2026-2027 Leadership Candidates

• Elevating Influence: Leveraging our expertise to command a seat at policy and health equity tables.
• Expanding Mentorship: Supporting transitions from clinical practice to leadership and research.
• Fostering Growth: Ensuring every member has the resources and safety to reach their full potential.

As a proud Latina and doctorate-prepared nurse serving in the heart of Silicon Valley at a community hospital, I am honored to apply for a position on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). Throughout my career, I have remained rooted in a mission to uplift our Hispanic community through advocacy, mentorship, and culturally competent care.  At El Camino Hospital, I am an active member of the Hispanic Affinity Group and a dedicated mentor to emerging Hispanic nurses within our organization. I have championed awareness and education around critical health-related comorbidities that disproportionately affect our community—such as dementia, cardiovascular, hypertension, and mental health conditions. My leadership has helped shine a light on the unique health needs of Hispanic populations, while encouraging others to lead with both cultural humility and informed action.  Working in one of the most innovative healthcare hubs in the country, I collaborate with professionals who are passionate about caring for our community—yet often need guidance in understanding its rich complexity. I believe I can be that bridge. I bring not only professional experience but a personal commitment to ensuring our culture, language, and lived experiences are reflected in the care we provide and the policies we shape.  If given the opportunity to serve on the NAHN Board of Directors, I will continue to advocate fiercely for our nurses, amplify the voices of those we serve, and help shape a future where Hispanic representation, leadership, and health equity are the standard—not the exception.  Con orgullo y compromiso,  Dra, Veronica Bargas, DNP, MSN,RN, NE-BC.

As a dedicated and passionate RN with 8 years of comprehensive experience across intensive care specialties, I am eager to apply my skills in a leadership role where I can contribute significantly to NAHN’s mission-driven efforts. My history of diverse clinical settings, combined with robust communication skills and a proactive approach to leadership, aligns with NAHN’s commitment to ensuring high-quality health care delivery to Hispanic communities and promoting professional excellence among bilingual and bicultural nurses.   My professional journey has been marked by six years of travel nursing, where I navigated multiple hospital systems and EMRs efficiently. Working in high-pressure environments such as the Trauma ICU and Burn Unit has honed my ability to make decisive, patient-focused decisions, a skill crucial for a directorial role. My leadership was recognized when I was elected Treasurer Elect for NAHN IL, showcasing my capabilities in organizational governance.  Receiving the Volunteer of the Year award energized my commitment to service and advocacy. This experience, along with my DAISY Award nomination, exemplifies my dedication to enhancing patient care and team collaboration.   I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your organization’s goals and am confident that my diverse skill set will be an asset. Thank you for considering my application.

Prior to becoming a nurse, I served in the United States Marine Corps and was responsible for the careers 40 Marines in my charge and worked with people of many backgrounds. For the past 10 years, I have been registered nurse in emergency services, cath lab, and private practice management backgrounds.

In the private sector, I maintained care plans and delegated tasks to team members. I also worked with the owners of the practice to manage costs for the providing care without diminishing the quality of care.

Lastly, I have served on the national NAHN board of directors and served as the membership committee co-chair. Due to the increase in membership during my tenure, I received the NAHN President’s Award at the 49th Annual Conference.

After that tenure, I started serving on the board of the Dallas chapter and was the leading figure in planning our local fundraiser, securing presenters for the conference, obtaining promotion in local magazine, and arranging for a Marine Corps color guard and mariachi for the national anthem at the opening ceremony.

I intend to serve on the national board again the same level of dedication and vigor as before to support the mission of NAHN!

As a Doctorally prepared Nurse Executive with over a decade of leadership experience, I am honored to submit my candidacy for the Director position at the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. My career is defined by a dual commitment to operational excellence and advancing health equity for our community.

I bring extensive experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets across both acute care and ambulatory settings. By balancing fiscal discipline with nurse-driven protocols, I have consistently improved clinical outcomes and efficiency. This background allows me to navigate the financial complexities of healthcare environments while keeping patient care at the center of every decision.

