The Brooklyn-based Trinidad and Tobago Nurses Affiliation of America, Inc. (TTNAA) on Sept. 14, honored retired Registered Nurse Barbara Guevarra-Francis throughout its 57th Anniversary Gala Luncheon and thirty third Scholarship Grant Award Ceremony at Russo’s on the Bay within the Howard Seashore part of Queens.
TTNAA additionally offered its Scholarship Grant Award to Trinidadian native and Brooklyn resident Ester Bowen, who’s at present pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing diploma at Brooklyn’s Medgar Evers Faculty, Metropolis College of New York (CUNY).
As well as, the group offered a plaque to Trinidad and Tobago Consul Common to New York Andre Laveau and acquired a proclamation from Mayor Eric Adams. Barbadian Lamona Knight, assistant commissioner and senior neighborhood advisor, Mayor’s Workplace of Neighborhood Affairs, offered the proclamation on behalf of the mayor.
Laveau and New York Metropolis Public Advocate Jumaane Williams briefly addressed the ceremony; Trinidadian nursing educator Dr. Hazel Mary Sanderson Marcoux, RN, delivered the keynote deal with on “Constructing Legacy”; and the household of Lucille Nicholson, a previous TTNAA president, offered an undisclosed monetary award to TTNAA.
“I’m overwhelmed! At present I’m each humbled and elated to be acknowledged by my colleagues and buddies of this auspicious group, whose very shoulders supported me alongside the best way,” Guevarra-Francis stated in receiving the distinction. “Thanks, Emerald, Jocelyn, Joan and Dr. Jean Leon, who all the time helped me return on observe every time I fell off, and Sylma Nelson, a founding member, who defined to me, ‘As a dolphin, it’s important to be taught to swim with the sharks.’ And there have been usually loads of sharks.
“To the group from Helene Fuld Faculty of Nursing, thanks for rallying round me,” she added. “Michelle, you all the time had my again, particularly once I actually threw my cellphone to you as a result of it began ringing whereas we had been in school, and I didn’t know easy methods to flip it off. It was a brand new sensible cellphone; and I had solely been used to my flip cellphone.
“A really particular thanks to Prof. Ali, who scraped collectively each 1/10, 1/8, 1/3, 1/4 and 1/2 of a degree to get me by statistics,” Guevarra-Francis continued. “I’m very appreciative of this honor. I thank my household for his or her love and assist. Thanks all and should God bless you.”
TTNAA stated that Guevarra-Francis has been “a faithful member” since 1972, serving with “coronary heart and humility” in roles reminiscent of recording secretary, vice chairman, and co-chair and chair of the Training and Social Motion Committees. At present, she serves as chaplain.
“Barbara brings a spirit of religion and compassion to all the pieces she does,” it stated. “Her management has all the time been rooted in a deep want to uplift others and create areas the place folks really feel seen, supported and empowered.”
TTNAA stated that, all through her profession, Guevarra-Francis has “worn many hats” — workers nurse, occupational well being nurse, visiting nurse, and educator.
The group stated she has taught at Lehman Faculty, Hostos Faculty, and EOC Westchester, and was “guided by the idea that schooling is a robust software for transformation.
“Her biggest pleasure has been witnessing her college students’ breakthroughs — the ‘aha moments’ that sign progress, confidence and function,” it stated.
Past the classroom, TTNAA stated Guevarra-Francis has been “a fierce advocate for environmental justice, main a profitable neighborhood effort to protect Seton Fall Park within the Bronx, defending its pure magnificence and biodiversity for future generations.
“Now retired, Barbara stays deeply engaged in her neighborhood, serving on the native board and precinct council and collaborating actively in her church,” it stated, including that Guevarra-Francis is “a lady of unwavering religion,” who “continues to stay by the values of perseverance, justice and repair.”
TTNAA stated that Bowen had moved to Grenada at 19 “in pursuit of non-public progress and alternative,” and migrated to the US in 2005 together with her son, the place she “embraced the challenges of beginning over in a brand new nation.”
The group stated Bowen labored in New York, Washington, D.C. and Maryland “in roles that allowed her to care for youngsters, adults with particular wants and households in transitional settings.
“Balancing work and schooling, she remained centered on constructing a greater future for herself and son, pushed by resilience and a want to serve others,” it stated.
TTNAA President Dr. Cynthia Sterling-Fox, Ph. D, FNP-C, RN, stated the occasion was “a testomony to our collective dedication, onerous work, and the shared imaginative and prescient that drives us ahead.
“Before everything, I want to prolong my heartfelt gratitude to each one in every of you,” she stated. “Your unwavering dedication and contributions have been the cornerstone of our success.
“Whether or not you’re a long-standing member or a brand new addition to our household, your presence right here at this time signifies the power and unity of our neighborhood,” added Dr. Sterling-Fox, stating that, “this yr has been outstanding in some ways.”
She stated TTNAA has “achieved important milestones, overcome challenges, and continued to innovate and excel in our endeavors.
“Our accomplishments are a mirrored image of the fervour and willpower that every of you brings to the desk,” Dr. Sterling-Fox stated. “As we collect right here at this time, allow us to take a second to have fun our achievements and acknowledge the efforts of those that have gone above and past. Your onerous work and dedication haven’t gone unnoticed, and I’m extremely happy with what we’ve got completed collectively.”
Wanting forward, Dr. Sterling-Fox stated TTNAA has “thrilling alternatives on the horizon.
“Our imaginative and prescient for the long run is daring and impressive, and I’m assured that, along with your continued assist and collaboration, we are going to attain new heights,” she stated. “Allow us to embrace the challenges and alternatives that lie forward with the identical enthusiasm and willpower which have introduced us this far.
“Collectively, we are going to proceed to construct a brighter and extra affluent future for The Trinidad and Tobago Nurses of America, Inc.,” Dr. Sterling-Fox added.
