From the desk of the President
To Our Valued Nursing Community,
I am truly humbled and honored to serve as the 17th president of the Indian American Nurses Association of Greater Houston (IANAGH). The trust you have placed in me is both a responsibility and a privilege, and I am committed to serving you to the very best of my ability. Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey—one that I approach with great enthusiasm—and I am eager to work alongside each of you in the coming year.
Before I proceed, I would like to take a moment to introduce the incredible leadership team who will be working with me to guide IANAGH to even greater heights. Each of them brings unique expertise, passion, and dedication to their roles, and I am truly honored to collaborate with such a talented team:
Executive Committee
- Executive Vice President: Ms. Gini Alphonso
- Vice President: Ms. Kavitha Rajan
- Secretary: Ms. Geena Arackal
- Joint Secretary: Dr. Bilja Sajith
- Treasurer: Ms. Lovely Ellankiyil
- Joint Treasurer: Dr. Nisha Mathews
Governing Board
- APRN Chair: Ms. Bindu Varghese
- Awards and Scholarship Chair: Dr. Anu Babu Thomas
- Advocacy and Policy Chair: Ms. Girija Babu
- Bylaws Chair: Dr. Bushra Manakattu
- Communication & Website Chair: Mr. Abey Easo
- Editorial and Newsletter Chair: Ms. Shoba Mathew
- Election Chair: Mr. Sony Joseph
- Fundraising and Philanthropy Chair: Ms. Shiby Roy
- Education and Professional Development Chair: Ms. Sharmila Tehlan
- Research and Grant Chair: Dr. Nitha Mathew Joseph
- Membership Chair: Ms. Elizabeth Benni
Advisory Board
- Advisory Board Chair: Ms. Accamma Kallel
- Advisory Board Member: Dr. Omana Simon
- Advisory Board Member: Ms. Sally Samuel
Please join me in congratulating my colleagues. They are invaluable members of this leadership team, and I am confident that, together, we will accomplish great things.
Our Vision for the Year Ahead
As I step into this role, I am keenly aware that our nonprofit association carries a significant and evolving responsibility—not just locally, but also nationally and internationally. We are a vibrant community of dedicated nurses, united by a common purpose: to uplift and advance our profession while serving our communities with compassion and excellence. This year, we will continue to introduce initiatives that reflect our unwavering commitment to growth, collaboration, and community engagement.
Our efforts will include hosting social events, virtual programs, and cultivating partnerships with other chapters and organizations. But our mission extends beyond networking—it’s about building meaningful relationships that create a lasting impact within our diverse communities. I look forward to working alongside each of you to ensure that IANAGH remains a vital and invaluable resource for nurses, both today and in the future.
At the heart of everything I do is gratitude. I owe so much to my family, friends, mentors, and everyone who has supported me throughout my personal and professional journey. Your encouragement has been my foundation, shaping me into the person I am today.
I also want to express my deepest thanks to the IANAGH Board of Directors and all of our members for placing your trust in me. A special and heartfelt recognition goes to the founders of IANAGH, who, 31 years ago, overcame countless challenges to create a platform and a voice for Indian nurses. Your courage, vision, and tireless dedication laid the foundation for the thriving community we are fortunate to be part of today.
A Story of Transformation
As I reflect on IANAGH’s journey, I am reminded of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Much like the caterpillar, we have grown and evolved through various stages. Our association began small, but through knowledge, partnerships, and a shared commitment to community, we have flourished. Every step—whether expanding our network, mentoring students, or forging partnerships with international organizations—has been essential to our growth.
Now, like the caterpillar entering the chrysalis stage, IANAGH is poised for transformation. We are ready to emerge stronger than ever, with renewed purpose and energy, prepared to make an even greater impact. The best is yet to come, and I firmly believe that together, we will continue to evolve, ensuring that IANAGH remains a vital resource for nurses worldwide.
Our Key Priorities
1. Strengthening Our Membership
A strong and engaged membership is the heartbeat of any organization. This year, we will implement strategies to attract new members and keep our current members actively involved. This includes:
- Hosting networking events, educational workshops, and virtual programs tailored to nurses at every stage of their careers.
- Introducing referral programs and exclusive member benefits such as discounts, special events, and career resources.
- Enhancing our digital presence with targeted social media campaigns and a user-friendly website to make it easier for nurses to join and access valuable resources.
- Partnering with nursing schools and hospitals to connect students and professionals with IANAGH’s wealth of resources.
2. Launching a Mentorship Program
We will establish a mentorship program where experienced nurses guide newer members, particularly students or those early in their careers. This initiative will foster personal growth and development while strengthening the bonds within our community.
3. Advocacy for Nurse Safety and Policy Engagement
As healthcare professionals, we have seen an alarming rise in workplace violence against nurses. I am deeply concerned about the safety of our profession, and I ask for your support in engaging policymakers to address these urgent concerns.
This year, I will work to connect with the health secretary and key government officials to discuss the safety and well-being of our nursing community. Regardless of political affiliation, I am confident that our leaders at the federal and state levels respect and value the contributions of nurses. We must advocate for laws that protect our profession, and I will work diligently to arrange meetings with key representatives to advance this cause.
Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our profession is safeguarded.
Our Commitment to Philanthropy and Global Impact
IANAGH proudly collaborates with numerous local, national, and international health programs that make a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Through partnerships with organizations like the Star of Hope Shelter Program, the American Heart Association, and the Houston Bar Association, we have extended our impact far beyond our immediate community.
We have also supported students in the U.S. and India through scholarships that empower the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals. By investing in education, we ensure that the legacy of nursing excellence continues to thrive and grow.
Our Advanced Practice Registered Nurses are instrumental in providing exceptional care to uninsured populations.
IANAGH’s members have demonstrated excellence in their professional development across many areas. One example is the collaboration between the University of Houston and the Indian Nursing Council to establish a doctoral degree program in India.
Additionally, I am proud to announce the launch of a medical mission to Haiti in collaboration with United Light of Hope, providing essential healthcare services to underserved communities. Thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters, we have been able to donate medical supplies, and we look forward to continuing our efforts with a possible mission trip this year or as soon as feasible during this term.
Closing Thoughts
While we have accomplished much over the years, our journey is far from over. There is still much to do, and I am confident that with strong leadership and a collective effort, we will continue to make a profound impact in our community and beyond.
Let us stand united, grow stronger, and work together to uplift our profession and serve with excellence.
Thank you for your trust, your commitment, and your passion for nursing. I am incredibly excited for what we will achieve together in the year ahead.
Thank you.
Biju Ittan
President, IANAGH