings, volunteered at events, helped create social media posts, and I am a committee member of the membership committee. I have participated in volunteer events, such as Sound the Alarm through the American Red Cross, the All of Us Research Program, the PanCAN walk for Bertha Sepulveda, and other community outreach events.

I have been studying at Chamberlain University since September 2022 and will graduate in December 2024. Having gone through many struggles to get to where I am today, I can proudly say I am succeeding in my career. I was awarded the Abbott Scholar award through NAHN in May 2023. The Abbott Scholar award included a $10,000 scholarship designed for tuition expenses. In addition, in July of 2023, I won the Karen Para La Communidad $1,700 scholarship through the NAHN Phoenix chapter. Receiving news about these scholarships has given me a lot of motivation; without a doubt, I got very emotional because I knew that these scholarships showed that my hard work was paying off.

Making my family proud is the one thing I strive for. I was fortunate enough to share part of my success and make my grandma proud before she left this world in August of 2023. My long-term goal is to contribute to the community, motivate future nurses, and make an impact. I want to share my story with those who, like me, don’t have family or anyone to encourage or look up to them. I would not be where I am today if I did not have my family, friends, and NAHN to support me during my nursing career. ¡Si se puede!