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Brooklyn, NY – June 12, 2024. The National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) is pleased to announce NSNA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kenya D. Williams, EdD, MBA, MSN, RN, RP, CAE, FNYAM, has been selected as a Distinguished fellow for the newly established Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing (ADLN).
Dr. Williams made history alongside the inaugural class of 175 Fellows – amongst names like Mary Eliza Mahoney. The illustrious class of 2024 inaugural ADLN Fellows include Posthumous Fellows who paved the way for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in nursing; Luminary Fellows, who have over 30 years of experience in nursing and continues to open doors for JEDI in nursing; and Distinguished Fellows. Distinguished ADLN Fellows consists of individuals who have created innovative JEDI initiatives in nursing and transformed nursing education, research, practice, policy or administration.
"Being part of this distinguished group of ADLN Fellows is a profound honor." Dr. Williams expressed. "My career has been dedicated to enhancing diversity and nurturing the next generation of nursing leaders. I truly believe the future of nursing lies in our ability to embrace all walks of life and provide opportunities for student nurses to grow and lead with empathy and inclusivity. Together, we can transform the landscape of healthcare and ensure that every voice is heard and valued."
The inaugural ADLN induction ceremony will take place on Thursday July 25, 2024, in San Francisco, CA, immediately following the opening ceremony of the 52nd Annual Institute and Conference of the National Black Nurses Association, Inc (NBNA). After the induction ceremony, honorees may begin using their new FADLN credential.
Dr. Williams was appointed NSNA CEO on April 1, 2024 and as Executive Director on August 1, 2023. Dr. Williams also serves as the CEO of the Foundation of the NSNA, making her the first person to hold the CEO title for both organizations in their history.
Having accumulated over 19 years of experience and active participation within NSNA, Williams commenced her leadership path as the Missouri Student Nurses' Association St. Louis Area District Officer. She subsequently advanced to a position on the NSNA Nominating and Elections Committee and furthered her engagement on the NSNA Board of Directors as the Breakthrough to Nursing® Director. By achieving the historic milestones of being the first African American woman to serve as NSNA President and the first African American FNSNA President, Williams broke new ground as the inaugural African American Chief Executive Officer for both organizations.
A native of Missouri, Williams earned an Associate of Science in Nursing from St. Louis Community College, St. Louis, MO, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, MO. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing focusing on Health Systems Management from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. She completed a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Creighton University, Omaha, NE. Williams earned a Masters in Business Administration at Webster University, St. Louis, MO.
To read the NBNA's press release announcing the inaugural class of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing (ADLN), please refer to: https://www.nbna.org//Files/FFINAL%20Inaugural%20ADLN%20fellows%20Announment%20Press%20Release%2006102024.pdf
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