Diversity

There is no one who, at some point in their lives, has not required the care of a nurse. With such a staggering breadth of diversity in the patient base we serve, it’s critical that the next generation of nurses not only reflect that diversity, but is sensitive to and skillful in serving whomever may walk through their doors.

Our commitment

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

A supportive environment

You’ll find that everyone—from the Dean to the faculty to our students—support and advance our efforts to diversify our School and field.

Our Office of Equity and Inclusion is focused on bringing culturally sensitive knowledge into the classroom, while providing resources to foster the success of all students.

Get involved

We bring students, faculty, and staff together on our Diversity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee to share perspectives and provide leadership in steering School policy, curriculum, and support for diversity initiatives.

By paying careful attention to diversity in nursing science and education, our goal is to instill in our students the capacity to provide the highest level of care to all people.

Cultural Resource Centers

Diversity at Penn

Student Organizations

Get to know Penn Nursing’s diverse student community by joining one of our student organizations devoted to members of underrepresented groups.

Penn Nursing Student Organizations

  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">Elise Tarbi</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p><picture class="lw_image lw_image10680 lw_align_left"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/806,6,2348,1550/10680_Tarbi_Elise-Photo.rev.1586974545.JPG 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/806,6,2348,1550/10680_Tarbi_Elise-Photo.rev.1586974545.JPG 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/806,6,2348,1550/10680_Tarbi_Elise-Photo.rev.1586974545.JPG 3x"/> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/806,6,2348,1550/10680_Tarbi_Elise-Photo.rev.1586974545.JPG 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/806,6,2348,1550/10680_Tarbi_Elise-Photo.rev.1586974545.JPG 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/806,6,2348,1550/10680_Tarbi_Elise-Photo.rev.1586974545.JPG 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/806,6,2348,1550/10680_Tarbi_Elise-Photo.rev.1586974545.JPG 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/806,6,2348,1550/10680_Tarbi_Elise-Photo.rev.1586974545.JPG 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/806,6,2348,1550/10680_Tarbi_Elise-Photo.rev.1586974545.JPG 3x"/> <img width="200" height="200" alt="Tarbi, Elise" src="/live/image/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/806,6,2348,1550/10680_Tarbi_Elise-Photo.rev.1586974545.JPG" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/806,6,2348,1550/10680_Tarbi_Elise-Photo.rev.1586974545.JPG 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/806,6,2348,1550/10680_Tarbi_Elise-Photo.rev.1586974545.JPG 3x" data-max-w="1542" data-max-h="1544" loading="lazy"/> </picture> <em>“Completing the Palliative Care Program at Penn Nursing introduced me to the evidence base and a framework for caring for individuals and families navigating serious illness that prepared me to practice as a critical care nurse and then a palliative care nurse practitioner. Further, the program - both the professors who taught my courses and classmates who I had the opportunity to learn alongside - inspired me to work to transform our system of care to prioritize the highest quality care during serious illness.”</em></p><p> –<strong>Elise Tarbi, PhD, MBE, CRNP, Nu’12 GNu’15, GR’20</strong><br/><a href="https://www.advancingexpertcare.org/emerging-leaders-award/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Recognized as Emerging Leaders in Palliative Care by the HPNF, 2022</a></p></div>
  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">Michelle Lockett</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p><picture class="lw_image lw_image9605 lw_align_left"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/390,1056,1601,2265/9605_UPenn_Nursing_AB-176.rev.1564151250.webp 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/390,1056,1601,2265/9605_UPenn_Nursing_AB-176.rev.1564151250.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/390,1056,1601,2265/9605_UPenn_Nursing_AB-176.rev.1564151250.webp 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/390,1056,1601,2265/9605_UPenn_Nursing_AB-176.rev.1564151250.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/390,1056,1601,2265/9605_UPenn_Nursing_AB-176.rev.1564151250.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/390,1056,1601,2265/9605_UPenn_Nursing_AB-176.rev.1564151250.jpg 3x"/> <img width="250" height="250" alt="" data-decoration="true" src="/live/image/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/390,1056,1601,2265/9605_UPenn_Nursing_AB-176.rev.1564151250.jpg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/390,1056,1601,2265/9605_UPenn_Nursing_AB-176.rev.1564151250.