Slate of Candidates
Governor Representative of Nursing Education
Marife Aczon-Armstrong, PhD, MSN, MSCP, CCM, RN-BC
Associate Professor in Nursing
Chaminade University of Honolulu School of Nursing and Health Professions
Candidate Statement:
My background and experiences in nursing education have shaped my commitment to persistence and resilience, both as an educator and a mentor. Throughout my career, I have prioritized providing high-quality nursing education to prepare future professional nurses who are not only clinically competent but also compassionate and ethical. I have witnessed the complexities involved in cultivating academic integrity and promoting life-long learning among both undergraduate and graduate students.
My passion for nursing education is deeply aligned with the mission and vision of the Western Institute of Nursing (WIN)—connecting a diverse community of nurses in the West to improve health through excellence in research, practice, and education. I firmly believe that meaningful contributions in nursing stem from collaboration, inclusivity, and a dedication to scholarly excellence.
I hope to contribute to WIN’s ongoing efforts to advance the nursing profession and improve health outcomes by sharing my knowledge, supporting research initiatives, and mentoring the next generation of nurse leaders committed to evidence-based practice and transformative care.
Natasha Ansari, PhD, MSN/Ed, RN, CNE
Assistant Professor (Clinical)
University of Utah College of Nursing
Candidate Statement:
I am committed to advancing nursing education, professional development, and leadership within our discipline. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah College of Nursing, I bring experience in teaching, mentoring, and supporting students as they transition from RN to BSN, graduate school, and beyond. My background spans critical care, oncology, and home hospice nursing, which grounds my perspective in the diverse realities of practice.
My scholarship focuses on resilience, moral distress, and the team dynamics—critical issues that shape nurse well-being and educational outcomes. I am also deeply invested in equity and inclusion, serving as faculty advisor to our college's LGBTQ Nursing Collective and advocating for supportive learning and working environments for all nurses.
With aspirations toward academic leadership, I see service on the Board of Governors as an opportunity to contribute to the mission of the Western Institute of Nursing by fostering collaboration, advancing nursing science, and supporting innovative educational pathways. I am eager to bring my skills and core values of empowerment, presence, growth, and authenticity to strengthen our community and prepare nurses to meet the evolving needs of patients and populations.
Natalie Heywood, DNP, RN, CNE
Clinical Associate Professor/MS Nursing Program Director
Arizona State University Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
Candidate Statement:
I have been in higher education and nursing education for over 10 years, with experience teaching and leading both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. My work has focused on preparing future nurses through innovative teaching, program development, and a commitment to student success.
I am passionate about advancing nursing education and welcome the opportunity to serve as the Nursing Education representative on the WIN Board of Directors. In this role, I hope to bring my experience and perspective to support WIN’s mission of improving health through excellence in nursing education, research, and practice. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues to strengthen nursing education and promote the growth of our profession.
Razel Milo, PhD, DNP, FNP-C
Professor
University of San Diego
Candidate Statement:
I am truly honored to be a candidate for the position of Governor's Representative for Education. Since 2011, I have passionately dedicated myself to the role of nurse educator, imparting knowledge at various levels, including bachelor's, APRN, health care informatics, DNP, and PhD programs. I have embraced a variety of teaching formats, hybrid, online, and in-person. I have had the privilege of mentoring countless students through their capstone projects, EBP initiatives, and dissertations, guiding them toward academic and professional excellence. As a proud member of WIN since 2017, and currently serving in our DEI community, I am deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment.
My extensive experience in education and research uniquely equips me to make a meaningful impact within WIN and among our members. I am devoted to advocating for the best interests of our community and the individuals we serve.
As I look ahead to the next chapter of WIN, I am excited about the opportunity to champion educational excellence and innovation that meet the ever-evolving needs of healthcare in the Western region. Together, we can foster dynamic collaboration, support rigorous scholarship, advance health equity, and elevate the future of nursing education and the health of our communities.
Nominating Committee Position #1
Necole Leland, DNP, MSN, RN, APRN, PNP, CPN
Associate Professor in Residence
University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Nursing
Candidate Statement:
As a nurse educator, academic leader, and long-time advocate for excellence in nursing scholarship and governance, I am honored to be considered for the WIN Nominating Committee. My service as Associate Professor in Residence and Director of the MSN Nurse Educator Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), has allowed me to cultivate expertise in leadership development and strategic planning, skills that align closely with WIN’s mission of advancing nursing research, education, and leadership.
Having served as Chair of the UNLV School of Nursing Nomination Committee and the Leadership Succession Committee for Sigma Theta Tau International, Zeta Kappa-at-Large Chapter, I understand the importance of transparent and equitable selection processes that promote diversity, accountability, and organizational strength.
I am deeply committed to supporting WIN’s priorities of fiscal stability, strategic growth, and mission-driven governance. It would be my privilege to contribute these strengths to the Nominating Committee and to help ensure the selection of leaders who will sustain WIN’s excellence and innovation well into the future