OUR STORY
In 2019, a shared vision brought together four aspiring nurses (Tammy Woods, Dianne Hicks, Antoinette Ford and Latrese Clayton) who collaborated to charter a local chapter of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Intensive recruitment efforts followed, and on March 5, 2019, an application was submitted to become the fourth North Carolina chapter of NBNA.
Under the visionary leadership of Tammy Woods, PBNA's founding president, and a dedicated team of nurses, the Piedmont Black Nurses Association (PBNA) began with 18 members. Preparation to establish visibility within our communities began immediately, and in July 2019, seven members represented PBNA at the 47th NBNA Institute and Conference in New Orleans, LA, where we proudly received our official charter.
Upon returning to Charlotte, we embraced the charge to recruit and retain nurses and healthcare colleagues, united by our mission to provide a collaborative platform for nurses to positively impact health disparities in underrepresented communities.
PBNA was founded by:
- Tammy Woods, President
- Dianne Hicks, 1st Vice President
- Sonia Hart, 2nd Vice President
- Kina Jackson, Treasurer
- Antoinette Ford, Secretary
- Katrina Sanders
- Chandra Brown
- Khiana Morrow Williams
- Olivia Brown
- Brandi Ellis
- Tracy Cowan
- Charlene Garvin
- Tamika Burns
- Chantina Dawkins
- Latrese Clayton
- Alexis Phillippe
- Nita Parks
- Alethia King
- Lakiesha Squirewell, Affiliate Member
Before PBNA, there was no local representation of NBNA in the Piedmont region, leaving a significant void for Black nurses. Since then, we have grown to over 100 active members and proudly serve the communities of Mecklenburg, Rowan, Iredell, Union, and Cabarrus counties. Over time, PBNA expanded its reach to include Forsyth and Guilford counties, encompassing the Triad area.
Our Core Values
PBNA is guided by core values that reflect our commitment to our members, communities, and mission:
- Advocacy: Championing equitable healthcare for all and ensuring that Black nurses have a voice in shaping policies that impact our profession and communities.
- Support: Fostering a collaborative environment for professional growth, educational opportunities, and the overall well-being of our members.
- Service: Dedicating our efforts to serving the community through health initiatives, outreach programs, and partnerships with local organizations.
- Scholarship: Investing in the future of nursing by supporting students through scholarships, mentoring, and career guidance.
- Mentorship: Building connections that empower current and aspiring nurses to achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to the profession.
These values drive PBNA’s mission and are reflected in every initiative, partnership, and community event.
