In the season 4 finale of Mental Health Trailblazers, Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up! host Indrias Kassaye sits down with two pivotal figures behind the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) at the American Nurses Association: Janet Jackson, Project Director, and Samuel Suraphel, Digital Program Manager. Often working behind the scenes, Janet and Samuel are the program's driving force, tirelessly steering its mission to support psychiatric mental health nurses from underrepresented backgrounds and advance psychiatric mental health care for diverse communities.

Throughout this engaging and heartfelt conversation, Janet reflects on the personal stories that connected her to MFP’s mission and shares how she helped transform the program from a state of disarray to a thriving support system for behavioral health nurses. Samuel offers his unique insights into the program’s evolution, highlighting the growing interest among young nurses in psychiatric mental health and the shift in perceptions within the field. Together, they celebrate MFP’s achievements and lay out an ambitious vision for the future, including expanding outreach to high schools, building career pathways, and enhancing digital engagement to reach broader audiences.

Join us for this inspiring episode that not only honors the MFP’s remarkable 50-year legacy but also looks ahead with optimism to the next generation of mental health care providers. As Janet, Samuel, and Indrias celebrate this milestone, they leave us with a powerful reminder: mental health care is essential, and the mission continues.

Listen in to this uplifting conversation and discover the dedication, heart, and leadership propelling MFP’s mission forward.

Free CNE Credits available for listening! Don’t miss this chance to earn continuing education credits while learning from influential voices in nursing today. Tune in to this and all episodes of season 4, celebrating “50 Years: Reflect & Project!” and the lasting impact of the SAMHA Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association.

CNE information:

An email will be sent to you at a later date with instructions on how to claim CNE credit.

The American Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

In this inspiring episode of Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up, host Indrias Kassaye welcomes Dr. Giovanna de Oliveira, an alumna of the Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association and Associate Professor at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies. Dr. de Oliveira shares her journey from Peru to the U.S., where she discovered her passion for nursing, inspired by the compassionate care of Filipino nurses and her pediatrician father. Over her 28-year career, Dr. de Oliveira has evolved into a psychiatric mental health nurse scientist, deeply committed to addressing mental health disparities in underrepresented communities, particularly among Hispanic populations.

What are the unique mental health challenges facing immigrant communities in the U.S., and how can nurses address them?

How are young Hispanic children and adolescents coping with the pressures of immigration, and what can we do to address their growing mental health needs?

In this powerful conversation, Dr. de Oliveira reflects on her experiences with racism after immigrating to the U.S. and how she overcame challenges to build a successful career in nursing. She candidly shares how those early encounters with discrimination shaped her understanding of cultural sensitivity and fueled her commitment to providing compassionate, culturally competent care.

Dr. de Oliveira also addresses the mental health impact of immigration policies on communities in South Florida, highlighting the trauma, anxiety, and feelings of isolation that many immigrants face. She discusses the rising mental health needs among Hispanic youth, including issues like self-mutilation and substance abuse, as well as the importance of nurses advocating for systemic change to better support immigrant and minority populations.

Whether you're a nursing student, healthcare professional, or mental health advocate, this episode offers a compelling look at the resilience needed to overcome adversity and the critical role nurses play in transforming care for underserved populations. Don't miss it!

Free CNE Credits available for listening! Don’t miss this chance to earn continuing education credits while learning from influential voices in nursing today. Tune in to this and all episodes of season 4, celebrating “50 Years: Reflect & Project!” and the lasting impact of the SAMHA Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association.

CNE information:

An email will be sent to you at a later date with instructions on how to claim CNE credit.

The American Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Learn more about Dr Giovanna de Oliveira at https://emfp.org/mfp-fellows/giovanna-c-de-oliveira

In this episode of Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up! host Indrias Kassaye welcomes Rashida Charles, PhD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, and doctoral fellow in the Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association. Rashida shares her journey from a first-generation Haitian-American background to her role as a trailblazing nurse scientist, shedding light on how her community roots and lived experiences shape her passion for health equity, particularly for Black men and marginalized groups.

Rashida opens up about her unique path to psychiatric nursing—a field she chose after witnessing health disparities firsthand as an AmeriCorps health coach. From her early aspirations to become a doctor to finding her calling in nursing, Rashida emphasizes the impact of her Haitian heritage and the struggles she faced as a first-generation college student. She dives deep into her research on the links between mental and physical health, especially how societal issues like racism and systemic inequalities lead to adverse health outcomes in communities of color.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Rashida and Indrias explore the transformative potential of AI in healthcare (and real life pitfalls), along with the ethical considerations that come with it. Rashida highlights the importance of having diverse voices—especially nurses—in policy discussions around AI development to prevent unintended consequences, such as biases in data use and patient care. Together, they envision a future where AI can be harnessed to enhance patient engagement while acknowledging the challenges of safeguarding mental health in the digital age.