A cornerstone of my advocacy is developing educational standards for patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and ensuring autonomy for Hispanic families in complex care settings. Furthermore, I have spent over a decade mentoring students, most recently as a nursing professor. My specific research interest focuses on increasing diversity in nursing leadership and addressing the systemic barriers that limit representation at the executive level.

My intent as Director is to leverage this executive, academic, and research expertise to amplify NAHN’s influence, advocate for legislative changes, and empower the next generation of Hispanic nurse leaders to lead with clinical expertise and cultural humility.

I am a registered nurse and clinical research operations leader with over a decade of experience in healthcare and more than eight years leading clinical trials across Phase 1 to Phase 4 studies. With a foundation in public health and a career rooted in patient advocacy, I bring a systems-level perspective focused on improving access, quality, and outcomes. My experience includes managing complex and high-risk protocols, including Schedule I studies in collaboration with the DEA, and supporting emergency use and expanded access efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Early in my career, I served as a Patient Rights Officer, advocating for vulnerable and often marginalized patients, including those navigating mental health challenges. I have also volunteered with an LGBTQ+ organization, supporting inclusive care and community outreach efforts.  Currently serving in a managerial role, I lead research operations at the site level, where I focus on strengthening regulatory compliance, optimizing workflows, and supporting high-performing teams in resource-limited environments. My leadership is grounded in integrity, accountability, and a commitment to both scientific rigor and patient-centered care.  As a first-generation immigrant and Latina, my intent to serve is deeply personal. I am committed to advancing representation, mentorship, and equitable access within nursing and research, and to uplifting Hispanic nurses through leadership and advocacy. I am a registered nurse and clinical research operations leader with over a decade of experience in healthcare and more than eight years leading clinical trials across Phase 1 to Phase 4 studies. With a foundation in public health and a career rooted in patient advocacy, I bring a systems-level perspective focused on improving access, quality, and outcomes. My experience includes managing complex and high-risk protocols, including Schedule I studies in collaboration with the DEA, and supporting emergency use and expanded access efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Early in my career, I served as a Patient Rights Officer, advocating for vulnerable and often marginalized patients, including those navigating mental health challenges. I have also volunteered with an LGBTQ+ organization, supporting inclusive care and community outreach efforts.  Currently serving in a managerial role, I lead research operations at the site level, where I focus on strengthening regulatory compliance, optimizing workflows, and supporting high-performing teams in resource-limited environments. My leadership is grounded in integrity, accountability, and a commitment to both scientific rigor and patient-centered care.  As a first-generation immigrant and Latina, my intent to serve is deeply personal. I am committed to advancing representation, mentorship, and equitable access within nursing and research, and to uplifting Hispanic nurses through leadership and advocacy.

I am Tania Jones, nurse with 23+ years of critical care experience and 11 years of leadership as a nurse manager, overseeing more than 200 employees across three high-acuity departments. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Healthcare Leadership at Point Loma Nazarene University. I am seeking to serve as a National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) national board member to help strengthen member engagement, expand equitable healthcare initiatives, and advance professional governance grounded in nursing ethics.

I bring proven operational leadership—building high-performing teams, aligning quality and safety priorities, and delivering results through collaboration and accountability. I have a strong record of service, volunteering 40–60 hours monthly in community outreach, health screenings, education, and professional advocacy.

At NAHN, I currently serve as a board member for San Diego chapter and on the national Bylaws Committee. Additional leadership roles include President-Elect (San Diego chapter, ACNL), President (San Diego Association for Men in Nursing), and Co-Chair (SoCal NALHE). I lead with integrity, inclusion, and a steady focus on outcomes for patients, nurses, and the communities we serve.

I am fully committed to serving on the NAHN national board and contribute disciplined leadership, transparent governance, and measurable impact.

I am honored to submit my candidacy for the Director position with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). I am deeply committed to NAHN’s mission and to advancing representation, leadership, and health equity within our profession and the communities we serve.

With nearly two decades of diverse healthcare experience, including flight nursing, critical care, and advanced practice as a dual-certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Family Nurse Practitioner, I bring a systems-level perspective to improving access, quality, and culturally centered care for Hispanic populations.

