Philippine Nurses Association of Greater Chicago

By: Ryan Tejero

 

Newly-organized, this organization of nurses rose from the ranks of hardworking men and women nurses in the healthcare industry. The founders, offi cers and members are some of the most active and accomplished leaders in Chicago’s Filipino American community. The Philippine Nurses Association of Greater Chicago (PNAGC) was born to uphold excellence, provide innovative nursing leadership and contribute to signifi cant outcomes to healthcare and society incentives. It is a professional, voluntary, non-sectarian and non-profi t organization, that is dedicated to promote nursing standards and observing the cultural heritage of nurses from both USA and the Philippines.

PNAGC Co-Founder Ginalene Lopez says, “In this unprecedented and challenging times, our modern-day heroes manage to survive and fi nd means to move forward, so as the birth of PNAGC.”

The launching of PNAGC took place on a beautiful Saturday of October 24, 2020 at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville, IL. As social distancing and the wearing of face masks were strictly observed, the offi cers and members of the Board of Directors were inducted by an executive offi cer of the Philippine Nurses Association of Florida, Tita Ravi. The pioneering set of PNAGC offi cials were: Geraldine Gaden, President; Ginalene Lopez, 1st Vice-President; Gemma Esmalla, 2nd Vice-President; Maria Cora Silva Odes, Secretary; Lodi Po, Treasurer; Eden Olarte, Auditor, and Joanne Turija, Press Relations Offi cer. The BOD is composed of Nenita Cabatingan, Rosalinda Gardner, Catherine Jardiniano, Tina de Ocampo, Maria Bernadette Villarin, Jun Sagadraca. The advisers were Lorna Imperial and Tita Ravi.

In her message during the induction ceremony, Co-Founder Geraldine Gaden says, “Let us unite, innovate and inspire one another. Together, we can be a voice, make a spark and advocate for those we serve.”

PNAGC seeks to adhere to the following goals: Unify Filipino nurses in Illinois; Promote professional development of Filipino nurses through continuing education programs, participation in research, and networking with other organizations; Encourage participation of members of the organization in professional, educational, cultural, and legislative activities at the local, state and national level; Promote a positive image of nurses, in particular Filipino and Filipino-American nurses, and Membership in the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc.

While it is still brand new, PNAGC is excited to launch its fundraising activities. A line-up of future projects includes: Scholarship programs for nursing students; Continuing education seminars; Networking initiatives with other organizations, and Mentoring and leadership training for nurses. Please contact Ginalene at gincast69@yahoo.com.

Co-founders of PNAGC, Geraldine Gaden and Ginalene Lopez

First Induction of PNAGC’s Offi cers, Board of Directors and Advisers at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville, IL.