Leadership

Sarah M. Killian, DNP, RN, NEA-BC

National President

skillian@chietaphi.org

Dr. Killian is a nationally recognized nurse leader in education, administration, and practice. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and is board certified as a Nurse Executive, Advanced. 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. Although Dr. Killian completed her career in education, more than half of her work in nursing was spent in the practice setting as a nurse administrator and clinical nurse educator.

Dr. Killian also has a special interest in global nursing. She has participated in healthcare delegations to the former Soviet Republic of Georgia, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. The delegations focused on assessing and implementing healthcare practices to improve healthcare delivery systems and outcomes. The Dominican Republic delegation was coupled with a student nurse group immersion experience.

Dr. Killian’s research interest is formal mentoring of nurses in the practice, academic, and professional organization settings. The focus of research is on mentoring of nurses and retention in the three 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).

Dr. Killian has given lifelong service as a volunteer, advisor, and or consultant to organizations for the improvement of health services within the community. While serving, 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. She states, “It is about our organization and the community, and I will do my best to maximize efforts of actualizing the organization’s vision, mission, and beyond.”

Jonnie Hamilton, DNP, MSHSA, PNP-BC, NE-BC

First National Vice President

jhamilton@chietaphi.org

Nursing professional for over 40 years, with multiple clinical and administrative positions. Presented at Local, Regional, National and International conferences on various topics including time management, asthma, sickle cell disease, Parliamentary procedure, stress, child abuse, public policy, advocacy to name a few. Currently a member of the Human Trafficking program for Ascension Health.

PROGRAMS DEVELOPED :

Raising personal and organizational productivity
Delivering easy-to-use functional products
Producing products that positively impact bottom line
Policy and politics related to health care and the profession of nursing

Designing and implementation of cost saving measures
Budget and planning expertise
Certified Nurse Administrator

HEALTH PRACTITIONER:

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Clinical and Theory nursing instructor
Nurse Practitioner preceptor
BLS instructor

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT:

Develop and implement programs for orientation of new employees
Develop and implement health and prevention programs for patients

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT:

Developed and implemented criteria based job performance evaluations
Developed and implemented continuing education program for RN’s to earn BSN and for LPN’s to earn AND degree in collaboration with Wayne State University and Schoolcraft Community College

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

Manager School Based Health Centers Ascension St John Providence 2014 to present

Nurse Practitioner St. John Health 1999 – 2014
Adjunct Professor MSU College of Nursing and Oakland University College of Nursing 1995 – present
Nurse Practitioner Detroit Macomb Hospital System 1996 –1999
Education Coordinator Grace Hospital 1992 – 1995
Instructor College of Nursing Wayne State University 1992 – 1994
Instructor College of Nursing Oakland University 1991 – 1992

EDUCATION:

Doctor of Nursing Practice Oakland University 2015

Doctoral Program – Wayne State University Detroit MI 2001

M.S. – Health Service Administration, University of Detroit 1987

BSN – Nursing University of Detroit 1985

OTHER TRAINING:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 1980

Nursing Diploma, Providence Hospital School of Nursing, Southfield, MI 1973

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION AFFILIATIONS:

American Nurses Association, ANA-Michigan, Life Member Michigan Nurses Association, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. life member, Sigma Theta Tau Nurses Honor Society, National Black Nurses Association, Life member . National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Life member NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Diamond Life Member

Samantha Agee, MSN-Ed, RN, APRN, CRNA

Second National Vice President

sagee@chietaphi.org

Mrs. Agee is a servant leader with over 20 years of leadership 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 immediate past position as Assistant Regional Director of the Southwest Region of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated® has granted an insiders look of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accreditation process and requirements.

A native of Georgetown, Guyana and reared in New York, she enlisted in the Army in 1997, served as a Medic and License Practical Nurse (LPN), then entered a Reserve Officer Training Commissioning (ROTC) Program in 2001. Since commissioning to active duty in 2004, as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Hofstra University (NY), Lieutenant Colonel Agee serves in the Army Nurse Corps as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Mrs. Agee received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Adelphi University, Garden City, NY (2004), a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ (2010), and a Master of Science in Nursing Anesthesia from the U.S. Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing and Northeastern University, Boston, MA (2013).

Mrs. Agee held numerous civilian and military staff and leadership positions in Telemetry and Orthopedic Units at Nassau County Trauma Hospital, Long Island, NY; Post Anesthesia Care Unit at Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC), Fort Gordon, GA; Intensive Care Units (ICU) while deployed with the 21^st Combat Support Hospital to New Orleans, LA and Camp Bucca, Iraq, conducting Detainee Healthcare in austere environments; Surgical Intensive Care/Open Heart Recovery Unit at EAMC; and Nursing Anesthesia in operating rooms in Hawaii, Kentucky, and South Korea.

