Dear Iowa Nurses Association Members,

It has been an honor to serve as President-Elect and work alongside President Greg Opseth over the past two years. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to President Opseth for his steady leadership, thoughtful guidance, and unwavering commitment to advancing nursing in Iowa. His dedication has laid a strong foundation for the work ahead, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue building on that legacy.

As I step into the role of President, I look forward to working with all of you to advance the mission and vision of the Iowa Nurses Association. Together, we will continue to elevate the voice of nursing across our state and beyond.

My previous roles as Chair of the Public Policy, Bylaws, and Education Committees have deepened my appreciation for the power of collective advocacy, strategic governance, and innovative education. The Public Policy Committee’s work has been instrumental in amplifying nurses’ voices at both the state and national levels. As immediate past Chair of the Education Committee, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative work nurses are doing across Iowa and the country—work that is grounded in compassion, intellect, and resilience.

As nurses, we are the feet on the ground, the healing hands, the compassionate hearts, and the intellectual minds that heal, hold, and comfort. As nurses, we are called not only to care but to lead, to advocate for our patients, our profession, and the future of healthcare. In this pivotal moment for nursing in Iowa and across the nation, our collective voice matters more than ever. As a state organization aligned with the American Nurses Association, our collective voice becomes stronger, louder, and more impactful.

Florence Nightingale once said, “Unless we are making progress in our nursing every year, every month, every week, take my word for it we are going back.” Her words remind us that advocacy is not a one-time act, it is a continuous commitment to improvement, equity, and excellence.

Whether we are shaping policy, mentoring the next generation, or advancing practice through education and innovation, we must keep moving forward. Together, we are the momentum behind meaningful change.

As President, one of my key priorities is to grow our membership and engage the next generation of nurses. Their fresh perspectives, energy, and wisdom are vital to the future of our profession. I warmly welcome opportunities to meet personally with student groups or individuals who are interested in becoming involved with INA. Your voice matters, and your presence strengthens our community.

I invite each of you to stay engaged, speak up, and lead boldly. Your voice is vital, your work is transformative, and your presence in this profession is deeply valued. Let’s keep moving forward, together.

Warm Regards,

Dawn M. Bowker,
PhD, ARNP-BC, RN, CNE

President, Iowa Nurses Association