The Advanced Practice Initiatives & Certification Outreach Team
Disability Pride Month: Connecting Disability Awareness and Dementia Featuring the Story of Vania Carter-Strauss, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Vania Carter-Strauss's Latinx identity has always been deeply rooted in service—caring for others, showing up for her community, and prioritizing collective well-being. Raised in Los Angeles, she grew up surrounded by rich cultures and people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Various challenging events in her community left a lasting impression on her.
Amid the fear, grief, and uncertainty, she witnessed firsthand the power of presence and advocacy to bring healing—and she knew then that she wanted to be part of that kind of work. From an early age, she felt called to healthcare as a meaningful way to give back. Vania even considered medical school, but as a first-generation college student without a roadmap or mentor to guide her, she made the practical—and deeply intentional—choice to pursue nursing. It offered her a clear path to begin serving others within four years.
While completing her undergraduate degree in nursing, she worked nights and weekends as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in a long-term care facility, all while attending classes full time. That hands-on experience solidified her commitment to the profession and gave her a grounded understanding of patient care at the bedside.
After graduation, Vania began her career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in a local Trauma ICU and immediately continued on to graduate school to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). That decision allowed her to provide more comprehensive care, advocate more effectively, and expand access—especially for communities like the one she came from.
Through this experience, she recognized how essential it was for patients to receive consistent, holistic care throughout their lives. Becoming an FNP gave her the ability to address the full continuum of care—not just during moments of crisis, but also through prevention, education, and long-term health planning. She wanted a greater role in clinical decision-making and the ability to advocate more directly for her patients, particularly older adults and underserved populations. Choosing the FNP track offered Vania the broadest range of opportunities to care for those who needed it most.
Dementia is often misunderstood and underrecognized as a disability, despite its significant impact on memory, judgment, communication, and independence. She believes that framing dementia within the context of disability rights is key to reducing stigma and ensuring that individuals living with the condition—and their caregivers—receive the support, empathy, and accommodations they deserve. It's equally important, in Vania's view, to raise awareness that dementia is not a normal or expected part of aging, and that early recognition and support can greatly improve quality of life.
Vania's work at the Sanford Center for Aging at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine deeply shaped her clinical practice and advocacy. Leading an interdisciplinary team focused on dementia care, she witnessed the complexity of cognitive decline and the importance of honoring dignity at every stage of life. The experience reinforced her belief in collaborative, patient-centered care that aligns with each person’s values to improve quality of life.
One of the most unexpected lessons she has learned through this work is that chronic illness—and even a diagnosis like dementia—can sometimes bring unexpected gifts. When she shares this insight with patients and families, many are initially skeptical.
But as conversations unfold, they often begin to recognize how the experience has brought them closer together, helped them slow down, reflect, and focus on what truly matters. Vania sees this shift in perspective as a powerful tool for navigating a difficult journey with greater peace and purpose.
As a bilingual Latina nurse, she often served as the only cultural and linguistic bridge for Spanish-speaking or Latinx families—helping them navigate diagnoses, treatment decisions, and complex healthcare systems with clarity and compassion. In the U.S., only a small percentage of nurses identify as Hispanic, with even fewer represented in advanced practice roles, despite Latinx communities making up a significant portion of the population. This underrepresentation makes culturally responsive care even more essential. Some of Vania's most meaningful moments as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) have come when she begins speaking Spanish with a patient and sees the relief wash over their face. That immediate sense of trust, safety, and connection—that is her “why.”
In her role as Director of Latinx Nursing Advocacy and Advancement and as a Latinx faculty member, Vania fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where underrepresented students feel seen, valued, and empowered. Her mentorship encourages students to explore how their identities, lived experiences, and personal values shape their development as nurses. Through her teaching, she incorporates disability awareness, cultural humility, and inclusive care practices, emphasizing the importance of whole-person care.
Vania is dedicated to elevating Latinx voices through meaningful campus and community partnerships while also supporting students from diverse and historically underrepresented backgrounds. One of her greatest joys is amplifying the stories and contributions of those who are often overlooked.
As co-chair of Alianza, the university’s Latinx faculty and staff affinity group, and as a member of the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Taskforce, she advocates for institutional equity and provides mentorship to first-generation and bilingual students navigating nursing education and career pathways. Vania encourages them to pursue fields such as geriatrics, mental health, and disability care—areas where culturally responsive providers are especially needed. Her work is guided by a strong commitment to supporting future generations of diverse nursing professionals, with the hope that others from similar backgrounds will follow in her footsteps.
Becoming ANCC board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) was a significant milestone in Vania's career, affirming the rigorous preparation and dedication she brings to clinical practice. The certification has given her the confidence to lead interdisciplinary teams, advocate for vulnerable populations, and teach with clarity. It has expanded opportunities and allowed her to model excellence for both students and colleagues. Most importantly, it has strengthened her credibility with families, peers, and community partners, reinforcing that she brings both compassion and expertise to every interaction.
