A Recap of Inspiration: Highlights from PNANC’s “Evolve: Leading Transformative Journeys in Healthcare” Conference

On Friday, June 13, 2025, the Philippine Nurses Association of Northern California (PNANC) welcomed a community of passionate nursing professionals for a landmark event: Evolve: Leading Transformative Journeys in Healthcare. The atmosphere was electric with a shared commitment to growth, innovation, and leadership.

The day was a deep dive into the most promising aspects of modern healthcare, guided by a panel of distinguished leaders who are actively shaping its future.

Insights from Our Esteemed Speakers & Panelists

The theme of "Evolving" was woven through every presentation, from Dr. John Engstrom's session on mentorship to Dr. Jian Zhang's vital strategies for workplace happiness. The discussions challenged attendees to look beyond traditional roles and embrace their potential as transformative leaders.

Celebrating Our Stanford Leaders

PNANC was particularly honored to feature a strong contingent from Stanford Health Care, whose contributions were integral to the event's success.

• Monica Nandwani, DNP, FNP, NEA-BC, Director of Advanced Practice, offered a critical perspective on the future with her talk, "Healthcare's Horizon: The Advanced Practice Provider Impact."

• The dialogue was further enriched by our esteemed panelist, Christina Yap, RN, BSN an experienced clinical nurse from Stanford. Christina provided a vital frontline "Nursing Perspective," grounding the day's high-level discussions in the realities and wisdom of clinical practice. Her contributions were essential in bridging the gap between transformative theories and their practical application at the bedside.

• The day was brought to a powerful conclusion by our very own Madame President - Dr. Elisa Nguyen, DNP, RN, CMSRN, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. In her closing keynote, "Unfolding Your Potential: A Nurse's Leadership Legacy," Dr. Nguyen delivered an inspiring address, challenging every nurse to consciously build a legacy of positive change and excellence.

Looking Forward

The "Evolve" conference was more than just a professional update; it was a reaffirmation of the vital role nurses play in the healthcare ecosystem. It was a celebration of our community's expertise and a call to action to continue leading with courage and vision.

PNANC-SHC extends its heartfelt thanks to our speakers, panelists, sponsors, and every attendee who brought their energy to the event. We hope to have more SHC representation as attendees and presenters for next year! Let us continue this transformative journey together.