Mya Yee Nandar’s recent recognition as the AANP State Award for Excellence for Illinois was the latest milestone in a nursing journey that has taken her from her war-torn homeland to the American states of Hawaii, Indiana and Illinois. Nandar graduated from the School of Nursing at the University of Hawaii in 2016 where she served as Vice President of the UH International Students Association and was given University Awards for leadership and the Promotion of Transcultural Nursing. Nandar moved to Indiana to gain professional experience in critical care nursing and to pursue her FNP degree from IUSB and subsequently a post-masters Psychiatry-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification. Mya next served as a mental health nurse practitioner in geriatric psych, overseeing 20 nursing homes and assisted living facilities as well as practicing in three psychiatric health centers. Nandar subsequently co-founded the Transcultural Nursing Society in Fort Wayne, Indiana where she served the 12,000 strong refugee population, most of whom had experienced trauma from war and displacement. It was there that she launched her research to document traditional birthing practices of various ethnic communities as a prerequisite to establishing transcultural understanding and harmony between modern American medical practices and standards and those of ethnic communities. She hopes to further this research when she begins her Doctor of Clinical Research studies at Yale this fall. Nandar is currently working as a dual board-certified family medicine and psychiatry mental health nurse practitioner in a community mental health clinic in greater Chicago. Her work involves caring for underserved communities, in particular homeless populations with multiple comorbidities, substance use disorders, and chronic medical conditions with mental health issues. Nandar has not forgotten her roots. She dreams of the day when she can make a significant contribution to the rebirth and transformation of the healthcare system in her birth country of Burma/Myanmar. Her organization, The Iron Women Network, will develop model clinics and peer education for poor women and children as well as advocate for the profession of nursing. Due to the present state of war, the organization is limited to providing meals to the staff and patients in maternity wards and impoverished neighborhoods.

Cheryl Herrmann, RN, MS, APRN, CCRN, CCNS-CSC/CMC, has 31 years of nursing experience—15 years as a bedside nurse in SICU, Neuro ICU, and CVICU, and 16 years as a cardiac clinical nurse specialist. As a cardiac CNS, she cares for patients in cardiac prep and recovery, cardiac catheterization, surgery, ICU, telemetry/progressive units, and at discharge. In addition, Ms. Herrmann is a Prehospital RN for the local ambulance service. In 2005, Ms. Herrmann was honored with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Circle of Excellence—Excellent Clinical Nurse Specialist Award and the Twenty-Five Women in Leadership Award in central Illinois. She is the recipient of the 2009 University of Illinois Alumni Award.

Dr. Chakika Williams is a trailblazing healthcare leader, Doctoral prepared Dual board-certified Family & Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and the visionary Founder and CEO of SkyRose Rejuvenation Clinic & Spa & SkyRose RCS Medical Aesthetics Academy. With over a decade of experience in the healthcare field, Dr. Williams has dedicated her career to integrating wellness, mental health, and aesthetic care to provide a holistic approach to health. SkyRose Rejuvenation Clinic & Spa is the manifestation of Dr. Williams’s vision to create a sanctuary where individuals can experience comprehensive care that addresses both physical appearance and inner well-being. Under her leadership, SkyRose has become a trusted name in the wellness industry, renowned for its innovative treatments and personalized approach. The clinic has been recognized with multiple awards, including Best MedSpa in Orland Park x 3, Best Education Institution 3 peat, and has received the iHeart Brilliantly Black Business Award. As a mentor and National Trainer Dr. Williams is committed to guiding the next generation of Nurse Practitioners and entrepreneurs, sharing her insights and expertise to help them succeed. She has trained today over 3k medical professionals entering the aesthetic world. Her journey from nurse to entrepreneur is a testament to her resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to improving lives. Dr. Chakika Williams continues to inspire and lead, setting new standards in healthcare and wellness.

Mark Stolspart is a dedicated healthcare professional based in Chicago, Illinois, with extensive experience in both clinical practice and education. Currently, he serves as a Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Faculty member at Oak Street Health, where he develops and delivers comprehensive training for NP Fellows, supporting their transition into clinical practice. In his role as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Mark provides specialized care to Medicare patients, leading a care team to offer personalized treatment plans, including home visits for those with mobility challenges. Prior to joining Oak Street Health, Mark dedicated a decade of service to Access Community Health Network, managing a diverse range of acute and chronic conditions while mentoring new nurse practitioners. His career began at Rush University Medical Center as a Registered Nurse, where he gained valuable experience in perioperative care. Mark earned both his Master’s and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rush University. Mark actively participates in several professional organizations, including the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurse Association. He has been honored as a Pinnacle Nurse Leader and served on various committees to advance quality healthcare and nurse practitioner education. Additionally, Mark has co-authored publications and presented at numerous conferences, sharing his expertise on topics such as advanced practice programs and shared decision-making in healthcare.