Minority Mental Health Month: How Healthy Eating Supports Well-Being Featuring the Story of Monica Aguilar, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, NPDA-BC
Monica Aguilar is the thirteenth of fifteen children in her family. At the age of seven, her family immigrated from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, to California, eventually settling in a rural farming community south of Bakersfield. Growing up, she often accompanied her mother to medical clinics, emergency departments, and hospitals—frequently serving as her translator.
Her mother faced numerous health challenges, including an autoimmune disease, diabetes, and hypertension. These early experiences gave her a personal view of the healthcare system. Monica witnessed the compassion and dedication of the doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for her mother, and their kindness, courage, and professionalism left a lasting impression.
It was during those moments that she discovered her calling. She knew she wanted to be like those who had comforted and supported her mother in times of vulnerability. For Monica, nursing became more than a profession—it became a mission. A way to give back, to stand by others in their time of need, and to offer the same care and comfort her family once received.
She went on to serve as a medical-surgical nurse, where she had the privilege of impacting the lives of many patients. Two years into her career, she earned her previous ANCC board certification in Medical-Surgical Nursing (MEDSURG-BC), further validating her dedication to clinical excellence.
As Monica transitioned into her role in Nursing Professional Development (NPD), she quickly realized that NPD practitioners are more than educators—they are leaders, role models, and advocates for evidence-based practice who influence patient care in meaningful ways. This understanding fueled her commitment to support nurses throughout their careers and to help cultivate a workforce dedicated to excellence. This commitment led her to pursue NPD certifications.
Monica has proudly held the ANCC board certification in Nursing Professional Development (NPD-BC) for the past eight years. More recently, she earned the advanced board certification (NPDA-BC) through the Competency & Credentialing Institute, which she has maintained for the past 12 months. As a certified NPD specialist, she is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of practice and contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession. This role continues to challenge and inspire her, reinforcing the lasting impact of professional development on both healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
She has a deep passion for working with children—an interest that has remained constant throughout her life. As a mother of three, she has long been involved in youth-focused initiatives. For six years, Monica served as a Girl Scout leader for girls ages 7 to 13 and recently completed her term as Vice President of the Parent Band Booster, where she supported high school students participating in instrumental music programs.
Monica believes that building healthy habits early in life lays the groundwork for lifelong well-being. Raised in a rural farming community of immigrants, she benefited from outreach programs that provided free dental and vision care, immunizations, and health education. Among the most impactful were lessons on drug prevention and healthy eating—experiences that left a lasting impression and inspired her dedication to community health and wellness.
Through the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) and its partnership with Direct Relief’s Fuel2Flourish initiative, she led the development of a local wellness program. With the support of the Sacramento Chapter of NAHN, Monica helped launch Salud Por Ti Sacramento (Health for You, Sacramento) a four-session initiative designed to inspire fifty fourth-grade students in a dual-language elementary school to make healthy food choices, build positive relationships, stand up for others, stay active, and learn about the nursing profession.
Monica's bilingual skills have been a vital asset in this work, enabling her to design and deliver curriculum in both English and Spanish. This approach ensures that students can fully engage with the content in the language they are most comfortable with, creating a more inclusive, accessible, and empowering learning environment.
Participating in this initiative was deeply rewarding for Monica, as it provided an opportunity to give back to students whose backgrounds and stories closely mirrored her own. The program was thoughtfully designed to be age-appropriate, fun, safe, and engaging. Each session, though brief, was impactful and centered around the learners and their lived experiences.
The most fulfilling moments for Monica came from witnessing the students’ joy—hearing their laughter, watching them dance, seeing their curiosity blossom through questions, and observing their genuine interest in learning. Their smiles and expressions of gratitude throughout the sessions stood as a clear testament to the program’s positive impact.
One particularly moving experience occurred during the Mentes Sanas (Healthy Minds) session, where students were encouraged to identify a trusted adult, they could turn to for support. Without hesitation, many students pointed to Monica and members of her local NAHN chapter. That moment nearly brought tears to her eyes, as it reflected the trust and meaningful connection they had built. It served as a powerful reminder of the essential role nurses and community leaders play in creating safe, supportive spaces for youth.
Both the initial and advanced NPD certifications have profoundly shaped Monica's career, empowering her to serve as a leader, role model, and educator—both within her organization and in broader professional settings. The skills, competencies, and multifaceted roles of NPD specialists are highly adaptable and can be effectively applied across a wide range of environments beyond traditional healthcare institutions.
Earning these certifications has significantly enhanced Monica's experience, confidence, and credibility. They have opened doors to meaningful collaborations and leadership opportunities, reinforcing her commitment to excellence in professional development. She is both proud and grateful to be ANCC board certified, as it affirms her expertise and strengthens her ability to advance the nursing profession through education, mentorship, and innovation.
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Meet Katelyn Bern who manages customer engagement through social media and at ANCC tradeshows. She is committed to delivering engaging and meaningful content to keep you informed about important updates, including celebrations of certified nurses, stories of inspiration, newsletters, upcoming webinars, and more!
Monthly Stories of Inspiration from ANCC Certified Nurses began in May of 2024. You can view all of the 2024 stories by visiting our Meet the Team's page, under the Resources for You tab. We also encourage you to read our 2025 stories:
