Class of 2026 - Advocacy Institute Fellowship
- ANA California Staff
- 3 days ago
- 12 min read
Updated: 13 minutes ago
We’re proud to introduce the largest Advocacy Institute Fellowship class in our history — the Class of 2026. Now in its fifth year, the Fellowship has tripled in size, a testament to the impact of our past cohorts and the growing demand for nurse-led advocacy in California.
The Fellowship is built on one simple idea: nurses deserve platforms to turn frustration into action. Each year, our Fellows step into that space — learning to use their voices in media, policy, and community arenas to drive meaningful change. This newest class continues that legacy, carrying forward the work of past Fellows while carving new paths of their own.
Meet the Class of 2026 below and join us in celebrating the next generation of nurse advocates.
Artificial Intelligence + Documentation and Charting Campaign
Fellowship Deliverables
Support the development of a policy guidance document for healthcare and nursing leaders focused on ethical, effective integration of AI in clinical documentation and nursing workflows.
Host a panel discussion with nursing and healthcare leaders to explore implications, opportunities, and risks related to AI-enabled documentation workflows.
Fellow: Theodore Fletcher MSN, RN, PHN, ACRN, CCM
Bio: Theodore Fletcher is a dedicated nurse leader with extensive experience across both public and private healthcare sectors. His career spans acute care, public health nursing, and academic faculty roles, as well as consulting with insurance companies, health-technology start-ups, and attorneys. This breadth of experience has given him a unique perspective on the intersections of nursing, law, and policy, and how they collectively shape patient care, system design, and long-term outcomes.
Guided by a commitment to advocacy, equity, and innovation, Theodore has consistently worked to strengthen access to care for vulnerable populations while elevating the role of nurses in health policy and system reform. Leveraging innovation, he aims to amplify nursing’s voice in shaping the future of healthcare.
Fellow: Dr. Stephanie Chmielewski DNP, MSN, MSCJ, RN, PCCN, HNB-BC
Bio: Stephanie works as an Assistant Nurse Manager at the University of California, San Diego Health. Her nursing experiences have enhanced her organizational, collaborative, and strategic communication skills.
Since joining the ANA in 2022, she has found great value in the organization, particularly in presenting at the 29th International Congress through the International Council of Nurses in Montreal, Canada, in July 2023. Later that same month, she presented at the 34th International Nursing Research Congress through Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. She is passionate about improving outcomes for patients with spinal cord and trauma-related injuries.
Having recently completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in May, she is excited to contribute more meaningfully to ANA\California and further engage with this community.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and has visited all seven continents.
Fellow: Nilima Mohapatra BSN, RN, CCRN
Bio: Nilima Mohapatra is a charge nurse at John Muir Health with over a decade of critical care experience in high-acuity teaching hospitals. Passionate about advocacy for both patients and frontline staff, she champions evidence-based practice approaches for problem-solving and process improvement, and is inspired by the integration of AI into clinical documentation to reduce burden and enhance care quality.
As a former clinical champion, she trained physicians and nursing staff for the piloting of “Computerized Physician Order Entry” in a U.S. hospital, where she also led a project that improved the unit’s HCAHPS scores in multiple categories.
Her dedication to advocacy was forged early in India, where she led a statewide peaceful process on behalf of a fellow nursing student—an effort that inspired many and came at personal cost.
Currently pursuing her AGNP at Grand Canyon University, she continues to be a boundary spanner to facilitate practice. She holds a CCRN, BSN, and multi-state compact Florida license, and is committed to innovation that centers humanity in healthcare.
Fellow: Dr. Jennifer Baird, PhD, MPH, MSW, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, CPN
Bio: Dr. Jennifer Baird is Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Professional Practice, Innovation, and Outcomes at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. In this role, she supports nursing education and professional development teams, the Institute for Nursing and Interprofessional Research, the Las Madrinas Simulation Center, and the CHLA Family Resource Center and Patient & Family Education Team.
She earned a PhD in Nursing from the University of California, San Francisco, a Master of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a Master and Bachelor of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia. She is also a graduate of the Harvard-wide Pediatric Health Services Research Postdoctoral Fellowship. Her work focuses on innovative strategies to support professional development for nurses and on advancing the science and practice of patient and family engagement in pediatric care delivery systems.
