Episode 1: From Classroom to Capitol: Diverse Voices at the Intersection of Nursing Education, Policy, and Health Equity

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Tiffany C. Brown hosts a panel of diverse nursing leaders to discuss the intersection of nursing education, policy, and health equity. The conversation explores personal journeys in nursing advocacy, the impact of diverse leadership on patient care, and the critical gaps in the nursing workforce that hinder health equity. The panelists emphasize the importance of representation, community engagement, and the need for systemic changes in nursing education and practice to foster a more inclusive healthcare environment. They also address recent governmental changes affecting nursing practice and the importance of advocacy at all levels.

Guests Information:

Dr. Selena Ann Gilles is a Practice Professor in the Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and Associate Dean for School and Community Engagement. An award-winning, internationally recognized clinician, educator, and community leader, she pioneers immersive, community-based teaching to close nursing education gaps and health inequities and serves as a Fulbright Specialist and the current President of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing.

 

Dr. Ali R. Tayyeb is a United States Navy veteran and Fleet Marine Force Corpsman, founder/CEO of RN Mentor Consulting, LLC, and creator of the RN-Mentor Podcast, with national leadership in nursing practice and health equity. He earned a BSN and MSN from California State University, Los Angeles, and a PhD from the University of San Diego; he is a recipient of AACN Visionary Leadership – Pioneering Spirit and ANA/California Presidents Award.

 

Dr. Pedro Morante is a global health nurse practitioner leader, transformational educator, and entrepreneur who serves as Clinical Director of Psychup Mental Health Services. He is the Founder and CEO of PASS, an advanced review center that empowers future NPs through exam preparation and mentorship, and his internationally recognized work continues to shape mental health care, nursing education, and innovative clinical models worldwide.

 

Dr. Tracy is a doctoral level nursing professional devoted to enhancing patient experiences, advocating for patients' rights, and promoting equitable access to quality healthcare. As both an educator and clinician, she champions holistic, patient-centered care and collaborate with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure individualized care plans.

 

Aron King is a Director at a Magnet Director at Kaiser Permanente Antioch and a PhD candidate at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, an advocate for diversity in nursing, and Historian for the Capitol City Black Nurses Association. He is a man on a mission for the community and co-founded Barbershop Health Talks to address Black community health disparities, launched the Breaking Down Barriers to Nursing pathway program, and Founder and COO of Deeper Cuts Therapy recently launched January 2026.

Takeaways

Diversity in nursing is essential for improving patient outcomes.
Personal experiences shape advocacy and policy perspectives.
Diverse leadership fosters culturally responsive care.
Engaging with communities early can inspire future nurses.
Representation in nursing leads to better healthcare access.
Networking is crucial for advancing health equity initiatives.
Advocacy can take many forms, from local to national levels.
Educational institutions must address social determinants of health.
Gatekeeping in nursing leadership limits diversity and inclusion.
Concrete actions can be taken to promote health equity in nursing.

Titles

From Classroom to the Capital: Diverse Voices in Nursing
Advocacy and Policy: Shaping Health Equity in Nursing

Sound bites

"Diversity is being invited to the party."
"Advocacy can mean running for office."
"Engage with the profession of nursing."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Diverse Voices in Nursing
03:52 Personal Journeys in Nursing Advocacy
09:50 The Impact of Diverse Leadership on Patient Care
15:49 Addressing Gaps in Nursing Workforce Diversity
22:03 Sustaining a Diverse Workforce in Nursing
32:26 Governmental Changes and Their Impact on Health Equity
39:11 Preparing Future Nurses for Leadership
43:59 Concrete Actions for Advancing Health Equity
48:40 The Importance of Diversity in Nursing for Health Equity