About

NAHN Illinois – A rich history in bridging healthcare disparities among nurses & our communities.

Our History

In January of 1986, Jesusita Pedroza-Sepulveda RN brought together the founding committee who identified the many needs of healthcare delivery system for the Hispanic community. Recognizing that the lack of Hispanic Nurses and other healthcare professionals affected access to care for the entire Hispanic Community.

This association continues to increase awareness of nursing, improve access to care by providing educational, professional, and economic opportunities for Hispanic Nurses in Illinois. In 1994 the Illinois Hispanic Nurses Association was created, known as IHNA. IHNA has since, adopted the National title, so we are now known as NAHN-Illinois.

Our objectives

Assess

To assess the safety and quality of healthcare delivery services.

Collaborate

To collaborate with other organizations committed to serving bilingual, bicultural Spanish speaking communities and increasing the pipeline of Hispanic nurses.

Dialogue

To provide a forum for Hispanic Nurses to analyze and evaluate the healthcare needs of the community.

                   


Board of Directors

Diana Ortega
BSN, RN

2028

2026

President

Board of Directors

Linkedindortega.nahn@gmail.com
Rocio Olvera
MSN, RN

2028

2026

President-Elect

Board of Directors

Linkedinrsanchez.nahn@gmail.com
Jennifer Sandoval
DNP, MSN, RN

2027

2025

Treasurer

Board of Directors

Linkedinjensandoval.nahn@gmail.com
Social Media & Public Relations Seat is Currently Vacant
Araceli Orozco
MSN, RN, AMB-BC, PEL-NCSN

2027

2024

Secretary

Board of Directors

Linkedinaorozco.nahn@gmail.com
Tarsis Buitrago
BSN, RN

2027

2025

Treasurer-Elect

Board of Directors

Linkedintbuitrago.nahn@gmail.com

Committee Chairs

Patricia Ramirez
BSN, RN

2028

2028

Membership Recruitment & Retention Director

Linkedinp_ramirez_77@yahoo.com
Mireya Flores
BSN AMB- BC, CMSRN

2028

2028

Mentorship Director

Linkedinmia.marz3@gmail.com
Maricela Lares
BSN, RN, CMSRN, CRRN, PEL-CSN

2028

2028

Pre-Nursing Director

Linkedinlaresm10@gmail.com
Cynthia M. Gonzalez
MSN, APRN, OCNS-C, CMSRN, FNAON

2028

2028

Education Director

Linkedincynthi221@gmail.com
Beatriz Arguezo-González
BBA, CHW, RN

2027

2027

Community Engagement Director

Public Health Nurse Oak Park Health Department

Linkedinbarguezoglez@gmail.com
Bianca Maldonado
RN

2027

2027

Mentorship Recruitment & Retention Director

Linkedinbmaldonado.nahn@gmail.com
Susana Gonzalez
MSN, MHA, CNML, RN

2028

2028

Linkedinsusanagonzalez.ihna@gmail.com
Past Presidents
Monica Y. Najera
BSN, RN

2023

2026

Registered Nurse

Rush University Medical Center

mnajera.nahn@gmail.com
Stephanie Mendoza
DNP, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM (Resigned)

2021

2023

smendoza.nahn@gmail.com
Isis Reyes
MSN, AG-ACNP-BC (Resigned)

2021

2021

ireyes.nahn@gmail.com
Elizabeth Aquino
RN, PhD

2017

2021

Susana Gonzalez
MSN, MHA, CNML, RN

2013

2017

ASI Home Care Agency Nurse Consultant

ASI

susanagonzalez.ihna@gmail.com