INSTITUTE FOR FUTURE REGISTERED NURSES INC

Meet Our Board of Directors

The Visionaries Behind Our Mission.

At IFRN, our Board of Directors represents a dynamic coalition of healthcare leaders, educators, finance professionals, community advocates, and changemakers. Each member brings unparalleled expertise and a deep commitment to equity, education, and economic empowerment for women of color in nursing.

Together, they steer the strategy, oversee governance, and ensure that every decision reflects our mission to transform lives through purposeful action.

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Executive Leadership

🌟 What Our Board Stands For

Vision: Drive strategic growth and long-term sustainability.
Voice: Advocate for underrepresented communities and equity in education.
Vigilance: Maintain high standards of ethics, transparency, and financial integrity.
Value: Leverage experience, networks, and insights to maximize our impact.

At the heart of IFRN’s mission lies a powerhouse of strategic thinkers, compassionate leaders, and visionary changemakers—our Executive Leadership. This group of individuals doesn’t just guide; they lead with purpose, ensuring that every initiative aligns with our mission to transform nursing through equity, education, and empowerment. From overseeing financial strategy and organizational growth to building systems of accountability, they are the architects behind our success. Their diverse backgrounds span healthcare, education, finance, law, and nonprofit governance, offering a 360-degree perspective that fuels informed decision-making and bold innovation.

Each member of our Executive Leadership team is deeply committed to removing systemic barriers and expanding access for women of color in nursing. They champion collaboration, ethical stewardship, and sustainable impact—holding the vision of a more equitable healthcare future in every meeting, decision, and partnership. With both heart and strategy, they ensure IFRN not only makes a difference today but leaves a legacy for generations to come.

Meet The Board

Chikilia Parks

FOUNDER I CHAIR
Healthcare Executive | Advocate for Nursing Equity
Leads with integrity and oversees all board initiatives with a focus on sustainability, accountability, and bold impact.
Dorien Tennant

VICE CHAIR
Education Innovator | Equity Strategist
Bridges the gap between education policy and student support, ensuring our scholarships and partnerships create real access.
Dione Mickens

TREASURER
MBA, Accountant | Financial Strategist
Oversees all fiscal operations, guiding responsible stewardship of funds, grant oversight, and transparent financial reporting.
Kendra Rice

SECRETARY
Legal Advisor | Policy Specialist
Ensures legal compliance, maintains governance records, and strengthens our institutional accountability.

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Guided by Core Values

Our board leads through the lens of Mind, Muscle, and Motion—building with strategy, resilience, and unwavering progress.

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Meet Our Officers

Our Officers serve as the operational backbone of IFRN, translating vision into action and strategy into measurable impact. These leaders are responsible for executing key decisions, managing daily governance, and ensuring compliance with both legal and ethical standards. Whether it's maintaining transparency in finances, preserving accurate records, or building bridges between the board and stakeholders, our Officers bring structure, stability, and precision to every aspect of the organization’s internal operations.

Each Officer brings a wealth of professional expertise and a shared commitment to advancing opportunities for women of color in nursing. Their roles are grounded in integrity and accountability, ensuring that IFRN runs smoothly, efficiently, and in full alignment with our mission. They are not only stewards of process—they are passionate advocates who help turn ideas into transformative initiatives.

Dorien Tennant

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Visionary Leader | Champion for Systemic Change
Steers the organization with passion and purpose, setting strategic priorities, mobilizing partnerships, and driving the long-term vision of nursing equity and empowerment.

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TBA

Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Strategic Advisor | Operational Catalyst
Supports organizational leadership with precision, ensuring that key initiatives are executed seamlessly while cultivating collaboration across departments.

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TBA

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Fiscal Strategist | Guardian of Growth
Manages financial health with transparency and impact, aligning every dollar with the mission to expand access, opportunity, and sustainability for future nurses.

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TBA

Director of Marketing
Brand Builder | Storytelling Specialist
Shapes the public voice of IFRN, crafting compelling narratives and campaigns that spark engagement, grow visibility, and amplify the mission.

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TBA

Chief Technical Officer (CTO)
Innovation Architect | Digital Equity Advocate
Drives technology strategy and implementation to streamline operations, enhance virtual learning, and expand access through inclusive digital solutions.

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TBA

Member Services Director
Community Connector | Engagement Champion
Ensures every member of IFRN feels seen, supported, and empowered by delivering high-impact programming and responsive communication.

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TBA

Recreational Therapy Director
Wellness Facilitator | Holistic Health Advocate
Integrates mental health and wellness into nursing education through therapeutic recreation that nurtures resilience, joy, and self-care.

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TBA

Social Services Director
Support Specialist | Bridge to Resources
Provides critical wraparound support, connecting students to essential social services that stabilize their journey through nursing education.

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TBA

Special Events Director
Experience Curator | Mission Amplifier
Designs memorable, mission-driven events that build community, celebrate impact, and cultivate relationships with stakeholders and supporters.

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TBA

Support Services Director
Operations Leader | Efficiency Expert
Leads with logistics, ensuring that all internal functions—from facilities to student services—run smoothly and align with organizational goals.

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TBA

Teen Center Director
Youth Advocate | Pipeline Builder
Inspires the next generation of healthcare leaders by cultivating early exposure to nursing and health professions through youth-focused initiatives.

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TBA

Volunteer Services Director
Mobilization Manager | Heart of the Movement
Leads the recruitment, training, and engagement of volunteers who power IFRN’s programs, fostering a culture of service and community impact.

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TBA

Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Data Strategist | Information Security Leader
Oversees data integrity, privacy, and systems performance, turning insights into action and ensuring responsible tech governance.

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TBA

Chief Program Officer (CPO)
Program Designer | Impact-Driven Innovator
Shapes and oversees program development to ensure every offering aligns with IFRN’s mission and delivers measurable transformation.

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TBA

Vice President of Programs
Execution Specialist | Quality Control Leader
Leads day-to-day program implementation, maintaining excellence, equity, and consistency across all initiatives.

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TBA

Vice President of Development
Fundraising Visionary | Relationship Builder
Drives resource generation and donor engagement strategies that fund IFRN’s mission, turning generosity into real-world impact.

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TBA

Director of Community and Health Initiatives
Public Health Advocate | Community Power Builder
Leads grassroots engagement and wellness programs that address health disparities, empower local communities, and drive health equity for women of color pursuing nursing careers.

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TBA

Director of Partnerships
Collaborative Strategist | Alliance Architect
Cultivates and sustains strategic partnerships with organizations, institutions, and stakeholders, ensuring that every alliance fuels growth, innovation, and expanded impact for IFRN’s mission.

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