Leadership Summit 2022

Samantha Agee is a servant leader with over 20 years of leadership and mentoring experience. A member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated® over 13 years serving in leadership roles and contributing to education on the local, regional, and national levels. Her position as Second Supreme Anti-Basileus stems from serving as the immediate past Assistant Regional Director of the Southwest Region and multiple positions locally, regionally, and nationally. In 2008, she was invited and inducted into the phenomenal Phi Chi Chapter of Augusta, GA, chartered Kappa Chi Chi Chapter of Honolulu, HI with 12 dynamic nurses in 2015; and provides “Service for Humanity” as a member of the awesome Alpha Chi Chapter of Nashville, TN. Serving as an active-duty U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel she held numerous civilian and military staff and leadership positions in various environments to include development of others via mentorship and leadership.

Chayla M. Avery, BSN, GN, embodies the mission, vision, and values of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated®. As an alumna of Howard University, she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in May 2022. With a Health Education minor and concentrations in Maternal/Child and Community Health, she has a passion for working in Women and Infant Services with a focus on underserved populations. This fall she will start her career as a Neonatal ICU nurse in the District of Columbia. Chayla plans to continue her education in hopes of becoming a dual-certified Nurse Practitioner in Midwifery and Women’s Health.



Chayla remains highly active at her alma mater and back home in the Metro Detroit area. Her extracurricular activities include membership in the National Council of Negro Women, the National Black Nurses Association, and mentoring underclass nursing majors through the Howard University Health Connects program. Chayla is a firm believer in the idea of sharing with others what was invested in you.

Since induction into the Alpha Delta Beta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated® in Spring 2019 and committed herself fully to “Service for Humanity”. Locally, she served as the Vice President and recently completed her second term as the President of her undergraduate chapter. Regionally, she works diligently as a member of the NER Beta Coordination Committee. Her merit and dedication to the Sorority, afforded her numerous scholarships, including the national Aliene Carrington Ewell Scholarship, the regional Henrietta Chisholm Scholarship, and several other chapter-sponsored awards.

Chayla’s commitment to extraordinarily compassionate patient care and outstanding clinical skills afforded her the regional Daisy in Training and Sandra Fisher Beta Image Awards. During the 2021 Sorority conference, Chayla received the National Beta Image Award for excellence in academics, creativity, leadership, and volunteer service."

Selece is EVP, Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer for Kindred at Home. Selece is responsible for the development and implementation of the company’s compliance program. She has more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry and nearly 24 years of service with Kindred at Home. Her background as an RN and her legal and compliance expertise have led her to roles as Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer for Kindred at Home, as well as the Divisional Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Risk, where she guided the company through the interpretation and education of regulatory changes, with the goal of minimizing financial and patient care risks.

Selece holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Howard University, and she earned her Juris Doctorate from North Carolina Central University.  

Selece was named to Black Enterprise’s 2019 List of Most Powerful Women in Corporate America. She was later listed in 2021 by Business Insider as one of 67 powerful Black women CEOs and executives on their time in corporate America.

Selece was initiated Fall 1983 into Alpha Delta Beta of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. at Howard University. She is a member of the Mu Phi Chapter, Stone Mountain, GA, where she serves as the Anti-Basileus and Chair of the Nominating Committee. Selece is also a member of the Decatur Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she serves as Assistant Financial Secretary and Co-Chair of Risk Management Committee. She is also a member of the Advisory Counsel for Omicron Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at Emory University. Selece also serves as a member of the Atlanta Alumni Club of Howard University Scholarship Committee. Selece is married with two adult children.

LaTasha C. Bolden, RN, CPSN, earned her AD in nursing from Tennessee State University. She has over 18 years of nursing experience in Plastic and Aesthetic Nursing. Her nursing career includes working as a surgical oncology nurse and a staff nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the Orthopedic Trauma Unit.

LaTasha is a member of the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN), Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) and currently serves as Grammateus for Alpha Chi Chapter, Chi Eta Phi Sorority.

