The idea for the Future Minority Nurses Association (FMNA) began to take shape in 2022 when IU School of Nursing in Bloomington students Odalys Saez, Theophilia Denadi, and Tiffany Day began exploring ways to help minority pre-nursing and nursing students to feel more fully seen and heard throughout their journey to becoming nurses.
Saez and Denadi have since graduated, while Day is continuing her nursing education at the IU School of Nursing in Indianapolis. Today, the organization’s work is carried forward by two seniors and FMNA co-presidents Zion Nelson and Damara Sisk, with Bloomington faculty member Samantha Eads serving as the group’s mentor.
From Concept to Creation
Looking back, Nelson recalled that building the FMNA came with its share of early challenges. The group had to establish an official board of officers, propose a budget, and draft a charter outlining the organization’s mission and purpose. Once the foundations were in place, the focus shifted to developing strategies to engage students and grow the FMNA’s membership, which today includes about 50 members.
“It’s definitely been a continuous process,” said Nelson. “Starting and trying to grow an organization takes time, and growth isn’t linear.”
Despite the learning curve, Nelson noted that each year has brought greater engagement, new achievements, and renewed motivation as FMNA members see their impact. That impact hasn’t gone unnoticed—IU President Pamela Whitten highlighted the work of Saez and Denadi in establishing the FMNA during her May 2024 commencement remarks on the Bloomington campus.
Engaging a Community
For many FMNA members, representation in healthcare is a driving force behind their involvement.
“Representation matters because patients deserve to feel seen, understood, and advocated for,” Nelson said. “Nurses of color bring valuable cultural awareness and lived experiences that help build trust and improve care.”
“Representation also matters for the future of the nursing workforce,” added Sisk. “Seeing nurses of color in clinical, leadership, and academic roles encourages students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in nursing. This helps build a more inclusive profession where diverse perspectives are valued, innovation is strengthened, and policies are developed that reflect the needs of all populations.”
FMNA’s student leaders are also deeply committed to engaging with the local community.
“As Community Involvement Chair, my goal is to help as many underrepresented individuals in our community as possible,” said junior nursing student Jaila Crawford.
In pursuit of this goal, FMNA member Alona Smith highlighted the organization’s growing campus presence, noting they have participated in events such as the La Casa Open House, partnered with Alpha Kappa Alpha and Sigma Gamma Rho sororities, and given back through wellness fairs and other community outreach that help educate nursing students about health issues.
Crawford added that FMNA’s commitment extends beyond the campus, pointing to recent volunteer efforts at Tandem—a Bloomington community center and postpartum house—and the Wheeler Mission Center for Men as further examples of the group’s dedication to service.
But being a part of FMNA is not only about school and service. FMNA also hosts fun events that give students a chance to unwind and form meaningful connections outside the classroom. Past favorites include Crumbl Cookies & Painting, Canes & Games, and a stethoscope badge-charm crafting event.
“Organizations like FMNA help prepare students for nursing school,” said Smith, “but what sets FMNA apart, and makes it even more valuable, is that it brings together people of all races, cultures, and ethnicities, so they see that they are not alone.”