Evelyn Gonzalez

1.

Growing up with sickle cell disease, I spent much of my childhood in hospitals where nurses became like family and inspired my path.

2.

I immigrated from Puerto Rico at age five and learned English with the support of a dedicated teacher who shaped my resilience.

3.

I originally went to the University of Connecticut as a pre-med student, but switched to nursing after being inspired by a flight team’s presentation.

4.

I worked in an HIV-AIDS unit during the mid-90s, facing the emotional and physical challenges of caring for patients amid crisis.

5.

Transitioning to long-term care, I found fulfillment in supporting patients at the end of their lives, learning deep lessons in compassion.

6.

I then joined Hartford, Connecticut’s first bilingual nurse-led clinic, proudly serving the Puerto Rican community with culturally competent care.

7.

Pursuing my passion for leadership and education, I earned a dual master’s in nursing administration and community health to amplify my impact.

8.

I now work in clinical workforce development at Memorial Healthcare System, where I develop pipeline programs with the goal of increasing employability skills and workplace preparedness.