Diversity

 

The Diversity Steering Committee works to ensure diversity is embedded in all areas of LAC’s work. Working from a strategic diversity plan written in mid-2014, LAC convened a statewide diversity think tank in August 2015 to discuss recruitment of minorities into the nursing profession. Based on the discussions held at the think tank, a report is being written outlining a plan to increase nursing workforce diversity in Louisiana.

 

Through a grant from the Louisiana Health Works Commission, LAC is part of a program to provide financial support to Louisiana minority registered nurses pursuing graduate degrees to become primary care family nurse practitioners. These nurses have committed to work in medically underserved or health professional shortage areas upon graduation. This program is in its second year and offers opportunities for nurses enrolled in all of the state's FNP programs.

 

Diversity Steering Committee Members

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Lead:
Cynthia Bienemy, PhD, RN
Co-lead, Louisiana Action Coalition
Director, Louisiana Center for Nursing

 

Other members: 
Doris Brown, MS, RN, CNS
Core Leadership Team member, Louisiana Action Coalition
Executive Director, Center for Community Preparedness

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Lisa Colletti, RN, MN, NEA-BC
Core Leadership Team member, Louisiana Action Coalition

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Sarah Luneau
Coordinator, Louisiana Action Coalition

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Paula Julian, APRN, FNP-C
Research on Diversity and Cultural Competence, Family Nurse Practitioner

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Leslie Nolden, DNP, FNP-BC, APRN
Instructor of Nursing, Louisiana State University Health Science Center

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Pamela Simmons, PhD, RN
Professor and Department Head, Northwestern State University

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Malana Sutherland, APRN
DNP Student, Family Nurse Practitioner at CVS

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Cheryl Taylor, PhD, RN
Chair, Southern University School of Nursing Graduate Nursing Program 

 

Diversity is embedded in all of the strategic goals of the Louisiana Action Coalition. LAC is committed to working to increase the diversity of Louisiana’s RN workforce. 

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