I am Janaya Hernandez, a dedicated healthcare professional with a remarkable journey that began as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, I have excelled as a nurse and healthcare administrator, demonstrating a deep commitment to delivering quality healthcare services to my community. I am an advocate for healthcare diversity and health equity, leveraging my extensive clinical and administrative expertise across various advisory boards. As a lifelong learner, I recently earned my Doctorate in Strategic Leadership.

As a mother of four and a devoted wife, I strive to balance my personal and professional life with grace. I am passionate about mentorship, actively participating in the NY NAHSE Mentor Cohort and the National Mentor Cohort, where I guide and inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders.

I am also the author of *The Power of Connections: A Mentee’s Guide to Networking Mastery: The Essential Networking Playbook* and *From Connections to Growth: Advancing Your Path to Professional Excellence*, sharing my insights on the importance of building meaningful relationships in the healthcare field. My books serve as valuable resources for professionals seeking to enhance their networking skills and create lasting connections that can drive personal and professional growth.

My community involvement is extensive, including roles as the NSA Governance Committee Co-Lead, CTAHE DEI Committee Co-Chair, Parliamentarian for the NY regional NAHSE chapter, Chapter Chair for Sister in Public Health-CT Chapter, and Member at Large for NALHE. I am not only a leader in my field but also a beacon of inspiration in my community, committed to making a positive impact through my work and advocacy.