In the ICU, Mrs. Agee earned national certification as a Critical Care Registered Nurse, while serving as staff and charge nurse, the unit scheduler, and preceptor of ROTC nursing cadets and medics. Her additional duties were President of the Junior Officer Council for two consecutive years with emphasis on officer development via mentorship and leadership. Thru the Hospital Education and Training Department, she served as coordinator and assistant instructor of a two-day Pediatric Workshop and presented continuing education courses on topics to include Guillain Barre Syndrome and Detainee Healthcare. As the senior nursing officer of a Forward Resuscitative Surgical Team, she developed and implemented a clinical rotation system which ensured Soldiers remained medically proficient and competent. While serving as Assistant Chief of the Anesthesia Department in South Korea, Mrs. Agee developed and implemented policies governing anesthesia services to a 60,000-patient population. She is serving a second term of Chapter Presidency (HI and KY) for ROCKS, Incorporated, an internationally recognized military mentorship organization.

Mrs. Agee published and served as keynote speaker on topics to include The Effects of QuikClot Combat Gauze on Hemorrhage Control in The Presence of Hemodilution in The AMEDD Journal of Medicine and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. She earned multiple awards and attended numerous military and civilian leadership and communication courses to include COL C.J. Reedy and Command and General Staff College. Working to improve the community, increase awareness, and decrease disparities, she continues active membership in St. Anselm Episcopal Church; American Association of Nurse Anesthetist; Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society; National Black Nurses Association, Life Member; NAACP, Life Member; ROCKS, Incorporated, Life Member; The Order of the Eastern Star; Daughters of the Imperial Court; and The Order of the Golden Circle.

Mrs. Agee became a member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated® with an invitation and induction by the phenomenal Phi Chi Chapter of Augusta, GA in 2008; 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.

Mrs. Agee is most proud of being married to Willie Agee III, MD, PhD and parenting their two daughters.

Chayla Avery, BSN, RN

Third National Vice President

cavery@chietaphi.org

Chayla M. Avery embodies the mission, vision, and values of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated. A new-to-practice nurse in the Neonatal ICU, Chayla received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a minor in Health Education from Howard University in May 2022. In the future, she plans to continue her education in hopes of becoming a dual certified Nurse Practitioner in Midwifery and Women’s Health focused on underserved populations.

Chayla remains highly active in the community of her alma mater and back home in the Metro Detroit area. Her extracurricular activities include membership in the National Council of Negro Women and mentoring underclass nursing majors through the Health Connects program.

Since induction into the Alpha Delta Beta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated in Spring 2019, she has committed herself fully to “Service for Humanity”. At the local level, she has served as the President and Vice President of her undergraduate chapter. Although relatively new to the Sorority, her dedication has afforded her numerous scholarships, including the National Aliene Carrington Ewell Scholarship, the regional Henrietta Chisholm Scholarship, and several other chapter-sponsored awards. In addition, her commitment to extraordinary 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.

As the Third National Vice President, her overarching goal is to serve as an advocate for all undergraduate members. She envisions stronger sisterly/brotherly relationships between chapters, mentorship for undergraduate presidents, increased participation in Sorority events, greater retention of undergraduate members after graduation, and additional interactive programs focusing on character development, education, and professionalism.

Stacey Johnson, DNP, RN, CCM, SAFE

National Secretary

sjohnson@chietaphi.org

Stacey Johnson started in Chi Eta Phi in the spring of 1996 at Hampton University, Hampton VA as a Beta (Tau Beta 96). She has 25 years of nursing with a multifaceted skill set and experience in clinical areas ranging from Acute care, Community Care and Executive Administration. She currently 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 Johnson has held several roles in Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. Locally she was her chapter’s Epistoleus, Anti-Basileus and charter President of the first Westchester County, NY Chapter in the Northeast Region. Regionally she held positions as the Assistant Regional Director and Regional Tamias. Nationally she has held co chair positions on committees and is now the National Secretary of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc. She is an active member of the Westchester County Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., National Black Nurses Association and CMSA.

Erica Underdown Palmer, MS, BSN, RN

National Treasurer

epalmer@chietaphi.org

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

She serves on numerous committees on the local, regional and national levels. Ms. Underdown Palmer received her BSN 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 Health at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.

Terri Taylor-Hopkins, MSN, RN, FNP-C

National Financial Secretary

ttaylor-hopkins@chietaphi.org

Terri Taylor-Hopkins has been an active member of Delta Chapter, Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated, Los Angeles, California since March 1999. She has been an active participant and has served in leadership roles on the local, regional, and national level of this great sorority. She is the immediate past president of Delta Chapter and the current Treasurer. Terri has also served as the chapter historian, the financial secretary and has served on many committees.