Norlissa M. Cooper, PhD, MSN, RN, earned her B.S. in nursing from the University of Rochester, her M.S. in nursing with a concentration in education from Georgetown, and her PhD in nursing with a concentration in health policy from the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Cooper works as a Registered Nurse at San Francisco General in San Francisco, California. She has over 13 years of experience in the acute care setting working as a staff nurse, charge nurse, nurse educator, and continuing education committee co-chair. Dr. Cooper is trained as a critical ethnographer and her research agenda focuses on examining the intersections of policy, practice/implementation, and community impact with the purpose of identifying policies that create and/or reinforce institutional and structural racism and contribute to health disparities. Dr. Cooper’s area of expertise is perinatal illicit substance screening policies and practices in the acute care setting.

Dr. Fennal is a well-known nurse leader whose background includes a PhD in Nursing Science from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Science in Critical Care Nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the State University of New York. After teaching graduate and undergraduate nursing for many years, she retired from Florida A&M University in 2008. Currently, she is the Director of the International Nursing Education Consortium, a non-profit organization working to ensure nursing students and nurses are given the opportunity to have a culturally diverse experience in a foreign setting. She teaches graduate nursing education courses part time at Walden University and Excelsior College. She spends a lots of time mentoring nurses (mostly former students and referrals) in multiple states across the country.

Completed and published research projects include Self-regulation and types of anger; violence against women; obesity and poverty; obesity and the development of complications; obesity and sleep apnea, prostate cancer, and computer assisted instruction. Her numerous publications include the most resent, Developing an International Nursing Initiative: The Chi Haiti Project. Along with the Southeast Region Leadership Institute Committee, Developing a Leadership Institute: A description of the process and the sharing of the learning experience.

Practice expertise includes critical care nursing, nursing education, leadership/management, and international nursing. Dr. Fennal often states: “The most profound experiences of my career to date have been working with the orphans of Haiti, taking student nurses to study abroad in the Dominican Republic, and being a National President of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.

Her favorite things to do include teaching nursing students and ballroom dancing where she won a second-place finish in her division in 2020.

Felicia Foster-Gibson has 27 years of nursing experience. Prior to becoming a nurse, she obtained certifications as Nursing Assistant and Emergency Medical Technician. In 1991 she earned her ADN and AS in 1993 from Wayne County Community College and Bachelor of Nursing from Oakland University in 2000. She maintains a Nurse Aide Trainer Permit. She is a Faith Community Nurse with Henry Ford Health System and a Home Care Nurse Case Manager. Felicia has a passion for serving the community as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, Foster Mom, Cheer Coordinator and Cheer Head Coach.

Felicia was inducted into Lambda Chi Chapter, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. Detroit, MI March 2002, she served as the chapter Vice President. She is the immediate past Dean of Membership, past Tamias and Newsletter Editor. She Chairs the Programs and Projects, Education, Bylaws, and Newsletter Committee Member. She served as the Middlewest Regional Liaison for Accelerated Membership Intake Pilot Project, Timekeeper Committee chair, and member of the Tellers, Philacter, Protocol, and Awards Committees. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Felicia is on the Board of Directors of Pearls of Promise Foundation, Incorporated, where she Chairs the Minor Hall Program and Advisor for Ivylettes Program. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society and Board Member for Camp Michi Mac (camp for Asthmatic children).

Felicia coordinates the Gleaner Mobile Pantry for Early Intervention Diagnostic Center. She coordinated H.O.W Project Healthy Living Health Fair and Asthma Camp for Henry Ford Health System Pediatric Clinic. In 2006, she received Healthy Mother’s Healthy Baby MI Coalition Regional Award and was 2004 Runner-up Nightingale Award Winner for Oakland University Alumni. Felicia lives by the following words “To live life to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised”.

Juanita’s journey with Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. started in 1991, and she has been actively involved with uninterrupted membership in Gamma Chi Chapter since.  She held many leadership roles, including the immediate Past Basileus. She continually enhances her leadership and knowledge of the organization by attending and actively participating at Boulè, Southeast Regional Conferences, and Leadership Conferences. Locally, she champions the Heart Health and Kidney Disease programs. She mentors members in new leadership roles and helps to develop recruitment and retention programs for the chapter. She is instrumental in securing financial sponsorship, affording her chapter the ability to award thousands of dollars in nursing scholarships and grants annually.

