‘Student Nurses’ Voices’
Grassroots-to-Global’

Session One of our worldwide ‘Student Nurses' Voices Speaker Series’

This Session launches our 'Student Nurses’ Speaker Series’ — the second Series to prepare and engage nurses—including students and retirees—to become inspired and informative thought-leaders across the global public space—to influence the listening ears of everyone!  Building on the success of our Nurses’ Voices Speaker Series— this new Series continues our innovative global multi-media outreach of eight Sessions to be broadcasted from across the world.  It features leading student voices from three

distinguished University Schools of Nursing in the Philippines, Canada and Scotland. 

​Session One was broadcast virtually on November 12, 2024 and Co-Hosted by the United Nations Institute for Training & Research (UNITAR), UNITAR's CIFAL York Centre for training at York University in Toronto, Canada, and the Nightingale Initiative for Global Health (NIGH).  

Recording to be posted here

Their voices provide a foundation  to bring Student Nurses' voices into a dynamic global dialogue toward achieving a healthy world. ​

Speakers’ Bios

Dr. Maria Theresa ‘Tess’ Panizales     Speaking at minute

Dr. Panizales serves on NIGH's Board of Directors and now as Co-Chair of NIGH's ‘Student Nurses' Voices Speaker Series.’ Previously, she  took the lead for our  'Nurses' Voices from the Western Pacific' — Session Four of our 'Nurses' Voices Speaker Series'  She  also serves as NIGH's United Nations-NGO Representative in New York City.  in July of 2023, she proactively participated in the launch of NIGH's 'Nurses' Voices' 

campaign — shared virtually and onsite from Switzerland and the 2023 Caux Forum 'Healing the Wounds of the Past.'  She also shared her original language and culture by serving as NIGH's Advisor to establish the Tagalog / Filipino language version of the Nightingale Declaration. Dr Panizales has more than 40 years of professional nursing experience across the spectrum of healthcare both local and international — also including volunteer service.  As a nurse leader, her goal is to engage and build the next generation of nurses through mentoring and role modeling. Her first nursing professional work was with the Red Cross. Hence, working with refugees in a public health context is her important connection. She is currently working at the Veterans HealthCare Administration. 

Professor Dame Anne Marie Rafferty, CBE.   Speaking at minute

Dame Anne Marie Rafferty is a Professor of Nursing Policy, former Dean of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care at King’s College London, and the Founding Director and President of the European Nursing Research Foundation. In 2020 — the WHO International Year of the Nurse & Midwife 

— she was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire (CBE) — by Queen Elizabeth — for her broad and distinguished services to nursing across Britian, Europe, and the world. She is a historian, educator and health workforce and policy researcher who has also been awarded fellowships from the Royal College of Nursing, the Queens Institute, and the American Academy of Nursing. She was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Science in 2019 and a Member of the Academia Europaea in 2020. She is also a Fellow of King's College London where she has been the professor of nursing policy since 2004. Dame Rafferty was President of the Royal College of Nursing from 2019-21 and has been the recipient of various awards; the Nursing Times Leadership Award in 2014 and the Health Services Journal Top 100 Clinical Leaders Award in 2015 and was inducted onto the Sigma Theta Tau International Hall of Fame in 2016. Dame Rafferty graduated from Edinburgh University in Nursing Studies; obtained her MPhil (Surgery) from Nottingham University; and was the first nurse to gain a doctorate (DPhil) Modern History) from Oxford University.

Dean Febes Catalina T. Aranas    Speaking at minutes

​Dr. Aranas embarked on her esteemed nursing career as a staff nurse at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center, where her dedication to person-centered care and commitment to excellence quickly distinguished her in the healthcare field. Her early experiences in this rigorous environment laid a 

solid foundation, instilling a deep sense of service and responsibility that would characterize her career. Over 12 years, she then made a significant impact as a faculty member at Manila Central University, guiding students and sharing her extensive clinical expertise. In 2003, Dr. Aranas joined the San Beda College of Nursing as a pioneer faculty member. Her role there was transformative, marking a period of growth and innovation within this institution. She initially took on the responsibilities of clinical coordinator, overseeing student clinical placements and ensuring a high standard of hands-on training.  Under her guidance, the college flourished, and she proudly became the first Dean of the College of Nursing when San Beda College achieved university status. As a key figure in the Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing, Dr. Aranas currently serves as an officer and member of the Executive Committee, actively contributing to discussions on policies, standards, and innovations in nursing education across the Philippines. Her role in this Association is pivotal, as she collaborates with other leaders — across the Philippines — to address challenges, share best practices, and promote quality nursing education nationwide.