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

Education:

University of Phoenix-Southern California Campus 2001
Family Nurse Practitioner-Preparation for Independent and Collaborative Primary Care Provider.
University of Phoenix-Southern California Campus 1998
Master of Science, Nursing/Education-Preparation for roles as Administrator, Educator and Care Provider of aggregates.
University of Phoenix-Southern California Campus 1997
Bachelor Of Science, Nursing-Preparation in Statistics, Research, Communication, Teaching Skills and Management Principles.
East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park, California 1982
Associate Degree, Nursing
Los Angeles Unified School District-Licensed Vocational Nurse.

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.

Professional Organization Affiliations: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Nurses Association, Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated, 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.

Zenobia Richbourgh, MSN, RN, FNP, CPN

National Organizer

zrichbourgh@chietaphi.org

Zenobia Richbourgh has been a member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated for over 14 years. As a member of Kappa Eta Chapter, she has served on many committees, and has held the offices of Dean of Membership, Vice-President, and President. She currently serves as Financial Secretary for Kappa Eta Chapter as well as Nominating Committee Chair for the Northeast Region.

A nurse for over 15 years, Zenobia received her ASN from Nassau Community College in 2006 and a Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner from Molly College in 2016. She also holds a BS in Biology. Her passion is pediatrics; she currently is an Assistant Nurse Manager at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, NY as well as adjunct faculty at Nassau Community College in Garden City, NY.

Felicia Foster-Gibson, BSN, RN

National Dean of Membership

ffoster-gibson@chietaphi.org

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 also has Nurse Aide Trainer Permit. She is currently employed with Detroit Public Schools Community District, Early Intervention Diagnostic Center as School Nurse Consultant, working with children birth to 3 years of age. She is Faith Community Nurse with Henry Ford Health System as well Home Care Nurse Case Manager. She Assistant Ministry Lead for EMRT for her church. Felicia has worked as Clinical Nurse II/Preceptor, Nurse Educator, Childbirth Educator, Inservice Director, Nurse Leader, Lead Cord blood Specialist, Nurse Manager, Interviewer and Abstractor, and Adjunct Professor. Felicia has a passion for serving the community. She has been 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. in Detroit, MI on March 16, 2002, where she serves 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 has 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 also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Felicia is on the Board of Directors of Pearls of Promise Foundation, Incorporated, where she is Chair of the Minor Hall Program and Advisor for Ivylettes Program. She is 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 has 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”.

Nadirah Keith, DNP, RN, APRN, FNP-C

National Dean of Sponsors

nkeith@chietaphi.org

Nadirah Keith DNP, FNP-C 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 has also 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 has 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 serves as the chapter Vice President. She is also 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.

Angela Jourdain, DrPH, MSN, RN, CCRN, NEA-BC

Northeast Regional Director

ajourdain@chietaphi.org

Dr. Angela R. Jourdain attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated with a B.S. degree in Natural Science. She is also a graduate of the Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing in New York, NY. Additionally, 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’s research focused on exploring determinants within the health care delivery system which may contribute to increased mortality and morbidity among women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy with a particular emphasis on women of color. 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, whose missions are grounded in public service. As an active member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. for Professional Nurses, Kappa Eta Chapter since 2004. Dr. Jourdain has served as the National Technology Committee Chairperson, and on the local level, Dean of Membership and a Past Chapter President. Dr. Jourdain previously served on the Northeast Region Board of Directors as the Assistant Director and Chair of the Projects and Programs Committee. Dr. Jourdain has 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 has been inducted into Sigma Alpha Pi National Honor Society for Leadership and Success and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nurses. 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 has been recognized for her contribution to nursing and public service. She received the Leadership Award for excellence in health education and critical care nursing from the Diabetes Health and Wellness Academy of New York City, Outstanding Contribution to the nursing profession by the Queens County Black Nurses Association, the New York Alliance of Black School Educators Civic Leadership Award, the Kappa Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. with the Glovinia P. Wilkinson Member of the Year Award and the Northeast Region Member of the Year Award. Dr. Jourdain was also the recipient of the Maggie Jacobs Award for Exemplary Service to Nursing, the Dr. May Chinn Scholarship, Outstanding Member Awards and the Physical and Mental Health Award from the Nassau Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Mabel K. Staupers National Scholarship Award from Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. In addition to being a nurse leader and community activist she is also a devoted wife and mother of two daughters.

Juanita Gibbons-Delaney, MSHA, BSN, RN

Southeast Regional Director

jgibbonsdelaney@chietaphi.org

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 that time. She has 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 Boule, Southeast Regional Conferences and Leadership Conferences. On the local level, 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 that has afforded 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, ILL. 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, and they have three children and two grandchildren.