Together, Indrias and Rashida explore the critical role of the Minority Fellowship Program in advancing culturally responsive mental health care and discuss the urgent need for diverse perspectives in healthcare policy-making. Rashida's resilience shines as she reflects on the legacy of her family and the importance of representation and community support. This episode is a heartfelt celebration of overcoming barriers, redefining success, and the powerful influence of nurses in shaping the future of mental health care.

Listen now to discover how Rashida’s journey underscores the importance of mental health professionals who not only understand but reflect the communities they serve.

Free CNE Credits available for listening! Don’t miss this chance to earn continuing education credits while learning from influential voices in nursing today. Tune in to this and all episodes of season 4, celebrating “50 Years: Reflect & Project!” and the lasting impact of the SAMHA Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association.

CNE information:

An email will be sent to you at a later date with instructions on how to claim CNE credit.

The American Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Learn more about Rashida Charles at https://emfp.org/mfp-fellows/rashida-charles. Rashida Charles is also Sr. Clinical Instructor, Washington Squared Program, George Washington University & Medstar Washington Hospital Center, and Associate Professor, Advanced Research Methods, The State University of Haiti

In this inspiring episode of Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up, host Indrias Kassaye chats with Dr. Thomas Sargent, a two-time Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) alumnus, whose journey from an unexpected nudge into nursing to becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is nothing short of remarkable. Dr. Sargent shares his personal story of breaking through the barriers of a predominantly white, female-dominated profession as an African American male nurse practitioner.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Sargent reflects on his experiences—never seeing Black male nurse educators during his studies—and how that absence motivated him to push harder and reach higher. He also dives into his groundbreaking work in addressing workplace violence in healthcare. His research reveals how trauma-informed care and cultural humility are critical to reducing incidents of violence and creating safer environments for healthcare providers. With healthcare workers facing an alarming rate of workplace violence, Dr. Sargent's efforts are not only timely but essential.

Dr. Sargent also opens up about the deeply personal connections he forms with patients, including Black men who find comfort and trust in seeing a provider who understands their unique experiences. His work in treating underserved populations, breaking down the stigma around mental health, and advocating for cultural competence in care is both inspiring and vital.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student, or someone passionate about diversity in healthcare, this episode offers an inside look at how one nurse is making a difference. Dr. Sargent also shares his experiences as an educator, helping shape the next generation of nurses and the vital role the MFP played in his success.

Free CNE Credits available for listening! Don’t miss this chance to earn continuing education credits while learning from influential voices in nursing today. Tune in to this and all episodes of season 4, celebrating “50 Years: Reflect & Project!” and the lasting impact of the SAMHA Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association.

CNE information:

An email will be sent to you at a later date with instructions on how to claim CNE credit.

The American Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Learn more about Dr. Sargent at https://emfp.org/mfp-fellows/thomas-sargent

In this episode of Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up, host Indrias Kassaye is joined by Alice Dressler, a doctoral fellow in the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), as they discuss her journey to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. This conversation takes place in the context of the 50-year anniversary of the MFP at the American Nurses Association, offering a unique perspective from a current fellow on the continuing importance of the program in addressing unmet behavioral health needs in underserved communities.

Alice shares her story of immigrating to the U.S. in 2017 and how her early life experiences, being born under China’s one-child policy and adopted as an infant, shaped her commitment to healthcare. Initially trained as a civil engineer, Alice decided to pursue nursing after witnessing the mental health struggles of patients and healthcare workers during the pandemic. Now working in Colorado, she serves low-income women and children from minority backgrounds, focusing on mental health care for those with significant trauma histories.

In a particularly powerful segment, Alice reflects on how the rise of anti-Asian sentiment during the pandemic marked her first experience with racism. This personal encounter profoundly deepened her empathy for patients who face racism regularly, giving her a new understanding of how racial discrimination impacts mental health. Her insights underscore the critical need to consider these factors when providing care to underserved populations.

Alice also highlights how the Minority Fellowship Program has been instrumental in her professional development, providing a sense of community and support that reignited her passion for nursing. The program has empowered her to think beyond direct patient care, inspiring her to consider research and policy work aimed at reducing mental health disparities in marginalized communities.

