Mentorship plays a vital role in how nurses grow into leaders and advocates. With the guidance of Dr. C. Alicia Georges, who established the National Black Nurses Association Day on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC, a vision that began at the national level was brought to life here in New York State.

In March 2025, Dr. Caroline Austin-Mattison founded and led the inaugural New York State Nurses Hill Day in Albany for two consecutive years. During that first year, Dr. Georges provided mentorship, insight, and strategic guidance that helped shape the planning and execution of this effort.

What began with engagement from two chapters quickly grew into a broader statewide movement and members from five local chapters joined advocacy day in 2026. Dr. Austin Mattison expanded the initiative, working alongside Tracey Ann White, MSN, AGPCNP, Bryanna Patterson, MS, FNP BC, and Carl Ankrah, PMHNP, to mobilize nurses and leaders from chapters across New York State and made appointments and visited eight legislators as well as engaged others during the legislative briefing session.

The group met with leadership from the New York State Department of Health, including Commissioner James McDonald, M.D., MPH. along with several state legislators to address priorities affecting marginalized communities and the nursing workforce.

This work reflects how mentorship can inspire action and build leadership at every level. What started as guidance evolved into a statewide effort that continues to grow and strengthen the voice of nursing in policy and advocacy.

“Mentorship is how we move the work forward. When we invest in one another, we strengthen our voice, expand our reach, and create lasting change in our communities.”