Leadership Team

Gianna Burris

President

I chose nursing because the challenges and rewards of nursing are truly unique, and this profession offers an extremely tangible way to support others through their highs, lows, and in-betweens. After losing my father to cancer, I knew I would honor his legacy by caring for my patients with the same compassion I had for him.

Specialty of Interest: Surgery (Trauma/Cardiovascular/Plastics) and Policy

My piece of advice to the incoming cohort would be to trust yourself! Getting here was the hardest part; you now have the advantage of being surrounded by the most supportive and uplifting community that wants to see you succeed. Lean into this experience and prioritize things that bring you joy. Keeping your “why” at the forefront of your mind also truly makes a difference.

Jacob Drummond

Vice-President

I chose nursing because it is a wonderful balance of human connection, skills, and creative problem solving.

Specialty of Interest: Flight

My piece of advice for the incoming cohort would be to build your identity outside of nursing and find your outlets - therapy, movement, art, etc.

Nicole Elsenpeter

Financial Officer

I chose nursing because I've always been passionate about finding ways to help the people I care about. Nursing allows me to help patients while learning their stories and building relationships through direct patient care.

Specialty of Interest: ICU, PCU, Peds, L&D

My piece of advice for the incoming cohort would be to get organized early. It is so easy to get lost in all of the assignments, exams, and due dates, so having a way to organize it all helps me make sense of all of the chaos.

Eliza

Event Coordinator

I chose nursing because it is such a powerful and meaningful career. I’m inspired by the chance to support individuals and families during some of the most challenging and vulnerable times in their lives. I’m also passionate about increasing representation for the Latinx community in healthcare. Too often, patients from underrepresented backgrounds feel unseen or misunderstood. I want to be someone who can bridge those disparities and provide culturally competent care to foster a more inclusive healthcare environment.

Specialty of Interest: Oncology, Critical Care, Public Health

My advice for the incoming cohort would be to take full advantage of the resources and support offered through the SON. Never hesitate to ask questions because learning is a collaborative process. Most importantly, remember that you’re not in competition with your peers. You’re all on the same path toward becoming skilled nurses and there’s room for everyone to succeed

Timothy Wong

Community Outreach Officer

I chose nursing because when I was an EMT and did critical care transport I wanted to do more as my scope of practice was limited and couldn't help as much as I wanted to.

Specialty of Interest: CRNA

My piece of advice to the incoming cohort would be to have a good work-life balance, you can't help others if you can't help yourself.

Caeleigh Higgins

Communications Officer

My journey to nursing took a while, but I chose nursing because the versatility of the career is unmatched. There are endless opportunities to learn with the flexibility to change specialities. Additionally, nursing has given me practical knowledge to make informed medical decisions for myself and support my family’s health

Specialty of Interest: Emergency Medicine, L&D

My piece of advice to the incoming cohort would be to ask questions, don’t let your pride hinder your learning. Habit stacking works and helped me build small, achievable self care routines.

Grace Richardson

Marketing Manager

I chose nursing because I want to spend my life supporting people through what is likely the hardest time in their life. I want to not only know how to help people get better, I want to know how to stop them from getting worse. I chose nursing because I can’t think of a more fulfilling way to use my background in science than to be a nurse.

Specialty of Interest: Pediatric and neonatal emergency or intensive care.

My piece of advice to the incoming cohort would be to always ask questions! Especially in the clinical environment with the nurses. Start thinking now about what you would do if this was your patient, how you would do it, and why; and if you don’t know start asking questions! You are responsible for preparing yourself for your career and the best tools at your disposal are your clinical instructors and nurses!

Kwedwuwa

Content Creator

I chose nursing because there are so many avenues for me to advance healthcare for the populace

Specialty of Interest: ICU, anesthesia

My piece of advice to the incoming cohort would be, be willing to push your boundaries. Challenge brings forth opportunities for growth and refinement.

Hellen

Content Creator

I chose nursing because it’s a mix of compassion and science. Nursing gives me the opportunity to impact others in a positive way. It also helps me not only heal physically, but also be a source of comfort to others.

Specialty of Interest: Trauma/Flight or L&D

My advice for the incoming cohort is that self-care is important; please take care of yourself and explore the DMV area!

Carolina Santos

Cohort 19 Representative

I am choosing nursing because it connects my background in Kinesiology with my passion for helping people, especially those in underserved communities. Nursing is a flexible career that allows you to work in many areas like hospitals, research, or creating policies to improve healthcare. I love that it gives me the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives, whether it’s caring for patients, finding new ways to improve health, or helping communities get better access to care.

Specialty of Interest: DNP-FNP, CRNA, Research, Psych and Critical Care

My advice to the new cohort is to enjoy the journey and make the most of your time here. Attend events, get involved in research, and take advantage of extracurricular opportunities. You were chosen to be here for a reason, so don’t be afraid to take on new challenges. Get involved, stay curious, and enjoy every moment—it will fly by before you know it!

Ryan Robins

Cohort 20 Representative

I chose nursing due to the countless opportunities within the healthcare field.

Speciality of Interest: Anesthesia and Critical Care

My piece of advice for the incoming cohort is to plan out your weeks and keep an open mind.