Juanita holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL., and a Master of Science in Health Services Administration degree from the University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL. Additionally, she is certified in Medical-Surgical Nursing through ANCC. Juanita holds membership in the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, NCNW, and Florida A&M University Nursing Alumni Association. She is a member of the Healthcare Ministry at the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA where she has presented several presentations on Heart Health and Kidney disease. She is in the choir, on the Ladies Usher Board, and the Mission Union where she serves as the financial secretary.

Juanita is currently employed at Emory University Hospital Midtown, as an Administrative Nursing Supervisor. She is married to Dominic Delaney, with three children and two grandchildren.

Sheila currently provides interim leadership across the nation providing stability during times of leadership gaps affording the organization time to make the best long-term hiring decision.

heila provides interim leadership across the nation providing stability during times of leadership gaps affording the organization time to make the best long-term hiring decision.

Previously as Nurse Manager (Perioperative Director equivalent) for the Department of Veterans Affairs, she was hired to lead and oversee the enterprise for the start up joint initiative program between the Air Force and Veterans Administration to provide Ambulatory Surgery to Veterans due to her expertise and knowledge of health administration, management of health care programs, and practices in military medical environments. Sheila assured the program integrated nursing staff and surgical resources to provide access for approximately 117,000 southern Colorado Veterans.

Sheila was a career Army Nurse since graduation from the University of Illinois College of Nursing to staff nurse as a new lieutenant, head nurse, and educator. She conferred her Masters in Nursing Administration at the University of Illinois College of Nursing and was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She deployed on two humanitarian missions to Pamerola Air Base in Honduras, Central America, as a Head Nurse and Deputy Commander of the Medical Element. After two deployments to the Gulf for separate Combat Campaigns, Sheila settled in Colorado Springs, retiring as Chief Nursing Officer.

She is a published speaker and active volunteer in the community and nursing. Sheila is a member of multiple nursing organizations to include American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), American Nurses Association, Colorado Nurses Association, Illinois Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR), Association of Perioperative Nurses (AORN), Ella Mae Branson Sickle Cell Association, Appointed by Colorado Governor to the Governor’s Sickle Cell Advisory Board. She is the Director of Operations, secretary, musician, and musician liaison for the Colorado Springs Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America.

Leadership positions held in Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. include Southwest Regional Director, Assistant Regional Director, Chapter President, Secretary, and National Nominating Committee.

Jonnie is a pediatric nurse practitioner currently employed as the medical manager of Ascension SE MI Community Health School-Based Health Centers. She received a diploma in nursing from Providence Hospital School of Nursing, a bachelor of science in nursing and masters of science in health service administration form the University of Detroit, a certificate as a pediatric nurse practitioner from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Nursing practice from Oakland University her research was on asthma education in school settings. Her nursing experience is varied from staff nurse, nurse manager, director of nursing and adjunct professor at several area nursing programs.

She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International nursing Honor Society, Life member of Detroit and the National Black Nurses Association currently serving as the local Vice President, Life member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated and the local Lambda Chi chapter and National First Vice President, Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and active in the Detroit Alumnae Chapter, Life member of the NAACP, as well as other nursing and civic organizations. She has received numerous awards from all of the organizations she is affiliated with. Jonnie has three adult children, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Judi is a Clinical Prevention Specialist Nurse and the Staff Development Coordinator for the University of Pittsburg Medical Center. She earned her Master of Science degree in Administration with a focus in Health Services Administration and a Master of Science degree in Nursing with an emphasis in Nursing Education. She additionally has achieved the distinction as a certified nursing professional development practitioner and obstetrical nurse.

Soror Judi is approaching her 10th year as a member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated. During her tenure she has held several officer positions (currently immediate past Basileus of her previous chapter) at both the local and regional levels. Furthermore, she has served in the role as both chair and member of numerous committees at all levels of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated.

During her 35 plus years in nursing, Soror Judi has worn many hats as nurse mentor, coach, trainer, educator, and motivator. She is a teacher at heart and exemplifies the qualities of a servant leader and role model of excellence. “When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness”  Proverbs 31:26(NLT).

