Today we’d like to introduce you to Jicel Espinosa Williams
Jicel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) began in 2004 while I was attending nursing school in New York City. As a student member, I had the privilege of meeting many successful and inspiring nurses who motivated me to continue my studies and pursue a career in nursing.
I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States when I was 13 years old. It took me many years to learn how to speak English, but I was determined to succeed. I promised myself that I would accomplish the things my parents never had the opportunity to do. Coming from a very poor country, I always aspired to do better and improve myself. While my parents faced many challenges, they instilled in me the most valuable lesson of all—hard work and dedication.
After graduating from nursing school, I moved to Columbus, Ohio, where I quickly realized that the Hispanic population—and even more so, the Hispanic nursing community—was significantly underrepresented. Recognizing the need for support and representation, I felt compelled to establish a NAHN chapter in Columbus. I strongly believe that culturally competent care is essential, and there is nothing more comforting for patients than being cared for by someone who understands their language, culture, and beliefs.
Starting the chapter in Columbus was challenging due to the limited number of Hispanic nurses available to support the initiative. However, I was fortunate to find a few non-Hispanic nurses who wholeheartedly believed in NAHN’s mission. Together, we made a meaningful impact, reaching underserved members of our community and advocating for better healthcare access.
After two years, an opportunity led me to relocate to Orlando, Florida. Once again, I found that there was no existing NAHN chapter in the area. However, unlike Columbus, Central Florida had a significantly larger nursing population and an even greater Latino presence. There was no doubt in my mind that a NAHN chapter was needed. On March 23, 2023, NAHN Central Florida was officially established.
Since then, our chapter has made a profound impact on the community. We have provided education to mothers and infants on the importance of vaccinations, mentored young students about careers in nursing and the power of representation, and supported patients with kidney disease by offering blood pressure screenings and health education. Additionally, we have created professional development opportunities for nurses in Central Florida and are currently working on an initiative to educate schoolchildren on healthy eating, well-being, and career pathways in nursing.
Leading this chapter has been an incredibly fulfilling experience, despite the challenges that come with running a nonprofit—limited resources and manpower being the most significant. However, it remains one of the best decisions I have ever made. NAHN is a labor of love, something I dedicate my time to as a volunteer while balancing my full-time career as a nurse. Seeing the impact we make in the community reaffirms my commitment to this mission and the importance of advocating for health equity.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been filled with challenges, but each one has shaped me into the person and nurse I am today.
Moving to the United States from the Dominican Republic at 13 was one of my biggest struggles. Learning English was difficult and took me years to master. I often felt out of place, trying to navigate a new culture and educational system while still holding on to my roots.
Nursing school was another difficult chapter. As a non-native English speaker, I had to work twice as hard to keep up. There were moments when I doubted myself, when the language barrier made things even more overwhelming.
When I moved to Columbus, Ohio, I faced a different kind of struggle. I quickly realized how underrepresented Hispanics were in the nursing profession, and it became clear that our community needed support and advocacy.
Currently while leading the central Florida chapter it has been difficult finding funding, securing volunteers, and balancing this passion with my full-time job as a nurse, wife and mother of 3. There are many sleepless nights, moments of frustration, and times when I questioned whether I could keep going leading this chapter. But I refused to give up because I knew the impact we are Making.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I work as a Clinical Nurse Educator, a role that I take great pride in. My work revolves around educating nurses and equipping them with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their careers while ensuring they are well-prepared to provide high-quality care to the patients we serve. Teaching comes naturally to me, and I find joy in making a meaningful difference in someone’s life by helping to ease their journey.
My passion for education stems from a difficult experience I had as a new nurse. My preceptor at the time was extremely rude and made me feel inadequate every time I asked a question. That experience left a lasting impact on me, and I made a promise to myself that I would never make another nurse feel the way I did. Instead, I believe in embracing, mentoring, and supporting nurses to help them grow and thrive in their profession.
I love what I do, and I approach every day with patience, care, and a genuine commitment to the success of the nurses I teach. My goal is to foster a supportive learning environment where they feel confident, valued, and empowered to provide the best possible care to their patients.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as the ability to achieve what once felt impossible. Today, I am a published author (Latinas in Nursing, 2nd Edition), a writer, and I hold a master’s degree in nursing education. I have mastered the English language and am blessed with a loving husband and a supportive family. However, the greatest measure of success for me is the ability to positively impact others.
To be part of someone’s success story—to guide, mentor, and support them in their growth—is what truly defines success in my eyes. Making a meaningful difference in someone’s life and helping them grow and thrive is the most rewarding accomplishment of all.
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