Alyssa Navarro has found her home at NIU and wants to help others do the same. The School of Nursing student helped co-found the Hispanic Student Nurses Alianza (HSNA), and currently serves as the organization’s president.
Alyssa Navarro
“I’ve always gravitated toward mentoring, so when I heard that the School of Nursing was looking for students to start an organization to support Hispanic/Latinx nursing students, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of,” Navarro said. “My hope in forming the organization was to create a space where Hispanic/Latinx nursing students could feel seen, supported, and empowered to learn from each other. I believe that’s exactly what we’ve achieved so far.”
The Hispanic Student Nurses Alianza (HSNA) was launched in August 2024 to “mentor and empower the next generation of health care professionals to transform the future of health care.”
“Our mission is to support Hispanic nursing students by providing resources, guidance, and networking opportunities that foster their academic and professional growth,” said Linda Sietsema, clinic instructor in the School of Nursing who serves as the HSNA faculty advisor. “Through mentorship, advocacy, education, and community engagement, we aim to inspire success, promote advancement in the nursing field and ensure Hispanic students have the tools they need to thrive.”
HSNA provides support and resources for nursing students while providing connectedness and a sense of belonging to the School of Nursing, the university and the community. The growing organization currently has more than 30 active members and is open to all students.
“I wanted to be a part of HSNA because when I arrived at NIU, I noticed that while there were several organizations supporting Hispanic/Latinx students, none were specifically focused on those pursuing careers in healthcare or nursing,” said Navarro. “Although I felt a strong sense of community within the Latinx student body from day one, I quickly realized that as a nursing student I was missing the specialized support I needed.”
As a first-generation college student, she understands the challenges that come with navigating university life.
“I was fortunate enough to receive great guidance from my academic advisor throughout my pre-requisites, but even with that support, I still made mistakes, felt lost at times and wished I had done some things differently,” Navarro said. “Though those challenges were tough, I’ve come to appreciate them because they allowed me to grow and learn valuable lessons—lessons I can now share with others.”
Sietsema, who takes great pride in identifying with her Hispanic culture and traditions that have shaper her life and career, can relate to the students she mentors.
“Reflecting on my own journey through nursing school, I distinctly remember the challenges and demands I faced along the way,” Sietsema said. “During that time, I was fortunate to receive support from my family, my nursing instructors and my fellow nursing students. Many of the friendships that began in nursing school have grown and been maintained professionally over the years, and I continue to value those connections.”
Along with providing resources and networking opportunities, the organization aims to promote diversity in nursing.
“By increasing visibility and encouraging more students from our communities to pursue nursing, we hope to make a lasting impact,” Navarro said. “While our organization primarily supports Hispanic/Latinx students, we welcome individuals from all backgrounds. This inclusivity allows everyone involved to gain exposure to diverse cultural perspectives, fostering cultural competency—an essential skill for providing high-quality care to patients in our increasingly diverse health care system.”
Sietsema shared the sentiment.
“I have a deep appreciation for the excitement and passion that student nurses bring as they embark on their journey to become healthcare professionals,” Sietsema said. “It is truly inspiring to witness their growth. Looking ahead, I am excited for the future of this nursing organization and the lasting impact these student nurses will undoubtedly have on the field of nursing.”
Learn more about nursing at NIU.
Source: NIU Today CHHS News