My service as Chair of Education for the Phoenix Chapter and Co-Chair of the National Policy and Advocacy Committee has allowed me to champion initiatives that elevate Hispanic nurses into leadership and policy spaces. Through mentorship, education, and advocacy, I have worked to strengthen the pipeline of future nurse leaders and ensure our voices are represented where decisions are made.

As Director, I will focus on expanding leadership development opportunities, advancing pathways into advanced practice and executive roles, and fostering strategic collaboration across chapters and at the national level. My leadership is grounded in integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainable growth and measurable impact.

I respectfully ask for your support and your vote as we continue to elevate our profession and serve our communities nationwide.

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I am a nurse and emerging nurse-midwife committed to advancing representation and health equity within the nursing profession and the communities we serve. My professional path has combined clinical training, organizational leadership, and sustained service to Hispanic nursing communities. My service with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses has included serving two terms as a board member of the New York chapter and contributing to numerous chapter committees, where I have supported programming, member engagement, and organizational initiatives. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of collaborative governance, strategic planning, and the importance of cultivating leadership within professional organizations. I seek to serve on the national board because I believe in the responsibility to help shape the future of our profession through mentorship, advocacy, and organizational stewardship. I would bring dedication and a strong commitment to advancing initiatives that expand opportunity for Hispanic nurses and improve health outcomes in the communities we serve.

I am a nurse leader, educator, and public health practitioner with over two decades of experience advancing health equity, nursing leadership, and community-engaged care. I hold a PhD in Gerontology and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Organizational Leadership, with clinical expertise as an Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner. My professional roles include serving as Interim Clinical Director at Proteus, Executive Director of MyHealthIowa/MiSaludIowa, and former Associate Director at the Iowa Board of Nursing, where I contributed to regulatory and policy advancements. My work focuses on improving access to care for Latino, immigrant, and underserved populations through innovative models such as community health navigator programs, culturally tailored interventions, and strategic partnerships across healthcare and community systems. I have a strong record of scholarship, national presentations, and funded initiatives that address chronic disease prevention, workforce development, and systems-level change.  I seek to serve on the NAHN National Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission, strengthen governance and policy development, and ensure sustainable, equitable programs that support Hispanic nurses and the communities we serve. I am committed to active engagement, fiduciary responsibility, and collaborative leadership to drive meaningful impact at the national level.

My current nursing role in pediatric gastroenterology/hepatology/nutrition serves a predominantly Latinx population, which has enhanced my commitment to advancing health literacy, improving patient care, and ensuring all Latinx perspectives are represented in healthcare. As a Latina nurse, I bring a culturally informed viewpoint that allows me to effectively advocate for both patients and the broader representation of Latinx nurses within the profession. Beyond my clinical work, I serve as a national director for a nonprofit Latina organization, where I have developed strong leadership and organizational skills. My experience includes managing complex financial processes such as tax preparation, navigating crisis situations, and handling large volumes of sensitive information with discretion. I have also led collaborative efforts across multiple teams and organizations, strengthening my ability to multitask and build partnerships.  Additionally, I am skilled in communicating across various levels of an organization—from local to national to ensure alignment and efficiency in achieving shared goals. I am confident that this combination of clinical insight and leadership experience would allow me to contribute meaningfully to the board.

Eloísa G. Taméz, RN, PhD, MSCJ, FAAN, is Professor Emeritus and recent Associate Dean Student Success and Engagement of the School of Nursing at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Taméz joined academia after 30 years in in service in the private and public sector. The latter years were spent with the Department of Veterans Affairs where she was in executive nursing leadership for the final17 years. In academia, she  held faculty and leadership positions noting her greatest legacy with the founding of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post Master’s Certificate. This was the first new program at the inauguration of UTRGV and has increased the numbers of mental health providers. Professionally, she is the co-founder of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and the International Association of Latino Nurse Faculty. Tamez is a recipient of numerous awards over the course of her career, both in practice, the United States Army, and the community. A recent recognition is Leader and Legend of Texas award by the Texas Nurses Association. She serves in the national Advisory Committee for Disability within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Tamez attests to serve NAHN and comply with its mission.