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/390,1056,1601,2265/9605_UPenn_Nursing_AB-176.rev.1564151250.jpg 3x" data-max-w="2133" data-max-h="3200" loading="lazy"/> </picture> Obtaining my terminal degree from Penn Nursing was and has always been my first and only choice. I’ve known I wanted to be a nurse since the 4th grade when my church had a program to expose children of color to health care fields. A prestigious faculty member of color from Penn Nursing came to our church to discuss her career—I was blown away and wanted to be just like her. Diversity work is extremely important, especially in this day and age. We need highly trained nurse leaders to formulate policies, lobby for change and CREATE the change we wish to see in health care and in the world. Penn Nursing is the place to do this. Its facilities are state-of-the-art and there is always something new to learn. As a student and a graduate, there is rarely a closed door.</p><p> –Michelle Lockett, MSN, RN</p></div>
  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">June Treston, DNP, CRNP</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p> “Each course has challenged me to think outside the box and has direct applicability to my current role as a clinician, educator, and leader. If you are interested in learning from the best, to become the best, choose Penn.”</p></div>
  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">Brianna Garcia-Bissey, MSN, AGNP-C</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p> “I fell in love with Penn and community nursing as an undergrad, so I applied to sub-matriculate into the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program. I was a recipient of the Advanced Nurses Educating Workforce Scholarship through HRSA, which provided additional education and training in the social determinants of health for future nurse practitioners in primary care. My time at Penn Nursing has given me knowledge, opportunity, and a voice I could have never imagined possible.”</p></div>
  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">Cyd Villalba</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p><picture class="lw_image lw_image9606 lw_align_left"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/198,524,1966,2291/9606_Penn_Nursing_ad-129.rev.1564151308.webp 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/198,524,1966,2291/9606_Penn_Nursing_ad-129.rev.1564151308.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/198,524,1966,2291/9606_Penn_Nursing_ad-129.rev.1564151308.webp 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/198,524,1966,2291/9606_Penn_Nursing_ad-129.rev.1564151308.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/198,524,1966,2291/9606_Penn_Nursing_ad-129.rev.1564151308.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/198,524,1966,2291/9606_Penn_Nursing_ad-129.rev.1564151308.jpg 3x"/> <img width="250" height="250" alt="" data-decoration="true" src="/live/image/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/198,524,1966,2291/9606_Penn_Nursing_ad-129.rev.1564151308.jpg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/198,524,1966,2291/9606_Penn_Nursing_ad-129.rev.1564151308.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/198,524,1966,2291/9606_Penn_Nursing_ad-129.rev.1564151308.jpg 3x" data-max-w="2133" data-max-h="3200" loading="lazy"/> </picture> I pursued nursing because of its broad opportunities, as I was always interested in multiple and seemingly unrelated things. My Master’s in Nursing Informatics and my focus in analytics as a DNP candidate exemplifies this intersection of interests and the possibilities within the profession…at Penn, the coursework is intense but stimulating, and there’s both encouragement and expectation that this unique opportunity will be used to benefit others.</p><p> –Cyd Villalba, MS, RN-BC, PMP</p></div>
  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">Josiah Borden, DNP, CRNA, GRN’21</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p> “The people I leaned on, learned from, and grew beside in the DNP in Nurse Anesthesia program at Penn Nursing not only helped me get through the challenges of grad school, but continued to be a part of my life as we have grown in our careers.”</p></div>
  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">Azucena Villalobos</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p> I chose Penn Nursing due to the value this institution places on community engagement and social justice. It has challenged me to think critically and outside the box, and I’ve had the pleasure of learning not only from my instructors, but also from my cohort—everyone brings a multitude of experiences, ideas, and backgrounds. It has been an incredible journey!</p></div>
  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">Joan Rosen Bloch, PhD, CRNP, FAAN</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p> “CHOPR gave me a nursing research network to call upon for advice that has been critical when working in an academic unit.”</p></div>
