DEI Community Coordinators

		Mariah Johnston is a 6th term nursing student in the Generalists Entry Master’s Program. Serving as a DEI Student Champion and Mariah focuses on updating, monitoring and managing the DEI Community Canvas Shell. "I am passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion because I believe it is important for people to see themselves in the communities around them, especially in healthcare and academia. I hope that the DEI Community will serve as tool to help promote a sense of belonging within the CON. I also hope that through engaging with one another we can learn about each other and the world around us."
		Daniela Pena is a 6th term Generalists Entry Master’s Program student. Daniela proudly serves as a DEI Community Student Champion. In her role she focuses on creating the CON DEI newsletter. She helps to bring attention to various DEI events throughout the College of Nursing and encourages CON members to engage in the DEI events. "Growing up in various diverse communities throughout Chicago and Chicago suburbs, I have always had a passion for promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in any way that I can. I hope to make a positive impact within our college."
		Magdalena Bielinska is a 6th-term GEM student. In her role, she engages the DEI Community through Canvas site updates. "I am passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. With the ever-changing political environment, I wanted to be an active member of our Rush DEI community and to learn from our colleagues on how we can continue to foster the pillars of DEI post-graduation. I look forward to hearing from everyone on our Canvas discussion board about their thoughts and feelings about DEI and how we can support you in this space."
		Julia Rivera is a 3rd term GEM nursing student who plays a vital role in CON communication engagement. She helps plan and organize events within our college. Her work brings people together and strengthens our commitment to building connections within the CON. "Hi! My name is Julia, and I’m a 3rd-term GEM student in Cohort 36. I currently serve as a DEI Student Champion, where I focus on organizing events that support and celebrate our DEI community. I’m passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare, and I believe that strengthening DEI efforts is essential to addressing health inequities and enhancing patient care. I’m excited to help foster a welcoming, uplifting space where we can build meaningful connections and support one another."
		Cassandra Le is a 2nd-term GEM nursing student. Her role is to spotlight DEI events and initiatives while promoting engagement and connecting among students, faculty, and staff. The newsletter serves as a vital tool for building awareness, inclusion, and community. "As someone new to Chicago, I’m eager to explore the city and Rush to connect with its diverse communities. I look forward to learning from others’ lived experiences while sharing my own to help foster inclusion, equity, and a deeper sense of belonging."

Faculty Advisor

Jen'nea Sumo, PhD, RN, CNL, is a past chair of the College of Nursing's (CON) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee. During her tenure as chair, she participated in strategic planning sessions that lead to the overarching goal of creating a cultural climate within the CON where there is a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. One of the strategic drivers for this goal is to build a community where everyone understands and embraces the College’s commitment to DEI. Due to her vision for the communication platform (now known as the DEI Community), she remains dedicated to developing and implementing the CON DEI Community. The DEI Community is an information and communication platform specifically designed to cultivate community and promote the advancement of the CON's strategic pillars.

"Every CON member is valuable and has something substantial to offer to our college and the communities we serve. Through tri-directional learning we can promote an environment were students, staff, and faculty learn from one another thereby helping to foster an inclusive community".

DEI Community Student Coordinator (Ex-Officio)

Vanna M. Patrick graduated in August 2024 with a Master of Science in Nursing at Rush University Generalist Entry Master’s Program. She has actively supported DEI initiatives as a DEI Student Champion for the College of Nursing. Her work focused on tri-directional learning and promoting a sense of belonging among students, staff, and faculty. Vanna is committed to advancing these values and fostering a vibrant and inclusive community within the CON.

"I hope to see every CON member thrive through ongoing shared knowledge and mutual respect."

Nam-Anh (Lana) Nguyen graduated in December 2024 with a Master of Science of the Generalists Entry Master’s Program. Lana serves as a DEI Community Student Champion who is focused on updating, monitoring, and managing the DEI Community Canvas shell. She is interested in diversity, equity, and inclusion within the healthcare sector, and strives to make a significant impact within our nursing community.

"I hope that through engaging within the CON DEI Community everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive."

Lily Gates is a 6th term Generalists Entry Master’s Program student. As a DEI Student Champion, Lily focused on planning events and activities related to the CON DEI Community.

"I believe that DEI is an essential part of our training as nurses, and it’s my goal to further that within the College of Nursing."