Stacey Johnson started in Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated in the Spring 1996 at Hampton University, Hampton VA as a Beta (Tau Beta 96). She has 25 years of nursing experience with a multifaceted skill set and experience in clinical areas ranging from Acute Care, Community Care and Executive Administration. She is the Senior Clinical Strategic Nurse Consultant at CareSparc Consulting Inc.; Chair of the Board at The Institute for Health and Social Equity, Inc. a 501(c)(3) designated organization whose mission is to reduce health disparities by improving the health and social equity of vulnerable populations and underrepresented groups. 

Stacey held several roles in Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. Locally, as Epistoleus, Anti-Basileus, and charter President of the first Westchester County, NY Chapter in the Northeast Region. Regionally, she served as the Assistant Regional Director and Tamias. Nationally, she co-chaired positions on committees and is the National Secretary. She is an active member of the Westchester County Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., National Black Nurses Association, and CMSA.

Dr. Angela R. Jourdain attended Spelman College in Atlanta, GA and graduated with a B.S. degree in Natural Science. She is a graduate of the Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing in New York, NY. She holds a Master of Science degree in Nursing Administration with Informatics from Molloy College. She received a Doctorate in Public Health from Walden University. Dr. Jourdain is currently a Nurse Administrator for Northwell Health System in Glen Cove, NY.

Dr. Jourdain is an active member of several local, national, and international organizations, with public service missions. An active member of Kappa Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. since 2004. Dr. Jourdain served as the National Technology Committee Chairperson, and chapter President and Dean of Membership. Dr. Jourdain served on the Northeast Region Board of Directors as the Assistant Director and Chair of the Projects and Programs Committee. She served as Nurse Volunteer for the Nassau County Medical Reserve Corps. Dr. Jourdain is an elected Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. She was inducted into Sigma Alpha Pi National Honor Society for Leadership and Success and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. She holds certifications in Adult Critical Nursing from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and Nurse Executive Advanced Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Dr. Jourdain received multiple awards and recognitions from the Diabetes Health and Wellness Academy of NYC, the Queens County Black Nurses Association, the NY Alliance of Black School Educators, and the Nassau Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She received the Kappa Eta Chapter and the Northeast Region of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. Member of the Year Awards, and the Mabel K. Staupers National Scholarship Award. In addition to being a nurse leader and community activist, she is a devoted wife and mother of two daughters.

Dr. Keith is an advance practice clinician who currently practices as a lead provider within the Novant Health Corporate Health Group. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Keith is an adjunct professor at Simmons College and ECPI University, teaching courses at the associate, bachelors and masters level. Dr. Keith served as a preceptor to students pursuing their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and Masters Degree. 

Dr. Keith earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from North Carolina A & T State University, Master of Science degree from Hampton University, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Chatham University. She served in the medical field for over 13 years and has a diverse background and experience. Her professional background includes nursing leadership, intermediate care and critical care as a registered nurse. Primary care, retail health, colorectal surgery and ortho-spine as a family nurse practitioner. Her passion in healthcare is promoting health and wellness and disease prevention.

She is an active member in her community. Dr. Keith is an active member of the Iota Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. in Charlotte, NC. where she served as the chapter Anti-Basileus. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, National League of Nursing, North Carolina Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, Novant Health African American Business Resources Group, Metrolina Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, and American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Dr. Killian is a nationally recognized nurse leader in education, administration, and practice. She recently retired as a Clinical Associate Professor, from a 14-year stent at Georgia State University, where she was instrumental in designing and implementing the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. Dr. Killian spent more than half of her work in nursing in the practice settings as a nurse administrator and clinical nurse educator. Her research interest and focus are on formal mentoring of nurses and retention in the practice, academic, and professional organization settings. Publications of this research include but is not limited to: “Examining Mentoring for Nurses” (NBNA News, Spring 2016) and “Examining Mentoring Relationships for Nurses: A Pilot Study” (JOCEPS, Fall 2015/2016). She has assumed leadership roles in professional organizations on the local, regional, national, and international levels. Her vision for Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated is to “Embrace, Honor, Elevate, & Empower the Core of Chi,” “Embracing our Legacy with Honor; Elevating our Presence in the Community; and Empowering Visionaries to Lead us into the Future”.

Montien Miller is a Registered Nurse, a mother of two adult children, and a Christian minister. She has been a member of Theta Chapter Incorporated, Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated since March 2009 and has held the roles of Chaplain, Theta Chapter from 2010 to 2019; Northeast Region Chaplain 2016-2021; and National Vendor Coordinator 2018-present.

