Dear NAINA Family and Friends,
It is an honor and privilege to serve as the 10th President of the National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA) for the 2025–2026 term. As we reflect on 2025, I am proud to share a year defined by organizational growth, national visibility, and measurable impact driven by NAINA’s collective commitment to Engage, Educate, and Empower nurses of Indian origin and heritage.

Guided by the foundation laid by our visionary leaders, NAINA strengthened its role as a national professional voice while expanding programs that foster leadership, advocacy, and professional excellence. The accomplishments of 2025 represent the power of collaboration, strategic partnerships, and member-driven momentum.

ENGAGE
In 2025, NAINA united nurses nationwide through expanded engagement initiatives, including national virtual forums, leadership summits, chapter collaborations, and community outreach efforts. NAINA hosted the 5th National Clinical & Educational Leadership Conference (CELC) and strengthened regional leadership capacity through state and chapter-level engagement. Community impact efforts included disaster relief initiatives that mobilized national support for the L.A. wildfire-affected communities, reinforcing NAINA’s commitment to service beyond professional boundaries.

EDUCATE
Education and professional development remained central to our mission. A key milestone in 2025 was achieving Full Accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)—a testament to NAINA’s excellence in continuing education. We expanded learning opportunities through workshops, webinars, conferences, and academic partnerships. The launch of the NAINA Leadership Academy and enhanced academic pathways, including graduate program collaborations and tuition benefits, further strengthened leadership development and lifelong learning.Education and professional development remained central to NAINA’s mission. In 2025, NAINA achieved a major organizational milestone by receiving Full Accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) reflecting national recognition for excellence in education and professional development. NAINA expanded continuing education offerings through national and international workshops, webinars, conferences, and collaborative academic partnerships. The launch of the NAINA Leadership Academy and strengthened academic pathways, including graduate nursing program collaborations and tuition benefits for members, further advanced leadership development and lifelong learning.

EMPOWER
NAINA amplified its advocacy efforts in 2025 through strong national representation at major policy and equity-focused forums, including ANA Health Equity Summit, ANA Hill Day, the ANA Membership Assembly, and national convenings on workforce equity and credentialing with TruMerit. Advocacy priorities included workplace violence prevention, workforce funding, protection of Medicaid, research funding, and ethical credentialing for internationally educated nurses. Through national partnerships and policy engagement, NAINA continued to empower nurses to influence healthcare systems, policy decisions, and leadership spaces.

Additional milestones in 2025 included the launch of NAINA’s first digital souvenir, national and global conference collaborations, and grant-supported community health initiatives focused on awareness and prevention.

These accomplishments reflect the strength of NAINA as an organization and the collective dedication of our members, leaders, volunteers, and partners. I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to NAINA’s growth and success throughout 2025.

As we move into 2026, let us build on this momentum with confidence, unity, and purpose. Together, we will continue to elevate NAINA’s impact and advance the nursing profession.

Together, we make a difference every day—because I believe in YOU.

With gratitude and best wishes for a happy, healthy, peaceful, and prosperous year ahead.

Sincerely,
Umamaheswari Venugopal
MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN
National President 2025-2026
National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA)
President@nainausa.org
www.nainausa.org
Mobile: 609-937-5987