Inaugural Address
June 2, 2018
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for coming here tonight. My heartfelt gratitude to the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) and PNA North Houston’s distinguished members, supportive families and friends, exceptional colleagues, partners, and sponsors for being here and celebrating this momentous occasion with us.
I am honored and humbled to serve as your next President of PNA North Houston. But before I go any further, allow me to recognize some very special people. To my Mom, all that I am, all that I hope to be, I owe to you. You have instill in me the courage to pursue my dreams, the joy in serving, and the power of faith. Looking back, I have loved growing in Christ with you.
I’m going to share a little story of my mother. At 73 years old she is a Board Officer of Catholic Women’s League in the Archdiocese of Cebu City, my hometown. Under her leadership she manages the Environment and Livelihood program of 5 Catholic Churches around the city. I don’t know how she does it but I’m sharing this story with you because I think it is remarkable how she has mastered the art of transcendence and how big of an influence she is to me. So for those who are still puzzled about why I do what I do pro bono, meaning work for free, we can ask my 73-year old mother.
I also want to recognize my mother-in-law, Mommy Carmen, who is staying with us for almost 10 years now and has run the household very well. She is my source of strength and help.
To my amazing husband, Mark, thank you for always making life easier for me and for never failing to make me feel special.
To my wonderful kids, Don, Seth, and Elyse who are constantly teaching me about life and love. You guys are everything I have in this world. I love you guys! My oldest son would have loved to come but he is in the Airforce serving. I ask that you include our Armed forces and military in your prayers.
To my late Dad and late father-in-law for their examples. To my siblings who are my biggest fans and to my friends who makes life colorful.
The organization owes our success to some of these leaders who have paved the way for me to serve in this role. Mr. James Puspos and Mr. Carl Silva, for their wisdom and insight as Founders and Advisors.
Miss Eillen Luster, the very first President for your vision and courage.
Miss Cristina Dimafiles for her grit and resilience. And to our current President or should I say, immediate past President, Ma. Jennylyn Lano whose dedication and commitment is just commendable even when she was faced with the devastating loss of her father.
Please a round of applause for these exceptional leaders.
Tonight, we are also honored by the presence of some of the outstanding leaders of the national PNAA who flew from out of State to show their support and commitment to our organization.
Mr. Dino Doliente, PNAA President par excellence who have championed so many innovative changes and brilliant ideas in PNAA that have trickled down to the 46 chapters all over the US.
Also joining us tonight, is Mr. Romy Devera, Vice President of South Central Region, Miss Mary Joy Dia, Vice President of Eastern Region. Marley Nicolas and Susan Castro, national’s treasurer, and assistant treasurer. All of them are doing a fantastic job so thank you, guys.
I also would like to acknowledge two of my mentors who are here tonight, Miss Val Howell, Vice President of Patient Care Services at St. Luke’s The Vintage and Dr. Riza Mauricio, Assistant Professor and Director of Advanced Practice Providers at the University of Texas. They both have selflessly shared their valuable time with me to coach and mentor me in the completion of my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and in my Leadership Development Program. These two extraordinary leaders are my role models who are sharing with me their leadership skills and experience, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
As you probably have already guessed, I have quite a network of people whom I draw inspiration and support from in assuming the Presidency role. I am very excited to pay it forward along with my Executive Board who is a mix of unique skill set and leadership experience.
With our dedication and commitment, we will continue to uphold the mission of PNA North Houston and that is to foster a positive image for our members and promote professional excellence through continuing our successful initiatives and programs including providing relevant continuing education on evidence-based practice , networking, volunteering opportunities, professional advancement, partnering with other organizations for shared governance and collaboration, helping the community through free clinics and health fairs, and holding fun events so our nurses can de-stress and find joy with their family and friends.
Our membership had exponentially grown more than 6x 7 years ago. We are 120 members strong and growing and have representation from different hospitals in Houston.
I want you to take a moment and let what I am about to tell you to sink in. As an organization, we have offered more than 150 CEUs to our nurses, served more than 3,000 people in our outreach program, and provided countless professional development advancement for our members.
A lot of our members have expressed their gratitude for helping them transition into their various roles and prepare them for leadership roles. I am very excited to share that we are initiating our mentorship and recognition program. In the next few days, Mila and Vicky, Chair and Co-Chair of this committee will be reaching out to all our members who are thinking of going back to school or those who need a little push to take that first step.
We will also have a program for those who are in graduate school. By this I mean forming a support group to meet regularly to discuss successes, lessons learned, challenges, and setbacks to encourage students to persevere and draw strength from one another. We will also help with scholarship application. As a recipient of various scholarships, including PNAA’s
Scholarship award I recognized how this scholarship has helped fund my graduate school.
For those who want to hone their leadership skills and communication skills, we encourage you to let us know. We will provide high-value programs, services, and resources on leadership, communication, and scholarship to our members.
I am beyond thrilled for all of our initiatives and programs. I only ask that we continue to be inclusive, work together, and be engaged as we live out to Inspire, Role-model, and Advocate.
As the largest professional group in healthcare and the most trusted profession by the public, we need to unite and have a singular voice through our organization. With the guidance of PNAA, the leadership of the Executive Board, and the continued support and engagement of our members, PNA North Houston is growing, thriving, and well positioned for continued success.
Lastly, let me end by quoting Mother Teresa, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Mabuhay tayong lahat!
God bless you all, and God bless Philippine Nurses Association of America and PNA North Houston!
Thank you very much and enjoy the rest of the evening!