  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">Megan Andre</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p><picture class="lw_image lw_image14446 lw_align_left"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/68,0,674,606/14446_megan-andre.rev.1692373379.png 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/68,0,674,606/14446_megan-andre.rev.1692373379.png 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/68,0,674,606/14446_megan-andre.rev.1692373379.png 3x"/> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/68,0,674,606/14446_megan-andre.rev.1692373379.png 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/68,0,674,606/14446_megan-andre.rev.1692373379.png 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/68,0,674,606/14446_megan-andre.rev.1692373379.png 3x"/> <source type="image/png" srcset="/live/image/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/68,0,674,606/14446_megan-andre.rev.1692373379.png 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/68,0,674,606/14446_megan-andre.rev.1692373379.png 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/68,0,674,606/14446_megan-andre.rev.1692373379.png 3x"/> <img width="200" height="200" alt="Megan Andre" src="/live/image/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/68,0,674,606/14446_megan-andre.rev.1692373379.png" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/68,0,674,606/14446_megan-andre.rev.1692373379.png 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/200/height/200/crop/1/src_region/68,0,674,606/14446_megan-andre.rev.1692373379.png 3x" data-max-w="606" data-max-h="606" loading="lazy"/> </picture> <em>“With a background in critical care, I was curious and motivated to learn as much as possible about palliative care. Penn Nursing’s Palliative Care Program allowed me to broaden my understanding of what it means to give quality palliative care. The two required courses gave me a strong foundation and the professors’ knowledge and experience cultivated my desire to practice and incorporate palliative care into my current advanced nursing practice.”</em></p><p><strong>–Megan Andre, 2022-2023</strong></p></div>
  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">Patricia Bajaj, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC, CCRN</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p> “I am proud to be a doctoral student at Penn, where the education is rigorous, yet manageable with all my other responsibilities.”</p></div>
  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">Michael Stawnychy</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p><picture class="lw_image lw_image9620 lw_align_left"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/838,160,2809,2133/9620_Michael_Stawnychy_web_2.rev.1564159362.webp 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/838,160,2809,2133/9620_Michael_Stawnychy_web_2.rev.1564159362.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/838,160,2809,2133/9620_Michael_Stawnychy_web_2.rev.1564159362.webp 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/838,160,2809,2133/9620_Michael_Stawnychy_web_2.rev.1564159362.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/838,160,2809,2133/9620_Michael_Stawnychy_web_2.rev.1564159362.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/838,160,2809,2133/9620_Michael_Stawnychy_web_2.rev.1564159362.jpg 3x"/> <img width="250" height="250" alt="" data-decoration="true" src="/live/image/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/838,160,2809,2133/9620_Michael_Stawnychy_web_2.rev.1564159362.jpg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/838,160,2809,2133/9620_Michael_Stawnychy_web_2.rev.1564159362.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/838,160,2809,2133/9620_Michael_Stawnychy_web_2.rev.1564159362.jpg 3x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2133" loading="lazy"/> </picture> I was working in documentary film production and serving as an elected rep for a Los Angeles Neighborhood Council when I realized that at the end of a long day, these jobs didn’t always leave me with the feeling that I made a specific difference in someone’s life. During my first undergraduate degree, I worked as an Emergency Medical Technician and recalled how fulfilling that was so I began to research possibilities in healthcare and had an ‘aha’ moment when I landed on nursing! Where else could I have the flexibility to wear many hats (that I got to choose), have the satisfaction of working directly to improve people’s lives, and get paid to do it? Since changing careers, I’ve saved lives and comforted families, worked with people struggling with chronic health conditions, mental health challenges, and addictions, and am now pursuing my PhD at Penn Nursing.<br/> The University of Pennsylvania is a research powerhouse and my experience with faculty here has been overwhelmingly positive. The education is challenging but you are scaffolded along the way and encouraged to explore your interests. My mentors and professors have been accessible without being overbearing. They realize that we all have lives and responsibilities and treat students with respect. At Penn Nursing, I have had experiences that I could not replicate anywhere else. My advice for incoming students is to pursue every interesting opportunity at both Penn Nursing and the wider Penn campus because you never know where it may lead.</p><p> –Michael Stawnychy, MSN, CRNP</p></div>