Dr. Rodolfo A. Guillergan Jr.     Speaking at minute

Dr. Guillergan is a graduate of West Visayas State University College of Nursing and has worked as Head Nurse in a government hospital in Saudi Arabia. He joined the academe as an Associate Professor and is currently Advisor of the Student Nurses Association of the Philippines-WVSU Chapter.

Edwin F. Umiten   Speaking at minutes

Edwin is a nursing student at the West Visayas State University and serves as the Executive Chairperson for the Student Nurses Association of the Philippines, WVSU Chapter.
 

Angel Lou C. Rala   Speaking at minutes

​Angel is a nursing student at West Visayas State University (WVSU) and currently serves as the Executive Secretary for the Student Nurses Association of the Philippines WVSU Chapter. With four years of active involvement in the organization, Angel embodies the spirit of volunteerism, consistently engaging in community outreach programs and leadership initiatives. Her passion for service began in high school and has 

only deepened over the years, as she strives to make a positive impact on the lives of others, even through small acts of kindness. As a student leader, she is eager to share her insights and amplify the voices of her fellow student nurses, hoping to inspire and motivate others in her journey toward personal and professional growth.

​Hannah Martina Angelie F. Cardaño   Speaking at minutes

​Hanna is a 4th year nursing student at West Visayas State University (WVSU) and currently serves as the Director for External Relations of the Student Nurses Association of the Philippines - WVSU Chapter. She has been an active volunteer since she was in Elementary and has participated in outreach programs such as feeding programs, distribution of hygiene kits in the community, and even in gift-giving to the marginalized 

communities during Christmas seasons. She truly believes that being involved in the community is already a big achievement for someone who is in a position to help. Moreover, she has been a student leader and was once part of the student council during her high school years as a Student representative. Despite the active engagements in the community, she continues to maintain her academic standing and has been a consistent academic awardee. Notably, she was the salutatorian in Elementary from the same university and was one of the top 4 awardees during her high school years at the Iloilo National High School - Special Science Class. Excelling in Academics and imparting what she has learned to empower the community is close to her heart and is actually the reason why she chose Nursing in the first place. She also knows that being in a medical course entails a certain sacrifice and that hardships are imminent. But nothing beats the heartwarming feeling of being able to touch the lives of people and bring positive impact through the simple actions done. ​

Dr. Ramesh Venkatesa Perumal    Speaking at minute

Dr. Perumal is an Assistant Professor at the York University School of Nursing in Toronto, Canada. He is an internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) with more than 30 years of experience in Clinicals, Teaching, Research, and Community Service gained at various institutions in India, Oman, and Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science degree in Nursing, and a PhD in Nursing. He is the first doctoral graduate in 

Nursing at York University, Canada and serves as Coordinator of York's Internationally Educated Nurses BScN Program .

Fatma Eltawil  Speaking at minutes

​Fatma holds a PhD in Medical-Surgical Nursing from Egypt and is currently an RN nursing student in the Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) program at York University. She has experience working as a research coordinator in radiology, collaborating on projects between the University of Toronto and Mohawk College. Fatma has also contributed as a research assistant at McMaster University’s School of Nursing. Her 

publications include "Analyzing Barriers and Enablers for the Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence Innovations into Radiology Practice: A Scoping Review" and "Feasibility of Self-Ultrasound Scanning of the Knee Joint in Untrained Individuals: Can Artificial Intelligence Help?".