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for coming here tonight. My heartfelt gratitude to the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) and PNA North Houston’s distinguished members, supportive families and friends, exceptional colleagues, partners, and sponsors for being here and celebrating this momentous occasion with us.
I am honored and humbled to serve as your next President of PNA North Houston. But before I go any further, allow me to recognize some very special people. To my Mom, all that I am, all that I hope to be, I owe to you. You have instill in me the courage to pursue my dreams, the joy in serving, and the power of faith. Looking back, I have loved growing in Christ with you.
I’m going to share a little story of my mother. At 73 years old she is a Board Officer of Catholic Women’s League in the Archdiocese of Cebu City, my hometown. Under her leadership she manages the Environment and Livelihood program of 5 Catholic Churches around the city. I don’t know how she does it but I’m sharing this story with you because I think it is remarkable how she has mastered the art of transcendence and how big of an influence she is to me. So for those who are still puzzled about why I do what I do pro bono, meaning work for free, we can ask my 73-year old mother.
I also want to recognize my mother-in-law, Mommy Carmen, who is staying with us for almost 10 years now and has run the household very well. She is my source of strength and help.
To my amazing husband, Mark, thank you for always making life easier for me and for never failing to make me feel special.
To my wonderful kids, Don, Seth, and Elyse who are constantly teaching me about life and love. You guys are everything I have in this world. I love you guys! My oldest son would have loved to come but he is in the Airforce serving. I ask that you include our Armed forces and military in your prayers.
To my late Dad and late father-in-law for their examples. To my siblings who are my biggest fans and to my friends who makes life colorful.
The organization owes our success to some of these leaders who have paved the way for me to serve in this role. Mr. James Puspos and Mr. Carl Silva, for their wisdom and insight as Founders and Advisors.
Miss Eillen Luster, the very first President for your vision and courage.
Miss Cristina Dimafiles for her grit and resilience. And to our current President or should I say, immediate past President, Ma. Jennylyn Lano whose dedication and commitment is just commendable even when she was faced with the devastating loss of her father.
Please a round of applause for these exceptional leaders.
Tonight, we are also honored by the presence of some of the outstanding leaders of the national PNAA who flew from out of State to show their support and commitment to our organization.
Mr. Dino Doliente, PNAA President par excellence who have championed so many innovative changes and brilliant ideas in PNAA that have trickled down to the 46 chapters all over the US.
Also joining us tonight, is Mr. Romy Devera, Vice President of South Central Region, Miss Mary Joy Dia, Vice President of Eastern Region. Marley Nicolas and Susan Castro, national’s treasurer, and assistant treasurer. All of them are doing a fantastic job so thank you, guys.
I also would like to acknowledge two of my mentors who are here tonight, Miss Val Howell, Vice President of Patient Care Services at St. Luke’s The Vintage and Dr. Riza Mauricio, Assistant Professor and Director of Advanced Practice Providers at the University of Texas. They both have selflessly shared their valuable time with me to coach and mentor me in the completion of my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and in my Leadership Development Program. These two extraordinary leaders are my role models who are sharing with me their leadership skills and experience, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
As you probably have already guessed, I have quite a network of people whom I draw inspiration and support from in assuming the Presidency role. I am very excited to pay it forward along with my Executive Board who is a mix of unique skill set and leadership experience.
With our dedication and commitment, we will continue to uphold the mission of PNA North Houston and that is to foster a positive image for our members and promote professional excellence through continuing our successful initiatives and programs including providing relevant continuing education on evidence-based practice , networking, volunteering opportunities, professional advancement, partnering with other organizations for shared governance and collaboration, helping the community through free clinics and health fairs, and holding fun events so our nurses can de-stress and find joy with their family and friends.
Our membership had exponentially grown more than 6x 7 years ago. We are 120 members strong and growing and have representation from different hospitals in Houston.
I want you to take a moment and let what I am about to tell you to sink in. As an organization, we have offered more than 150 CEUs to our nurses, served more than 3,000 people in our outreach program, and provided countless professional development advancement for our members.
A lot of our members have expressed their gratitude for helping them transition into their various roles and prepare them for leadership roles. I am very excited to share that we are initiating our mentorship and recognition program. In the next few days, Mila and Vicky, Chair and Co-Chair of this committee will be reaching out to all our members who are thinking of going back to school or those who need a little push to take that first step.
We will also have a program for those who are in graduate school. By this I mean forming a support group to meet regularly to discuss successes, lessons learned, challenges, and setbacks to encourage students to persevere and draw strength from one another. We will also help with scholarship application. As a recipient of various scholarships, including PNAA’s
Scholarship award I recognized how this scholarship has helped fund my graduate school.
For those who want to hone their leadership skills and communication skills, we encourage you to let us know. We will provide high-value programs, services, and resources on leadership, communication, and scholarship to our members.
I am beyond thrilled for all of our initiatives and programs. I only ask that we continue to be inclusive, work together, and be engaged as we live out to Inspire, Role-model, and Advocate.
As the largest professional group in healthcare and the most trusted profession by the public, we need to unite and have a singular voice through our organization. With the guidance of PNAA, the leadership of the Executive Board, and the continued support and engagement of our members, PNA North Houston is growing, thriving, and well positioned for continued success.
Lastly, let me end by quoting Mother Teresa, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Mabuhay tayong lahat!
God bless you all, and God bless Philippine Nurses Association of America and PNA North Houston!
Thank you very much and enjoy the rest of the evening!