PANA DEI Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Dr. Ledys Janett Perez:

Being a Latina CRNA fills me with immense pride—especially during Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the culture, resilience, and the contributions of our community. Every day, I carry the strength of my ancestors and the sacrifices of my family into the operating room. As a first-generation Latina in this role, I understand the power of visibility and representation. This month reminds me that being a Latina CRNA is more than a career—it’s a celebration of identity, a reflection of perseverance, and a promise to uplift those who will come after me.

Gianka Figueroa:

“I’m a third year SRNA at Cedar Crest College. When I’m not in the OR or studying, you can usually find me traveling or playing pickleball. Both of my parents are from Nicaragua, and I love visiting family there whenever I can. I also hope to take part in a medical mission trip once I graduate! My biggest inspiration in this journey has been my mom, she is a CRNA and the reason I fell in love with this amazing profession. I can’t wait to work alongside her soon!”

Dr. Virginia Urdaneta:

Being a Latina anesthesia provider makes me proud because I am not only perpetuating the dream of my immigrant parents, but of so many others as well. I hope to be the representation that makes at least one person feel better, whether it be my Latino patients, or a fellow dreamer hoping to become a CRNA!

Dr. Jorge Alvarez:

“My work providing anesthesia is a daily source of gratitude. This month, I’m especially mindful of my family’s humble beginnings in the Dominican Republic and their incredible sacrifice and hard work that turned the hope for a better future in this country into a reality for me.”

Jennifer Salinas:

"My name is Jennifer Salinas. I am a first-year student at Thomas Jefferson’s CRNA program. My family and I are from Cuenca, Ecuador and we enjoy cooking traditional recipes for our family friends. I am very excited to form part of the TJU cohort!"

Arianna Aguilar SRNA:

Born and raised in El Salvador, I came to the U.S. at 19, working as a housekeeper while taking ESL classes. Over a decade later, I have more than five years of nursing experience and am now proudly pursuing my dream as an SRNA. Representation matters deeply to me. Every patient deserves culturally sensitive care and to feel understood. Just as importantly, visibility shows immigrants and first-generation nurses that our challenges build resilience—not barriers. We belong, and I hope my journey reminds others of that truth.

MORE DEI NEWS

CU–Bloomsburg’s McCormick Center Reimagined to Train Future CRNAs

The newly renovated McCormick Center at Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg is now a cutting-edge hub for hands-on learning, especially for students pursuing careers as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). 

At a recent rededication ceremony, Dr. Debra Minzola—Program Director of the Geisinger/Bloomsburg Nurse Anesthesia Program, Associate Professor of Nursing, and current President of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA)—joined university leaders to showcase the center’s upgrades. Alongside Bryan Kapish, CRNA, Clinical Coordinator for the program, Dr. Minzola demonstrated the use of the Anatomage table, a high-tech virtual dissection tool, to Senator Dave McCormick and other guests. 

This renovation marks a major milestone for CU–Bloomsburg, reinforcing its commitment to workforce readiness through immersive, applied learning experiences. The McCormick Center now stands as a symbol of innovation and excellence in healthcare education. 

Read more from CU–Bloomsburg: https://www.commonwealthu.edu/news/mccormick-center-reimagined-hub-hands-learning-and-workforce-readiness

Bridging Tradition and Care: A Muscogee Creek CRNA’s Journey to Transform Tribal Health

Being an Indigenous provider means honoring my Muscogee Creek heritage and serving my community through healthcare. Though I wasn’t raised on the reservation, my grandmother and great aunt nurtured my connection to our traditions and identity. Their love laid the foundation I carry with me today. 

My tribe’s values—fortitude, service, and community—have guided me through my education and career. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has shown incredible resilience, including building its own health system, but health disparities persist. Native people face lower life expectancy, higher chronic disease rates, and limited access to care. 

With less than 1% of healthcare providers identifying as Native, representation matters. I strive to build trust, treat the whole person, and show the next generation they belong in these spaces too. 

I’m proud to be part of a growing movement to strengthen tribal health and to honor my family and community through this work. 

Brittany Harris, CNP, CRNA, a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing's DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program. Brittany continues serving patients in Philadelphia as a Temple Fox Chase Cancer Center CRNA.

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