Together We Rise

President Nakeisha Tolliver took the gavel and kicked off her 2024-2025 term with a rousing call – “Together We Rise.”

“Today, I am not just assuming the role of president; I am breaking barriers, shifting narratives, and expanding opportunities as only the second Black individual to hold this honorable position in our association’s 75-year history,” Tolliver DNP,  MBA, RN said. “I make this statement in honor of those who blazed the trail for me and as a commitment to do the same for those coming after me. Know that….You are more than enough.” 

Tolliver laid out her goals focusing on several key initiatives that underscore our dedication to nursing excellence through education, inclusivity, and professional development. She announced task forces to address:

• Incivility and bullying in our workplaces
• Environmental sustainability in the OR
• The pervasive issue of racism in all of nursing, with goals of helping members to understand its impact while also develop strategies and solutions to address it
• Health equity, focusing on healthcare disparities through a lens of race impartiality
• Organizations seeking support for a Magnet designation
• Continuing the work of the Legacy Nurses Task Force

As she unveiled her theme for the year, “Together We Rise,” she left the audience with a call to action:, “Remember that together, nurses are a formidable force for change. We will rise to meet the evolving needs of our patients and healthcare systems, embracing new technologies, and best practices while never losing sight of the human connection at the heart of our profession.”