Montien earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from La Salle University in 2005 and her Master of Science in Health Informatics degree from Temple University in 2018. She is also a veteran of the United States Army to which she attributes as establishing her strong work ethic and passion for nursing. Montien has a desire to empower the healthcare community with tools to successfully manage patient care using technology.

Montien relocated to Maryland in October 2019; Montien became a member and is currently a licensed minister at The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where the Senior Pastor is Bishop Anthony G. Maclin.

Her favorite scripture is Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the lord, and in the power of his might”; her personal experience with the healing power of Jesus Christ has solidified her faith after witnessing her son’s miraculous healing from a congenital heart defect and overcoming her diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer in 2016. Jesus is a healer!

Montien is currently an active member of Rho Chi Chi Chapter Incorporated in Howard County, Maryland after recently transferring in September 2021 from Theta Chapter Incorporated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Sylvia attended Purdue University Fort Wayne for her nursing degree. She holds a graduate certification in informatics, a master’s degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a master’s degree in nursing education from Western Governors University (WGU).

Sylvia is an active member of the Zeta Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. since 1991. She held several positions to include chapter President, Vice President, Dean of Membership, and Secretary. She the regional Treasurer for six years and served as the Assistant Regional Director.

Sylvia has a nursing career of over 30 years and always went where opportunities took her. Previous professional roles included Director of Clinical Services of homecare, Director of Nursing of Long-Term Care, Business Director of Perioperative Services, Quality and Outcomes Coordinator, Associate Consultant Case Manager of Clinical Trials, Clinical Trainer of Case Management, and Nurse Educator.

She launched Not Just A Nurse (NJAN), providing video clips on Facebook and YouTube to help others to not be defined by only what they do professionally by showcasing their other talents. In January 2017, the first live radio show aired on WQSW 100.5 FM in Fort Wayne. She is an active member of the African American Healthcare Alliance, VP of Operations Black Chamber of Commerce, and board member of Metro Youth Sports.

Family is significant to Sylvia; she has three children, Greg, Madison, and Jordan, and was married to minister LeRoy Page for 21 years before his passing. Her mother, Gertrude Timberlake, just celebrated her 100-year birthday.

Margaret was initiated into Eta Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated in March 1987. Her 31 years of service included Chapter Historian, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Dean of Membership, Vice-President, and President; Regional Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Chair of Budget and Finance Committee, Chair of Investment Committee, Chair of Credentials and Registration Committee; and National Chair of Credentials and Registration Committee. Margaret strongly believes in adding value to whatever endeavor she undertakes. She facilitated the development of a regional budget which accurately reflected the organization’s annual income and expenses, developed tracking systems for detailed documentation of all income sources and expenditures, and developed a system to streamline the conference registration processes.

Margaret is a graduate of Indiana University School of Nursing. Her nursing career consisted of 33 years of service at the Richard L. Roudebush V.A. Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN. Her experience in nursing includes care of medical/surgical patients, and general psychiatry and substance abuse treatment. At the time of her retirement, Margaret held the position of Program Coordinator for the Substance Abuse Treatment Program.  Margaret received multiple recognitions for superior performance as well as a Hospital Director’s Commendation Award. Post retirement positions include 4 years as a classroom instructor for an LPN nursing program and 4 years as the Director of Nursing for a local home health agency. 

Margaret always held a gift for service. Through the years, she received certificates of appreciation from the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, and the American Legion.

Karen Rabb is a member of Xi Phi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated® since March 2005. A registered nurse for over 32 years, Soror Rabb has vast experiences in numerous therapeutic areas, not limited to peri-operative nursing, cardiac and medical/surgical intensive care, or rare diseases and over 20 years’ experience in clinical trial research. Mrs. Rabb has a propensity for leadership and mentoring, and served in numerous positions to include supervisor, NIH project manager, and Senior Clinical Trial Manager. Leadership positions in Chi Eta Phi includes Middlesouth Regional Director (Immediate Past), Middlesouth Regional Secretary, Chapter Basileus, Student Nurse (Beta) Sponsor, Chaplain, National Chair of Public Relations/Marketing Committee, and National Protocol Committee Chair (current).