This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of how personal experience, cultural competence, and programs like the MFP are essential in addressing the behavioral health needs of underserved populations. Alice’s journey provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and advocates alike.

Learn more about Alice Dressler at https://emfp.org/mfp-fellows/alice-dressler

Bonus: Earn Free CNE Credits!

Nurses can earn Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) credits by listening to this episode.

CNE information:

An email will be sent to you at a later date with instructions on how to claim CNE credit.

The American Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

In this episode of Mental Health Trailblazers, Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up, host Indrias Kassaye welcomes Dr. Willa Doswell, a distinguished Associate Professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Development at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. As one of the earliest fellows of the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) at the American Nurses Association, Dr. Doswell shares her inspiring journey into psychiatric mental health nursing—a path she was drawn to by a profound experience that highlighted the critical importance of mental health care.

Reflecting on 50 years of the MFP, Dr. Doswell discusses the evolving landscape of mental health care for communities of color, highlighting the persistent challenges and the program's significant impact in preparing nurses to address these issues. She also delves into her personal and professional experiences, offering insights into the importance of mentorship, the ongoing need for diversity in nursing, and the crucial role nurses can play in policy discussions to advocate for underrepresented communities.

Dr. Doswell also shares a deeply personal story about her granddaughter’s challenging pregnancy, which brought her face-to-face with the complexities of reproductive health care in today’s political climate. This experience reinforced her commitment to advocating for compassionate and culturally sensitive care, particularly in maternal mental health.

Join us for a compelling conversation as Dr. Doswell offers a candid look at the past, present, and future of mental health nursing, sharing her thoughts on the legacy of the MFP and the vital work that still lies ahead, including nurturing pathways to the profession for students from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority communities.

This episode is a must-listen for nursing students, professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the intersections of mental health, race, and advocacy in nursing.

Bonus: Earn Free CNE Credits!

Nurses can earn Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) credits by listening to this episode.

CNE information:

An email will be sent to you at a later date with instructions on how to claim CNE credit.

The American Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Learn more about Dr. Doswell at https://emfp.org/mfp-fellows/willa-m-doswell

For more information on how to encourage high school students to consider nursing school, visit https://nursejournal.org/articles/ways-high-school-students-can-prepare-for-a-career-in-nursing/

In this timely episode of Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up, host Indrias Kassaye chats with the dynamic Dr. Tanya Sorrell, a leader in psychiatric nursing and advocate for culturally inclusive health care. As the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) at the American Nurses Association hits its 50-year milestone, Dr. Sorrell dives into how the program is shaping the future of psychiatric nursing.

Dr. Sorrell shares her incredible journey from being the only Black student in a Baton Rouge Gifted and Talented program to becoming a trailblazer in her field. She reveals how a life-changing encounter with a scorpion sting in Arizona led her to explore Mexican traditional medicine, ultimately transforming her approach to mental health care.

But it’s not just about her personal story—Dr. Sorrell tackles the stigma around mental health and how those influence decisions to enter the behavioral health workforce including psychiatric mental health nursing and offers fresh perspectives on the profession. She discusses the misconceptions that often deter students from entering the field and emphasizes the rewarding nature of helping people heal and thrive. Dr. Sorrell also explores innovative pathways for young professionals, including the use of telemedicine and AI to address health care disparities.

Beyond the personal and professional, Dr. Sorrell also addresses the emerging challenges facing psychiatric nursing today, including the impact of climate change and the increasingly polarized political climate. She highlights how these global issues are influencing mental health and the importance of preparing the next generation of nurses to navigate these complex dynamics.

This episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights for young nurses and students. Dr. Sorrell talks about the power of community, the importance of storytelling, and how embracing cultural practices can revolutionize mental health care. She also highlights the exciting possibilities of using technology like telemedicine and AI to bridge the gap in health care disparities.

If you're passionate about making a difference in mental health, curious about the intersections of culture and medicine, or simply looking for some motivation, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover how you can be part of the change and help build a more inclusive future in psychiatric nursing.

Bonus: Earn Free CNE Credits!

Nurses can earn Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) credits by listening to this episode.

CNE information:

An email will be sent to you at a later date with instructions on how to claim CNE credit.

The American Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Learn more about Dr. Tanya Sorrell at https://emfp.org/mfp-fellows/tanya-r-sorrell