All photos courtesy of Olivia Gonzalez.
Where do you consider home? Where do you currently reside?
I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I currently live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where I am pursuing my PhD in Health Behavior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Why did you choose the UW–Madison School of Nursing?
I ultimately chose UW–Madison because of its size. Being a larger school, I knew it had endless opportunities and connections to capitalize on my interest in nursing and global health. In addition to receiving direct admission to the UW–Madison School of Nursing back in 2016, the close collaboration between the School of Nursing and the School of Medicine and Public Health impressed me.
Explain your journey into nursing and what is your current role?
After graduating with my bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), I worked full-time as a trauma nurse at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee while simultaneously pursuing my master of public health (MPH) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. Intending to enter the global health field after completing my MPH, I vigorously applied for positions within the federal government. I eventually transitioned into a role as a senior public health nurse in Charlotte, North Carolina, and shortly thereafter began my tenure at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of HIV/AIDS. During my time at USAID, I provided program and policy technical assistance focused on the prevention, care, and treatment of HIV for pediatric and adolescent populations in Sub-Saharan Africa. I reflected that I wanted more experience with health care and education systems in Africa; thus, I became a Response Education Nurse in the Peace Corps,
serving in Malawi. As an adjunct nursing professor at a rural Malawian nursing school, I developed nursing curricula, lectured to hundreds of students, and supported research and capacity building among staff. I have leveraged my nursing background to support my passion for global health and am currently pursuing my PhD in Health Behavior.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a nurse or within your current role?
While working at the bedside, I took pride in supporting patients’ mental well-being during times of vulnerability and uncertainty. Through every tear I’ve wiped, hand I’ve held, silence I’ve honored, embrace I’ve given, and cheer I’ve screamed, I am reminded of the profound power of humanity.
What advice would you give to current nursing students or individuals who are considering teaching or instructing?
Show up for your students how you would want a teacher to show up for you. Your students trust you to support their professional journey — your delivery should give them endless validation that you cherish their trust.
Did anyone from the School of Nursing have or continue to have an impact on your nursing journey? If so, how and why?
Dr. Jessica LeClair continues to make an impact on my nursing career, as I admire her progressive thinking, commitment to social justice, and dedication to mitigating climate change through the nursing profession. Dr. LeClair empowered me to feel confident in my decision to transition from the bedside to global health, my true passion.