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

Monica Y. Najera
BSN, RN

2026

2023

President

Board of Directors

Linkedinmnajera.nahn@gmail.com
Diana Ortega
BSN, RN

2026

2024

President-Elect

Board of Directors

Linkedindortega.nahn@gmail.com
Rocio Sanchez
BSN, RN, PCCN

2025

2023

Treasurer

Board of Directors

Linkedinrsanchez.nahn@gmail.com
Jamie J. Najera
MSN, RN

2024

2022

Social Media & Public Relations Coordinator

Board of Directors

Linkedinjnajera.nahn@gmail.com
Araceli Orozco
BSN, RN-BC, IL PEL-SN, NCSN

2026

2024

Secretary

Board of Directors

Linkedin
Jennifer Sandoval
DNP, MSN, RN

2025

2023

Treasurer-Elect

Board of Directors

Linkedinjensandoval.nahn@gmail.com

Committee Chairs

Lisa A. Hernandez
MSN, RNC-MNN

Pre-Nursing / Mentorship Chair

Rush Copley Medical Center

Linkedinlahernandez.nahn@gmail.com
Bianca Maldonado
LPN

Community Engagement Co-Chair

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

Scholarship & Awards Co-Chair

Linkedinsusanagonzalez.ihna@gmail.com
Amelia Perez
PhD, RN

2023

2023

Nominations Chair

Department Chair and Professor

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing

Linkedinaperez@siue.edu
Nancy Naranjo-Garcia
MSN, RN

Membership Recruitment & Retention Co-Chair

Lurie Children's Hospital

Linkedinnngarcia@luriechildrens.org
Ursula Canli
DPN, APRN, ANP-C

Scholarship & Awards Co-Chair

Assistant Professor

Resurrection University College Of Nursing

Linkedin
Past Presidents
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
Adrianna Nava
MSN, RN

2011

2013

Director of Quality

Edward Hines VA Hospital