Jessa Asis   Speaking at minutes

Jessa is a second-year direct-entry nursing student at York University, passionate about leadership and advancing nursing. She serves as Vice President of the York First Aid Team, where she promotes public health on campus. She also holds the title as the Social Media Coordinator for PANA (Pan-Asian Nurse Alliance) and NSAY (Nursing Student Association at York), as well as the Event Director for CBNA-YorkU (Canadian Black 

Nurse Alliance), where she focuses on connecting the York nursing community and address the challenges faced by under- represented groups in healthcare. Recently, she served as a judge for HOSA Canada, extending her commitment to health education and youth leadership. Outside academics, Jessa enjoys studying piano and is excited to contribute to the "Student Nurses' Voices Speaker Series" to amplify nursing's global voice!

Hadier Kandil   Speaking at minutes

Hadier is a third-year nursing student at York University. She chose this program because the nursing career has various opportunities in different branches and fields, whether it is in the hospitals, clinics, organizations, homes, or even in tech! It is an interesting combination of arts and science, with many chances to improve soft and hard skills to impact the healthcare industry. Aside from that, Hadier loves getting involved in clubs, and 

enjoys playing badminton. She is excited to see what the future holds, and hopes to learn and grow from the experiences ahead.

Margaret Ruddy     Speaking at minutes

Ms. Ruddy is a 35 year career nurse, graduating from Abertay University, Scotland in 1989. She completed a Masters in International Healthcare Leadership at McGill University after 30 years working in Canada in a variety of clinical, educational, leadership and nursing director roles in Vancouver BC, and Montreal Quebec. 

In September of 2024, she joined Dr. Panizales (above) to introduce NIGH's 'Nurses' Voices' and ‘Student Nurses' Voices’ Speaker Series at the 6th International Conference of the Commonwealth Nurses & Midwives Federation in Malta.  Since 2022, Ms. Ruddy has been teaching in the Faculty of Health Science and Sport at the University of Stirling, Scotland, where she works to bring Global perspectives to student learning. Her special interests include Paediatric Critical Care, Simulation Learning, Emergency Preparedness, Leadership, Quality Improvement, Patient Safety, Work Culture and Student /Healthcare Professional wellbeing.

Alexandra Durrant    Speaking at minutes

Alexandra or “Alex” was born and raised in South Africa and moved to Scotland when she was 21. Alex was introduced to health care when she accepted a job in a nursing home. Throughout the 4 years of working her way up the ranks, she fell in love with health and social care and decided to pursue a career in nursing. 3 years later she is almost finished her degree with the University of Stirling and wouldn’t change it for the world.

Janet  Babasola   Speaking at minutes

​Janet is a third-year nursing student at the University of Stirling in Scotland, with a strong focus on acute assessment and community care. She is eager to represent nursing students on an international level and contribute to the global healthcare community.

  Susan McLatchie      Speaking at minutes

​Susan  is a student nurse at the University of Stirling. Susan is also the President of the Stirling University Nursing Society (SUNS) which represents Adult and Mental Health nursing students.

Dr. Deva-Marie Beck   Speaking at minutes

Dr. Beck is a Canadian American nurse, global citizen, and award-winning Nightingale scholar. For 20 years, she has served as a volunteer International Co-Director for the Nightingale Initiative for Global Health — leading workshops, keynotes, webinars, feature articles, videos, UN briefings, and to achieve NIGH’s UN 

ECOSOC ‘Special Consultative Status.’  She has recently been recognized as an Honorary Scholar of the Global Academy of Holistic Nursing (HSGAHN) for her leadership to promote and sustain global health care transformation and advocacy to achieve the United Nations SDGs. After a 30-year clinical career in Critical Care & Women's Health settings, she received her doctorate in 2002, from Union Institute & University, for her groundbreaking research to articulate Florence Nightingale’s relevance to today’s international health, development, education, and media. She has since authored and co-authored articles for numerous peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. Dr. Beck has recently achieved the highest-level education Award from Toastmasters International — as a Distinguished Toast Master ‘DTM’.  She now aims to use this ‘credential’ to develop innovative ways to encourage and engage nurses and concerned citizens to share their voices and tell their stories in the global public arena.