About Us
Our Mission
To serve DNPs of Color through networking, mentorship and advocacy to increase diversity in doctoral studies, clinical practice and leadership.
Our Vision
To inspire, empower, and transform the landscape of nursing by increasing diversity in doctoral nursing practice.
Our Objectives
- To create opportunities for engagement in academia, research and clinical practice.
- To advocate for educational support for DNPs of Color.
- To serve as mentors and guide nurses of color to pursue doctor of nursing practice studies.
The group is needed because students of color, especially Blacks or African-Americans, often feel disconnected from their peers. I know as a nurse anesthetist, the journey through school and often in my daily professional life can feel lonely. This group will allow DOCs to network and share experiences with those to whom they can relate. Furthermore, there is an imbalance between the number of minorities in the U.S. versus the number represented in doctoral education. This group could help change that.”
Board of Directors
Dr. Danielle McCamey
DNP, CRNP, ACNP-BC, FCCP
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY, 2017
FOUNDER, PRESIDENT, CEO
“DOCs creates a much-needed space for support, encouragement and inspiration for nurses of color. I’m proud to be part of this movement that will impact our profession, but mostly influence positive outcomes for our patients and families.”
Dr. Dwayne Alleyne
DNP, APRN, ACNP-C
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 2020
BOARD CHAIR
“DOCS is a revolutionary organization that promotes excellence in nursing by encouraging minority nurses to reach their highest potential. I am honored to serve on the board of directors in order to sustain this movement.”
Dr. Selena Gilles
DNP, ANP-BC, CNEcl, FNYAM
MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY, 2014
VICE CHAIR
Dr. Ronnie Ursin
DNP, MBA, RN, CENP, FACHE
CASE WESTERN UNIVERSITY, 2012
TREASURER-ELECT
Dr. LaDonna Brown
DNP, CRNA
VANDERBUILT UNIVERSITY, 2019
TREASURER
“DNPs of Color is unique because it is the only organization dedicated to underrepresented clinical nurse doctorates. As a result, DOCs are not only blazing the trail but also leading the charge to significantly impact healthcare by advancing research, improving healthcare delivery, educating the next generation of nurses, and advocating for policy change. Together we will continue to promote health equity and improve the health outcomes of minority patients.”
Dr. Andree Aboite
DNP, ACM, RN
CAPELLA UNIVERSITY, 2023
SECRETARY
Michael Williams
DNP
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY, 2023
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
“DOC allows nursing professionals at all levels to engage in authentic and meaningful exploration of many issues facing our healthcare system. Through strengthening our connection to students everywhere, we are in a position to inspire and empower them to step into leadership roles early in their careers as DNPs.”
Ravenne Aponte
PhD CANDIDATE
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HISTORIAN
“DOCs serves as a vital platform for amplifying the voices and experiences of doctorally prepared nurses of color. It is a space where nurses can show up as their authentic selves and work as a collective to improve healthcare within our communities. I am glad to be a part of an organization that is proud to honor the past and present-day contributions of nurses while also inspiring and supporting the professional advancement of the next generation.”
Dr. Mimi Guiracocha
DNP, RN
RUSH UNIVERSITY, 2021
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Marshall H. Blue Sr.
DNP, MSN, RNC-NIC, CNL, PHN
UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO, 2019
BOARD MEMBER
“DOCs brings a much needed focus for all professionals of color who have attained their terminal degree in nursing practice. The organization promotes and elevates its members through meaningful interactions of mentorship, professional development, and strategic planning of the disenfranchised workforce of color. DOCs core values and mission completely align with my own and I look forward to what we will achieve in the future.“
Dr. Janice Linton
DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, CCRN-K, ACHPN
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA, 2016
BOARD MEMBER
Ottamissiah Moore
BSN
INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCE, 2023
BOARD MEMBER
Gertrude Thomas
DNP
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, 2022
BOARD MEMBER
“DOC creates a space that inspires nurses of color to attain to their highest form of service by accentuating their presence in the profession, and open doors to bring others along with the goal of improving the trajectory of health outcomes for the underserved.”
Latrina Walden
MSN
ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY, 2018
BOARD MEMBER
“Serving my people is built within me. It is my desire that everyone sees me and understands that I am here and married to the vision and not just the seat. To walk in my purpose is to simply serve you at my best and help you find your vision so that you can be married too.”