The creation of the Philippine Nurses Association of New England, Inc. (PNA-NE) was inspired by a motivation and enthusiasm of Phoebe Andes, one of the founders of Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA). A steering committee was formed in May 1990 with members namely Leticia Hermosa, Fracel Solar, Emily Viola, Maria Eden Gianan, Nelida Lamasan, Jennifer Aying, Marilyn Corpuz, Rose Candaza, and Rossana Russo. This group of Filipino nurses wanted to promote the interest, and assert their identity within the health care community in the New England area.

 

September 22, 1990, was an emergence of a dynamic endeavor, the “Fellowship Night”. The event was organized to recruit prospect members, to introduce the goals of the organization, and to call for nomination of officers. Many nurses spent this rare opportunity to interact with fellow nurses outside their work places and quickly developed camaraderie among themselves and family members.

 

Soon after a year of concerted effort, diligence and commitment by a number of recruited nurses, its officers and members decided to form and organize PNA-NE, as a professional organization. Subsequently, PNANE was formalized and elected its first set of officers. The first PNA-NE elected founding officers then installed by induction on November 17, 1990, namely, President: Leticia Hermosa; Vice Presidents: Emily Viola and Fracel Solar; Secretaries: Nelida Lamasan and Marilyn Corpuz; Treasurers: Maria Eden Gianan and Asenet Craffey; Press Relation Officer: Jennifer Aying; Board Members: Rose Marie Candaza, Rosanna Ioso, Angel Mateo and Marichu Atos. Further, on December 5, 1990, its membership incorporated and registered PNANE as a non-profit professional organization to the Secretary of State at Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

As the organization continued its operations and activities through the years, a few committees were created to implement the following goals: 1) to enhance professionalism; 2) to provide continuing education programs and; 3) to promote networking and collegiality among its members. These goals and objectives provide the vehicles and are linked to its mission. Thus the PNA-NE’s mission is to increase the visibility, viability and vitality of the organization by maximizing the potential contributions of its officers and members.

 

The PNA-New England marked a historic milestone in 1998, when it officially became one of the chapter members of the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA).

 

Since the year 1990, PNA-NE takes pride to account for its accomplishments. Its membership started with 50 members and has grown from year to year with varied number of active membership ranging from 150 to 200 plus. Its leadership changed over the years: Leticia Hermosa (1990-1996), Fracel Solar (1996-1998 and 2006- 2007), Jennifer Aying (1998-2000 and 2007-2008), Jeanette Livelo (2000-2002), Ligaya Castillo (2002- 2004), Rosario Abriam (2004-2006), Nelia Francisco (2008-2010), Leila Amarra (2010-2012), Maria Eden Gianan (2012-2014), and Teresa Margate (2014-2016). So far the organization successfully accomplished numerous sponsored continuing education programs with innovative topics offered at no cost to its members. In addition, there are also numerous community services provided in the different towns and cities in New England. A few of its important, significant and highlighted accomplishments are the hosting of: the PNAA Eastern Regional Convention in 2001 and 2008, and the 27th PNAA National Convention in 2006.