Get to Know the Foundation Board - August 2024

Lindell Joseph, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAONL

During my first week as a graduate nurse (GN), I was struck that something was not right in my work environment. This led me to begin fixing the physical environment, so I started to redecorate by repositioning the artificial flowers in the environment, aligning the linen carts, and decluttering the nurses' station. Through those “mini-experiments”, I began to recognize the link between the work environment and the influence of nursing leadership practice. That desire to influence the work environment and make nurses happier informed my career trajectory.

In 2007, I applied for an AONL Foundation research grant. I received the grant and later signed up to volunteer for AONL. Dr. Carol Watson, former AONL president, selected me to join the future patient care delivery committee. In 2015, I asked Carol and MT Meadows, for advice on how to “crack the AONL code” to ensure I could continue to influence nursing leadership practice.  Carol encouraged me to run for a Region 6 AONL board position and I was elected to become the Region 6 director.

While on the board, I would hear AONL Foundation reports and was always intrigued. The reports were aligned with a previous role as a lead research scientist in practice.  At the end of my Region 6 director term, I was assigned to the Foundation Board and thought, “wow, I’m doing my practice all over again, how exciting”.

In my current role at the AONL Foundation, I am bridging science and practice to shape the future of nursing leadership and that’s exciting for me.  That focus reinforces my academic career at the University of Iowa College of Nursing. These opportunities at AONL have been a career highlight, and I have developed friendships and gained many mentors to continue achieving my career goals.

Larissa Africa, MBA, RN, FAAN

Early in my career, a colleague referred to me as a “Nursing’s Nurse”. Initially, the significance of this term eluded me. As I progressed through my career, the very essence of what a Nursing’s Nurse means became clear. It captures the dedication of nurses to not only caring for patients and families, but our commitment to caring for our nursing profession. As nurse leaders, we bear the privilege to care for nurses we work with, support the development of our colleagues, and find opportunities to elevate the profession. The AONL Foundation allows me to be “Nursing’s Nurse” in a much larger capacity, beyond the walls of my organization. I count myself fortunate to be around a group of extraordinary nurse leaders who provide unwavering support for each other – nurses who exemplify the true essence of what it means to be “Nursing’s Nurse”.

David Marshall, DNP, RN, FAAN, FAONL

I first joined AONE (at the time) in 1997 and attended my first conference in Nashville. Quint Studer was the keynote speaker at that conference. That experience was when I felt like I found my professional home. I had been a member of ANA and elected to the Congress on Nursing Practice and Economics, but that AONL experience was outstanding. I quickly signed up to serve on committees and was selected for the finance committee. Then I ran for regional director for Region 7 and was elected in 2007 and served two terms. That was around the same time as the AONL Fellowship programs were really getting started, and as a board member I attended the fellowship receptions. It really helped me realize that the future was bright for nursing— so many bright minds were participating in those fellowships.

Finding a professional home and serving the profession through service on the board and committees really gave me a sense of purpose that I hadn’t experienced in my professional career before. Just knowing I am part of a larger mission to advance nursing leadership has been one of the highlights of my career. Further, serving on the AONL Foundation and giving my resources to the Foundation really gives me a broader sense of that fulfillment and purpose.  Especially knowing that the Foundation supports the fellowships, which, he believes, are where the future of nursing leadership is going to come from.

Patricia Mook, MSN, RN, FAONL

A year ago, my colleague told me how the AONL Fellowship program, funded by Atrium's Foundation, transformed her as a leader. She gained skills, knowledge, and connections that accelerated her growth and impact. She was emotional and grateful for this opportunity. Her story inspires me to keep raising funds for other nursing leaders who want to learn and grow. That is why I serve on the AONL Foundation board. I am inspired by the stories of success and impact that the Foundation enables and amplifies. I am proud to be a part of this amazing organization and to contribute to its growth and sustainability.

The Pamela Austin Thompson Fellowship Fund provides financial aid to nurse managers or directors from small, rural or critical access health care organization, or who are from diverse backgrounds. If you’d like to contribute to the Fund, you can give online . After selecting the amount of your gift, please choose “Pamela Austin Thompson Fellowship Fund” in the “My gift is for” dropdown menu.    

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The AONL Foundation’s work to support nursing leadership is made possible thanks to donors, volunteers, collaborators, sponsors and partners – both individuals and organizations.  As a 501c3 charitable organization, gifts to the AONL Foundation are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please consider a gift to support the future of nursing leadership, today.