Soror Rabb graduated from El Centro Community College with an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree in Nursing. She completed a RN-to-MSN bridge program to obtain her Master of Science Degree in Nursing with a specialization in Leadership and Management from Walden University. She holds an active certification in research monitoring- Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA).

Mrs. Rabb is tremendously blessed, due to her strong faith and love of people. She doesn’t believe in the “one-man show” philosophy. She believes to be a good leader; you must be a good follower and people will follow if you provide a sense of direction and purpose. As a Deaconess, her purpose in life is to be the best Christian, wife, mother, nurse, leader, and friend. A native of Detroit, MI, she resides in DeSoto (Dallas), TX, is married 35 years, has 3 adult children, and a 15-year-old grandson. She is indoctrinated with the notion that “Service for Humanity” is her true calling.

Carlena Saunders is a graduate of the Temple University School of Nursing and St Joseph’s University with a BS in Business, healthcare focus. Her professional background in healthcare, includes clinical expertise in adult patient education over the last 30 years. Prior to early retirement from PENNMEDICINE, her last 15 years were in the business aspect of healthcare. Including Corporate Compliance and Medicare auditing, she procured additional services for patients through the managed care office. She educated patients and families on the complexity of the finances of healthcare. After an early retirement from PENNMEDICINE system in 2003, she resumed clinical work as an RN in the homecare, palliative/hospice specialty area for 14 years. Carlena was a Case Manager with Aetna and Independence Blue Cross for six years and educated members with chronic diseases for better management.

Carlena’s community work includes 26 years as a volunteer and Board member for Women’s Way, Philadelphia, PA. She is a member of TWIGs, INC., North MontCo Chapter and held office as the Nominating and Ways and Means Committee Chair and Chapter President. As an active member of Theta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated, Carlena served as the Historian and on the Health Committee, and the Retention and Recruitment Committee. She maintains membership in the National Council of Negro Women, (NCNW), Del Val Chapter working on Covid initiatives with Good Health Wins (GHW)/CDC. As a member of the Association of African American Life and History (ASALH), formerly the Carter G. Woodson Association, she served as speaker to the local chapter on COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in Philadelphia, PA (2021) and at the national meeting on "Black organizations ...a necessity for our youth" in Atlanta, GA in 2007.

Terri Taylor-Hopkins is an active member of Delta Chapter, Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated, Los Angeles, CA since March 1999.  She is an active participant and served in leadership roles on the local, regional, and national levels of this great Sorority.  She is the immediate past Basileus of Delta Chapter and the current Tamias. Terri served as the chapter historian, Tamiochus, and on many committees.

Terri is an educator, mentor, California Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, and Community Activist. She served as Coordinator/Liaison for many community-based programs. She provides independent and collaborative holistic and comprehensive personalized care in health promotion and maintenance for families. She ensures emphasis is given to primary care across the lifespan.

Her education includes Licensed Vocational Nurse from the LA Unified School District; Associate Degree in Nursing from East LA College, Monterey Park, CA; Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Master’s of Science in Nursing Education, and Family Nurse Practitioner from University of Phoenix, Southern CA Campus.  

Her professional experience includes Clinical Nurse, Oncology Nurse, Hemodialysis Nurse, Nursing Supervisor, Nursing Director, Public/Community Health, Home Health, Adjunct Professor of Nursing and Allied Health and Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner. Her commitment to community service and her involvement in the nursing profession expands more than 40 years.

Her Professional Organization Affiliations includes American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Nurses Association, Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated, and National Black Nurses Association/Los Angeles Council of Black Nurses.

Terri is the proud parent and grandparent to her daughter, Karla (Daudi) and grandchildren, Toni Kamara and Kingston. And she is honored to be called “Sister” by eight siblings.

Linda Tellison is a member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated® by way of Zeta Chi Chapter, Inc., Houston, TX since March 1974. She is a very committed member to the organization on all levels and serves faithfully. To expound upon her roles of our esteemed organization/professional nursing sorority, Soror Tellison, is the National Operations Committee Chair and a member of the National Jurisprudence Committee. She is the Immediate Past Middlesouth Region Bylaws Committee Chair and served on the Anti-Basileus Committee. She is the Immediate Past Chapter Anti-Basileus.