Sylvia Page, MSN, RN, MBA

Middlewest Regional Director

spage@chietaphi.org

Sylvia attended Purdue University Fort Wayne for her nursing degree. She also 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 has been an active member of the Zeta Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. since 1991. She has held several positions on the local level, including President, Vice President, Dean of Membership, and Secretary. On the Regional level, she held the position of Treasurer for six years and served as the Assistant Regional Director.

Sylvia has been in nursing for over 30 years and has always gone where opportunities have taken her. Her previous professional roles include 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 also launched NJAN, which stands for Not Just A Nurse, where she does video clips on Facebook and YouTube to help others not to be defined by only what they do professionally but showcase their other talents. From the birth of NJAN, Sylvia was approached to be an on-air personality for WQSW 100.5 FM in Fort Wayne, IN, and in January 2017, the first live show was aired. Sylvia’s genuine love for people and her gift to gab made it a perfect fit to interview local healthcare professionals, community activists, and anyone with an exciting story to share (personally or professionally) that can help someone else.

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.

Joycelyn Westbrooks, MPH, BSN, RN, RN-C

Middlesouth Regional Director

jwestbrooks@chietaphi.org

Soror Joycelyn (Joy) Westbrooks is a graduate of Hampton University, Hampton Virginia with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) and The University of Alabama in Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama with a Masters in Public Health (MPH). She is certified in Medical-Surgical Nursing through ANCC. She is the Vice President for Professionals with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 1633 (the largest VA Union Local in the country). 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 was initiated into Epsilon Chapter, Tuskegee, Alabama in 1991 and has been an active member of Zeta Chi Chapter, Houston, Texas for past 22 years. Positions she has held in Chi Eta Phi are Chapter President, Secretary, Dean of Membership, Fundraiser Chair, Historian and Regional Nominating Committee. She served as the Middlesouth Regional Conference Coordinator from 2018-2021.

Soror Westbrooks has 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 is sought out for her “humorous” yet insightful presentations on leadership, personality styles and a Winning Mindset.

Soror Westbrooks enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends and shopping. She believes you should let others see the God in you. Her favorite scripture is “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11.

She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., Tau Zeta Omega Chapter and Signa Theta Tau Honor Society. She is an active member of the Health/First Aid Committee at her church, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, where she has taught numerous staff CPR to include the usher boards, nursery staff, and church school staff. She and her husband Elanis Westbrooks of 23 years (Former Professional Baseball Scout) have two children, Elana Joy and Brian George.

Norlissa M. Cooper, PhD, MSN, BSN, RN

Southwest Regional Director

ncooper@chietaphi.org

Norlissa M. Cooper, PhD, MSN, BSN, 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.

Priscilla J. Murphy, MS, MEd, BSN, RN, LPCMH

Immediate Past National President

pmurphy@chietaphi.org

Priscilla J. Murphy is a passionate leader who has an extensive history of serving Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. on the local, regional, and national levels. A member since 2002, Ms. Murphy has held several positions in the organization, including President of Tau Eta Chapter of Wilmington, DE from 2003-2007, Assistant Northeast Regional Director from 2006-2010, National Secretary from 2009-2013, National 1^st Vice President from 2013-2017, and currently as the 21^st National President of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.

Ms. Murphy is the Founder and current CEO of Nylex Educational & Counseling Services Inc. Her private practice is located in Wilmington, Delaware, where she practices as a board-certified counselor. In her capacity as President of Nylex Counseling, Ms. Murphy is a Human Resource trainer and facilitator for the 3M Company and provides training for Health Advocate companies throughout the state of Delaware. Ms. Murphy has given numerous presentations and workshops on various topics related to women’s health issues, depression in men, leadership training, gambling, and motivational public speaking. She currently facilitates a women’s gambling support group for the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems.

Ms. Murphy is a motivational speaker and conducts seminars in schools, businesses, and other venues both public and private. She has a dynamic presentation style, and each seminar is developed personally for the organization or group participants. She graduated from Wilmington University with a dual Master’s Degree in Community Counseling and Education. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Widener University and her Diploma in Nursing from Bryn Mawr School of Nursing.

Ms. Murphy started her career as a Registered Nurse. During her career as a Registered Nurse, she has distinguished herself as a dedicated provider in the health field. Ms. Murphy practiced nursing for 31 years before following her heart and moving into the field of counseling in 1999. She works tirelessly to make her clients understand that they have a voice and their life can change. She is a strong advocate for individuals dealing with mental health issues.

Ms. Murphy is a member of the American Counseling Association, American Nurses Association, National Negro Council of Women, Delaware Professional Counseling Association, Past Executive Director for Delaware Professional Counseling Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She initiated the establishment of the Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society for counselors at Wilmington University and is a member of the Delta Chi Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society for Counselors. Ms. Murphy also served a five-year term as grant reviewer for the National Advisory Center for Health Care Strategies Inc. for Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, where she worked to improve care for children with asthma.