In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Dr. Baird is Vice Chair of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Institutional Review Board and maintains an active program of research. She serves as Associate Editor and editorial fellowship mentor for the Journal of Hospital Medicine and is President of the Society of Pediatric Nurses.
Fellow: Sunshine Joyce Alba Batasin BSN, RN, PCCN, PHN
Bio: Sunshine Joyce Alba Batasin is cementing her place as a professional leader within nursing and healthcare. Sunshine’s position as a young person and early-career professional provides her with a unique perspective on today’s healthcare landscape and a deep investment in the policies that will ultimately impact the trajectory of her career and the nursing profession at large. She is a Certified Clinical Nurse at Stanford Health Care, where she actively cares for patients in today’s ever-changing clinical environment. She is also an Adjunct Clinical Faculty Member and alumna of the University of San Francisco, where she is taking an active role in shaping the next generation of nurses. With a belief and openness towards interprofessional collaboration among and across industries, she is incredibly passionate about the role in shaping equitable and accurate frameworks in policy development. Ultimately, she believes that young people, early-career professionals, and bedside/clinical nurses must be present in the spaces where decision-making occurs, and it is her vision that peers are increasingly empowered to take their place within the realm of healthcare policy and advocacy.
In 2024, Sunshine was a Vot-ER Civic Health Fellow, where she learned about the importance of promoting civic engagement among healthcare workers. Obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing overlapped with the onset and aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, and during this time, she began to connect healthcare policy to the growing spotlight on nurses, the integration and use of technology, and the various systems that build up the operational framework of healthcare. She obtained her RN licensure after passing the new Next-Generation NCLEX and started her career in the Stanford Health Care Nurse Residency Program.
Artificial Intelligence + Equitable Staffing Campaign
Fellowship Deliverables
Contribute to a framework and policy recommendations that address the use of AI in equitable staffing models, grounded in organizational justice and fairness.
Host a panel discussion with nursing and healthcare leaders to share insights and facilitate conversation on equitable staffing models supported by AI.
Fellow: Dr. Sotera Delos Santos, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CPHQ
Bio: Dr. Sotera Delos Santos has been a nurse for more than 17 years, dedicating her career to the Department of Health Services in Los Angeles County. At Los Angeles General Medical Center, she serves as Clinical Nursing Director, overseeing multiple areas including the staffing office, patient flow, administrative nursing officers, bed control, telesitters, float pool, and nursing registry affairs.
She joined the American Nurses Association\California Advocacy Institute Fellowship to enhance her understanding of the systems that influence decision-making surrounding artificial intelligence and staffing, and to advocate for improvements that support safe and high-quality patient care at the bedside. Her department regularly encounters challenges in forecasting and staffing at the unit level due to regulatory, environmental, acuity, and personnel factors—issues she recognizes extend across the broader healthcare system.
Dr. Delos Santos aims to gain knowledge and experience through this fellowship to become a valuable resource in addressing workforce challenges and advancing nursing leadership.
Outside of work, she values time with her husband and three children, staying active together while enjoying nature and family vacations. She also enjoys reading romantic-comedy books and reflecting on emotional intelligence in her personal growth.
Fellow: Dr. Adrienne McIntyre DNP, RNC-NIC, CNS
Bio: Dr. Adrienne McIntyre has over 20 years of dedicated nursing experience and is an accomplished healthcare leader with a dynamic career in advanced practice nursing, systems leadership, and large-scale implementation science. A passionate advocate for elevating nursing practice, she brings a unique blend of strategic planning, program design, and quality improvement expertise to every initiative.
She began her nursing journey with a post-bachelor’s nursing certificate, followed by a Master of Science in Advanced Practice Neonatal Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice, all from the University of California, San Francisco.
With a proven track record in executing evidence-based programs, Dr. McIntyre is committed to fostering innovation in nursing practice while driving continuous improvement in healthcare systems. Through human-centered leadership, strategic planning, and a focus on equity and performance improvement, she works to create sustainable, impactful change within healthcare organizations.
Fellow: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL
Bio: Sarah K. Wells is an internationally recognized nurse leader, speaker, and consultant driving innovation in workforce development, clinician well-being, and healthcare technology. A trusted voice in the nursing profession, she partners with organizations, media, and policymakers to shape the future of nursing, advocate for sustainable workforce solutions, and elevate professional development opportunities that empower nurses at every stage of their careers.