Over the years, Soror Tellison served as / on the National Organizer, National Beta Sponsor, National Dean of Membership, Bylaws Committee Chair, Protocol Committee, Operations Manual Committee, Theme Committee, Scholarship Committee Chair, and is Founder of the Beta Image Award approved by the National Board of Directors and Boulè. Her regional roles included Regional Director, Grammateus, Scholarship Committee Chair, Bylaws Committee Chair, and Handbook Committee. She served the chapter as Basileus, Anti-Basileus, Dean of Membership, Beta Sponsor, and Grammateus.

One of many great accomplishments during her tenue as the National Organizer (2013- 2017), was the chartering of twenty-three (23) new chapters which included an undergraduate chapter. Two milestone endeavors were the undergraduate chapter chartered at Seton Hall University, in Orange, NJ and the graduate chapter chartered in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In January 2013, retirement from the Harris Health System (Harris County Hospital District) in Houston, TX culminated after forty-five (45) years of service, closing another adventurous chapter in her life. Soror Tellison attest, she will continue to serve Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated® to the best of her ability!!!

Erica Underdown Palmer was initiated into the Prince George’s County, Maryland chapter in March 2007. She served as Dean of Membership and the Basileus of Lambda Phi Chapter, Incorporated. She currently serves as the Northeast Region Tamiochus, as well as the National Tamias.  

She serves on numerous committees on the local, regional, and national levels.  Ms. Underdown Palmer received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree at Villa Julie College and is currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Administration at Trinity University in Washington, DC.  Professionally, she is the Senior Manager Associate of Health at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.

Joycelyn (Joy) Westbrooks is a graduate of Hampton University, VA with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and The University of Alabama in Birmingham, AL with a Masters in Public Health.  She is certified in Medical-Surgical Nursing through ANCC and Vice President for Professionals with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 1633. She is the Treasurer for VA District 10 Council 227.  Her vast leadership skills and ability to work well with others have gained her respect and the ability to affect change. She is sought out for her “humorous” yet insightful presentations on leadership, personality styles, and a Winning Mindset.

Soror Westbrooks coordinated two formal leadership development programs for the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Emerging VA Leaders, and the Leadership Development Institute. She is a certified mentor and serves as faculty for the medical center’s hospital-based coaching and mentorship program.

She was initiated into Epsilon Chapter, Tuskegee, AL in 91’ and is an active member of Zeta Chi Chapter, Houston, TX for the past 22 years. Past positions in Chi Eta Phi, Sorority Inc. include Chapter President, Secretary, Dean of Membership, Fundraiser Chair, Historian, and Regional Nominating Committee. She served as the Middlesouth Regional Conference Coordinator from 2018-21’.

She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. and Signa Theta Tau Honor Society. An active member of the Health/First Aid Committee at her church, where she taught numerous staff members CPR. She is married to Elanis Westbrooks of 23 years with two children, Elana Joy and Brian George.

Lora E. White-Green BSN, RN, CNDLTC, IPCO has practiced professional nursing for over thirty-five years after graduating from Philadelphia General Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia, PA and received her BSN from Immaculata University. She is a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda and Sigma Theta Tau Honors Societies, the National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration, and serves as the Anti-Basileus of Theta Eta Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated. Lora was the Co-chair of the Northeast Region’s Vendor/Sponsorship Committee, a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and Public Relations Committee. She serves on the National Vendor Sponsorship Committee.

Her acute care path is vast including Med-Surg, Maternal Child Health, Operating Room, and Psychiatric nursing. Lora’s senior care experience includes roles as Staff Development Coordinator, Director of Nursing Administration, Regional Nurse for several local and national organizations, Educator of Nursing Leadership and Survey Management, Quality Assurance Consultant, Infection Preventionist, Compliance Specialist, and Post-Acute Care Nurse Consultant.

Lora’s expertise is in quality improvement, infection control surveillance and education, risk management and mitigation as well as assisting facilities to attain and maintain Federal and State regulatory compliance.

Lora is married for thirty years and has a daughter who is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Operations. Lora enjoys crocheting, audiobooks, and traveling.