A committed lifelong learner, Wanda Chestnut, graduated from
Widner University, Chester, PA in 1997. She received her Masters degree Drexel
University, Philadelphia, PA in 2002 and her Doctorate from Nova Southeastern
University, Fort Lauderdale, FL in 2012. She currently holds a Bachelor’s and a
Master’s of Science in nursing, a certificate in Global Health, and a Doctorate
of Health Science. She completed her thesis on female genital mutilation (FGM)
at the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital in Somaliland in December, 2012.
Wanda began her professional career as a staff nurse in
critical care and community settings in the Philadelphia area. She joined the
HIV/AIDS Bureau Division of Community HIV/AIDS Programs (DCHAP) as a Public
Health Analyst in April 2010. Prior to joining the HIV/AIDS Bureau, she worked
as a Nurse Consultant at the United States Marshalls Service headquartered in
Crystal City, VA, where she provided case management to over 57,000 Federal
Prisoners throughout the United States. Wanda has over 15 years of experience
in HIV/AIDS work. During those years, she focused on the HIV/AIDS population,
both in the United States and Africa. She has served as an educator for
clinical research projects, one of which focused on the management and treatment
of HIV infection, and utilized her expertise to provide care to members of the
South African National Defense Force (SANDF) and their dependents.
During Hurricane Katrina, she was deployed to Baton Rouge, LA
for 30 days to assist in the hurricane relief efforts. During the deployment
she served as the Executive Assistant for the Secretary’s Emergency Response
Team (SERT) Commander Rear Admiral (RADM) Craig Vanderwagen.
.Even while working full time, and completing her advanced
degrees, Wanda managed to participate in three medical missions to Ghana
through her church in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Also, in December 2012 she traveled
to Hargesia, Somaliland for two weeks to volunteer and complete her Doctoral
internship at the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital.
When asked how she feels about her upcoming medical mission
and returning to the Edna Adan Hospital in Somaliland, Wanda enthusiastically
responded, “I’ve always been interested in women’s health and human rights. This is
an awesome opportunity to be sponsored by both Barcos Nightingales and One
Nurse At A Time to go to a county with such deep need. All I can say is -- Thank
you! It is amazing. I am truly grateful.”
The first Nurses for Edna medical mission will be funded thorugh the generous support of Barcos Nightingales Foundations, as well as many other supportors.
Barco’s
Nightingales Foundation, operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was
founded by Michael and Frida Donner on behalf of Barco Uniforms. The Foundation
serves to advance the nursing profession and honor those women and men who
devote their lives to serving others through nursing. The Foundation supports
the vitality and courageous heart of nursing, while dedicating itself to
honoring the spirit of those women and men who choose nursing by focusing its
philanthropic efforts on helping to mend lives. For information, follow us on
Facebook, contact Barco’s Nightingales Foundation headquarters at 310.719.2108 or email info@barcosnightingales.org.
No comments:
Post a Comment