Recognized for excellence with awards from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), American Academy of Nursing (AAN), and Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), she currently serves as a Clinical Practice Specialist for the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and as a radiology nurse for UCSF Health.
Sarah also serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Emergency Nursing and supports nursing professionals through New Thing Nurse, an academic and professional coaching company she founded for the nursing community.
Anti-Racism in Nursing and Healthcare Campaign
Fellowship Deliverables
Facilitate a high-level dialogue with nursing and healthcare leaders to unpack findings and recommendations from ANA\California's Assessment to Eradicate Racism in Nursing™ reports.
Partner with a healthcare or academic institution to test or apply one or more anti-racism recommendations in practice, with attention to feedback and adaptation.
Fellow: Dr. Medeina O'Neal DNP, MSN, CNL, PHN
Bio: Medeina is a transformational healthcare strategist with over 15 years of clinical and operational leadership, driving measurable improvements in access, quality, and equity of care. As Manager of Palliative & Transitional Care and CHF Telemonitoring at Kaiser Permanente, she works across acute and ambulatory settings, leading initiatives that have reduced hospital readmissions, expanded telehealth access, and improved patient satisfaction.
Passionate about mentoring and advocacy, Dr. O’Neal has advanced health equity through community outreach programs that increased vaccination rates and chronic disease screening, as well as through service on legislative advocacy and health equity committees. Selected for the ANA\California Advocacy Institute Fellowship – Racism in Nursing, aiming to deepen her policy expertise, collaborate with fellow nurse advocates, and create meaningful change for California’s nursing workforce and the communities they serve.
She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership and a Master’s in Clinical Nurse Leadership, is an active member of the American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International, the Association of Public Health Nurses, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., Lambda Chi Chi Chapter, and the American Medical Informatics Association.
Fellow: Dusty Gilleland, BSN, RN, MBA, NC-BC
Bio: Dusty is a transformative healthcare executive, nurse leader, and system strategist dedicated to building trauma-informed, equity-centered systems of care. With over two decades of experience leading high-impact teams in acute care and safety-net hospitals, Dusty has advanced quality, patient safety, and culturally responsive practices while driving organizational change at the executive level.
Dusty founded the Root and Rise Health Coalition to support the mission of integrating neuroscience, psychoneuroimmunology, and trauma-informed governance to reimagine how healthcare, public health, and communities can thrive together. Their work bridges professional nursing standards, regulatory compliance, and holistic healing practices to design accountable, healing-centered systems rooted in compassion, presence, and justice.
Dusty blends strategic vision with grounded leadership, activating innovation through adaptability, connectedness, and courage. Their mission is to cultivate psychologically safe teams, elevate nurse voices as agents of change, and inspire communities to rise together toward health equity, resilience, and collective transformation.
Fellow: Dr. Dawn Carroll, DNP, NE-BC
Bio: Dawn earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership from the University of San Francisco and brings more than 20 years of leadership in critical care and progressive care. She currently serves as Nurse Manager of the Neurology ICU and Progressive Care Units at UC San Diego Health, where she helped launch two new hospital units and led the medical center to achieve dual Comprehensive Stroke Certification.
A champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Carroll chaired the UC San Diego Health Anti-Racism Task Force and developed equitable hiring practices that increased representation of African American and Hispanic nurses. Her doctoral project, Hiring for Diversity, became a model for inclusive workforce development.
She has shared her expertise through national presentations, keynote speaking, and peer-reviewed scholarship. Her publications include Applied Nursing Research (2020), Nursing Administration Quarterly (2024), and a book chapter in Quality Caring in Nursing and Health Systems (4th ed., 2024).
Recognized as UC San Diego Health Nurse Leader of the Year (2022), she continues to advance equity and mentor future nurse leaders.
Veteran's Health Campaign
Fellowship Deliverables
Lead a panel or roundtable discussion with nursing and healthcare leaders to explore findings and policy recommendations from ANA\California’s Veteran Health Campaign.
Collaborate with a healthcare institution to explore the implementation of veteran-informed care strategies or intake practices recommended in the report.
Fellow: Rachel Choudhury, MSN, RN, CNE
Bio: Rachel is an experienced nursing leader and educator with over twenty years of work in academic, clinical, and administrative roles. She currently serves as the Associate Dean of Nursing at Pacific College of Health and Science. She has previously held leadership roles at Arizona College of Nursing, Unitek Learning, Brandman University, and Chamberlain College of Nursing, where she managed prelicensure BSN programs and led curriculum innovation. Rachel holds advanced degrees in Nursing Service Administration and is completing her DNP in Nursing Leadership at Franklin University. Her scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications, national and international presentations, and research in genetics/genomics, competency-based education, and program evaluation.
