The 2025 Florida Nursing Students Association (FNSA) Annual Convention brought together nursing students from across the state for three inspiring days of education, leadership development, advocacy, and celebration. Held October 28–31, the event offered a rich blend of professional sessions, House of Delegates proceedings, social events, and statewide recognition ceremonies that showcased the growth and strength of Florida’s future nurses.
The convention opened with excitement as students gathered for the Pajama Social, enjoying food, games, and networking. By Wednesday morning, the hallways were filled with energy as attendees registered, credentialed as delegates, and dispersed across multiple breakout rooms for educational sessions. Expert speakers presented on a range of topics, including end-of-life care, pediatric nursing, cardiac care, midwifery, public health, military nursing, and more. High-demand workshops—such as Pharmacology Made Insanely Easy! and Rockin’ the Interview—kept students engaged with practical, real-world knowledge designed to prepare them for successful nursing careers.
At the center of the convention was the House of Delegates, where student leaders carried out the official business of the association. Delegates reviewed convention rules, bylaws, parliamentary procedure, and statewide resolutions. These sessions reinforced the importance of student-led governance and the role of nursing students as emerging leaders in health care.
A powerful keynote address from Dr. Valerie Morrison, President-Elect of the Florida Nurses Association, emphasized advocacy, professional unity, and the importance of preparing the next generation of nurses to meet the challenges of a changing health care landscape.
On Thursday, students gathered for the Awards Banquet and Celebration, one of the most anticipated events of the convention. Scholarship recipients from across the state were recognized for academic excellence, service, and leadership.
FNSA Scholarship Award winners, scholarship winners were: Mona Renna, Nicasha Martin, Adara Pappas, Meredith Clifford, Georgea Serwe, Emily Klingenberg, Mya Ervin, Deaja Davis, Alexandra Duran Angulo, Alya Fahr, Ciaera Ambroise and Alyson Crighton.
Chapter excellence was also highlighted through the Diamond Chapter Awards, presented to AdventHealth University–Orlando, the University of Central Florida–Orlando, and South Florida State College–Avon Park. Membership growth was celebrated as Palm Beach State College earned Greatest Number of Members, Florida State University earned Greatest Percentage Increase, and Keiser University Sarasota earned Greatest Number Increase. Additional honors included the Dean/Director of the Year Award presented to Dr. Nancy Gaspar of Seminole State College, the Faculty Excellence Award presented to Dr. Karen Schofield of the University of Florida, the Star RN Award presented to Soterios Djiovanis of the University of Central Florida, and the coveted Outstanding Newsletter Award presented to Seminole State College.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the newly elected FNSA Executive Board for 2025–2026, whose terms begin immediately and will guide the organization through the coming year. The new leadership team is:
- President: Ynden Lizardo
- First Vice President: Dylan Albert
- Second Vice President: Devin Nowakowski
- Secretary/Treasurer: Adisa Somalia
- Region 1 Director: Ifeadi Ofokansi
- Region 2 Director: Lily Garza
- Region 3 Director: Lena Limmer
- Region 4 Director: Colton Denby
- Region 5 Director: Judelyn Placide
- Region 6 Director: Ivis Mendoza
- Region 7 Director: Kenny Bholanauth
- Hotline Editor: Lady Rose Arsenio
These newly elected leaders will represent students across Florida, oversee committees, support statewide initiatives, strengthen chapter engagement, and advance the mission of the Florida Nursing Students Association throughout the 2025–2026 year. They will also help to prepare the next board for a change in structure initiated by bylaws changes that changed regional lines and reorganized the board roles and structure.
The convention concluded on Friday morning with the Post-Conference Board Meeting and Breakfast, where newly elected officers transitioned into their roles. Delegates and attendees departed with new knowledge, strengthened leadership skills, and a renewed sense of purpose as future registered nurses.
The 2025 FNSA Convention celebrated not only the accomplishments of individual students and chapters but also the collective strength of Florida’s nursing student community. United by dedication, guided by service, and committed to excellence, these future nurses continue to shape the profession’s future—one convention, one resolution, and one leadership moment at a time.