  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">David Norris</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p> “The school offers state-of-the-art simulation experiences, intimate clinical rotations, and global opportunities. As students here, we refine our skills and think innovatively before we even get our first job as a nurse…and if we want to transition into the advanced practice programs, the process is really easy.”</p></div>
  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">Elise C. Tarbi, PhD, MBE, CRNP, Nu’12 GNu’15, GR’20</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p> “The program - both the professors who taught my courses and classmates who I had the opportunity to learn alongside - inspired me to work to transform our system of care to prioritize the highest quality care during serious illness.”</p></div>
  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">Jessica Rose</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p class="lwitem32"><picture class="lw_image lw_image9551 lw_align_left"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/0,1068,2133,3200/9551_Penn_Nursing_ad-185.rev.1561406069.webp 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/0,1068,2133,3200/9551_Penn_Nursing_ad-185.rev.1561406069.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/0,1068,2133,3200/9551_Penn_Nursing_ad-185.rev.1561406069.webp 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/0,1068,2133,3200/9551_Penn_Nursing_ad-185.rev.1561406069.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/0,1068,2133,3200/9551_Penn_Nursing_ad-185.rev.1561406069.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/0,1068,2133,3200/9551_Penn_Nursing_ad-185.rev.1561406069.jpg 3x"/> <img width="250" height="250" alt="" data-decoration="true" src="/live/image/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/0,1068,2133,3200/9551_Penn_Nursing_ad-185.rev.1561406069.jpg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/0,1068,2133,3200/9551_Penn_Nursing_ad-185.rev.1561406069.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/0,1068,2133,3200/9551_Penn_Nursing_ad-185.rev.1561406069.jpg 3x" data-max-w="2133" data-max-h="3200" loading="lazy"/> </picture> Why did I choose the BSN Second Degree program at Penn Nursing? From an early age, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to caring for others. When I discovered more about nursing as a profession and career, I felt that I had found my calling. The way nurses are taught to consider the patient in the context of their environment, and to recognize the importance of both physical and emotional well-being, resonated with me more than the medical model of care. My passion for primary care also aligned with the nursing profession, especially with the developing role of the nurse practitioner. My career goals center around helping children grow into their healthiest selves with whatever cards life deals them. Complementing this mindset is my passion for developmental pediatrics and working with children with developmental differences. I hope to continue to advance the role of nurse practitioners in primary care settings and specifically in developmental <a href="/pediatric/pediatric-primary-care-nurse-practitioner/">pediatrics</a>. </p><p class="lwitem32"> –Jessica Rose</p></div>
  • <div class="lw_blurbs_title">Tracy Walker, DNP, MSN, RN, CPNP-AP/PC</div><div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p> “It is a very welcoming and inclusive environment; you are treated as a colleague-in-training, surrounded by the best mentors. If you experience challenges, they are framed around your growth process in nursing and faculty are always available to work through the tough moments with students.”</p></div>

New Leadership Appointment for Penn Nursing Professor

Catherine C. McDonald, PhD, RN, FAAN, has been appointed Chair of Penn Nursing’s Department of Family and Community Health effective July 1, 2024. Currently, she is the Vice-Chair of the Department and the Dr. Hildegarde Reynolds Endowed Term Chair of Primary Care Nursing.

Read MoreNew Leadership Appointment for Penn Nursing Professor

Upcoming Events

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    March 19 | 8:00am

    a2 National Symposium: Empowering Innovation in AI/Tech + Aging

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    March 20 | 12:00am

    a2 National Symposium: Empowering Innovation in AI/Tech + Aging

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    March 27 | 7:00pm

    Spring 2024 Graduate Programs Info Session

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    April 3 | 12:30pm - 1:30pm

    Climate, Chemicals and Plastics: The Role of the Health Sector in Planetary Health

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    April 10 | 4:00pm - 5:30pm

    Prescribing Reproductive Rights: Pills and the Politics of Family Planning, 1960 - 2024

Contact

For general inquiries:
diversity@nursing.upenn.edu