A committed mentor and advocate, Rachel has led faculty development initiatives, chaired curriculum task forces, and contributed to national boards, including the NLN CNEA and Sigma Foundation. She has also served as a Membership Assembly Representative for ANA\C for 2 consecutive terms (2017, 2019). Her work reflects a deep commitment to evidence-based practice, student success, and ethical leadership in nursing education. She continues to shape the future of nursing through strategic innovation, collaboration, advocacy, and service.
Fellow: Dr. Lucky Lukiah Mulumba, RN, DNP, Lt Col, U.S. Air Force Veteran
Bio: Dr. Lucky Lukiah Mulumba is an Afghanistan War veteran and nurse leader with over 24 years of experience across civilian, military, and federal healthcare systems. She currently serves as the Supportive Transitional Care Coordinator in Geriatrics and Extended Care at the Northern California VA Healthcare System, advocating for veterans with complex needs and improving continuity of care post discharge.
Her career includes command positions in the U.S. Air Force and extensive clinical practice in critical care (ICU, IMCU, PICU, ER, PACU), trauma, oncology, case management, medical-surgical nursing, and roles as Nurse Supervisor. She has coordinated cancer survivorship programs and held leadership positions in education, staff development, preceptorship, and mentorship. A decorated officer, she deployed to Afghanistan and received multiple awards and medals for distinguished service.
Dr. Mulumba earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, her Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner) from Stony Brook University, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Catholic University of America. She is the founder of the Uganda Sickle Cell Rescue Foundation, has published research on pediatric sickle cell disease in Africa, and continues advocacy inspired by her daughter’s sickle cell diagnosis.
Guided by service and advocacy, she is committed to advancing veteran health outcomes, improving post-discharge care, and mentoring the next generation of nursing leaders.
Fellow: David Zelaya MSN, RN, AMFT
Bio: David is a registered nurse, an associate marriage and family therapist, and a soon-to-be board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). He holds a Master of Science in Nursing from UCLA and my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
He has served underserved communities across the lifespan, from children to older adults, across Los Angeles in nursing and mental health. His background in both nursing and psychotherapy has helped him create a valuable psychiatric-mental health toolbox that has allowed him to design individually tailored patient care. Delivering bilingual patient care has been a challenge, but it has helped him grow through my experiences.
Being a cancer survivor has increased his empathy, compassion, and understanding of helping those in their time of need. He is passionate about bridging the gap between physical and mental health, especially with our veteran population. Throughout my professional career and continuing volunteer experiences, he has learned how to integrate nursing and mental health. He wants to continue working on breaking the stigma of mental health and healthcare for veterans and underserved communities.
Media Policy Campaign
Fellowship Deliverables
Analyze barriers and gaps in academic media policies that limit student representation; identify themes through literature review, interviews, or policy scans.
Contribute to a media policy recommendation brief tailored specifically for academic institutions, in collaboration with communications professionals and nurse educators.
Fellow: Nichole Jones, MSN, RN, CAPA, CPAN
Bio: "
Nichole is a Nursing Professional Development Specialist for the PeriAnesthesia Department at Stanford Health Care, bringing over 13 years of diverse nursing experience to her role. With a career spanning critical care medicine, including pediatrics, emergency, and post-anesthesia care unit, as well as nursing leadership, Nichole holds a master’s degree in nursing education and is passionate about advancing the profession through education, mentorship, advocacy, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Purdue University Global, she is building expertise in advanced clinical practice, leadership, healthcare policy, information systems, and global healthcare delivery. Guided by compassion and a commitment to patient safety, she works to bring nurses to the forefront of healthcare decision-making, utilizing evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve outcomes and transform care.
As a clinician living with a chronic illness, Nichole offers a unique perspective that bridges professional expertise with personal insight into the patient experience. She is dedicated to championing culturally competent, equitable care and empowering nurses as leaders in shaping the future of healthcare."
Interested in becoming an ANA\California Advocacy Institute Fellow?
We're looking for nursing advocates who demonstrate a passion for policy development and advocacy.
Visit our Fellowship page to join the waitlist.
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