meet your podcast co-hosts

Wanda Chukwu, DNP, MSN, MA, CNEcl, RN

Wanda is a go-getter and a believer in working hard to make your dreams come true. As a true born and raised Detroiter, she grew up with five older brothers and no sisters. She was a first-generation college student several times over, which changed the trajectory of her family’s legacy forever.

Wanda knew she wanted to be a nurse from the young age of 5. She started her career as a nursing assistant, which was very motivating. She then went on to obtain her associate degree at Minneapolis Community College, followed by earning her BA and MA degrees in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University. She then finished her MSN degree through the University of Phoenix, and finally received her DNP from Capella University.

Wanda’s true passion is in community engagement, specifically by conducting health awareness classes for patients. Her career thus far has focused on health literacy to improve patient clinical outcomes. Some of her past experiences include working as a clinical director, a business owner, a nursing supervisor, a marketing director for a retail pharmacy, and a health care consultant. Her current role is being a program coordinator and nursing faculty member at a local community college. She absolutely loves nursing and has been in the health care field for over thirty years.

One of Wanda’s favorite quotes is, "When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower." - Alexander Den Heijer

Fun Facts About Wanda:

• She loves movies and enjoys watching a good time piece.
• She listens to music of all genres.
• She is not good at dancing, but she is not ashamed to get on the dance floor to enjoy herself.
• She is a member of the ANA-Michigan Nursing & Health Policy Committee.
  

Andrea Boyce, BSN, RN

Andrea’s path to a career in nursing was anything but typical. In fact, even though her mother told her as a teenager that she should be a nurse, she explored a few different career paths first. Though she earned a degree in textile and apparel studies and became a licensed esthetician, something just didn’t feel quite right. A few career aptitude and personality tests later, what her mother knew all along proved very much to be true: Andrea was destined to be a nurse. She eventually made her way to nursing school, and finally, that “fit like a glove” feeling became a reality.

Andrea is very passionate about nursing and has thrived since changing her career path. Though her journey into nursing was unconventional, she believes the experiences she’s had have given her an opportunity to explore interests she might not have. Ultimately, Andrea’s road to nursing gave her the insight and perspective she needed to commit to the profession with 100% conviction in herself. She can’t imagine being in any other profession, and she no longer feels like something is missing. And, like so many of us, now she can say, “Mom, you were right!”

Andrea believes nursing is a team sport. Or, if music is more your style, nursing is like one band, one sound. It’s also more than just a job, it’s a profession. There are so many facets to nursing in practice, in policy, and in personal ways. It can feel overwhelming at times, but it can also feel so rewarding.

“You, my fellow nurses, are not alone. With this podcast, we will bring topics and guests with perspectives you may or may not have considered. You will laugh, you will ponder, you will question, and ultimately, you will be entertained.”

Fun Facts About Andrea:

• She has earned five licensures and certifications.
• She has earned four educational degrees.
• She has explored three career paths.
• She is a member of the ANA-Michigan Legislative Committee.
  

episode schedule

Episode 101 - February 14, 2024

Episode 102 - March 27, 2024

Episode 103 - May 8, 2024

Episode 104 - June 19, 2024

Episode 105 - July 31, 2024

Episode 106 - September 11, 2024

Episode 107 - October 23, 2024

Episode 108 - December 4, 2024

Barbara Medvec, DNP, MSA, MSN, NEA-BC

Dr. Barbara R. Medvec, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing and prior Senior Healthcare Executive and System Chief Nursing Executive. She has a history of success in leading and coaching teams for transformational organizational success in both large multi-hospital, ambulatory care practices, and moderate sized healthcare and nursing organizations. Dr. Medvec’s scholarship and practice focuses on nursing workforce, practice environments, innovation extended reality/virtual simulation, workforce wellness and vitality, strategic planning, and quality/safety improvements. She has served on a variety of national, state and local organizations and currently is the President-Elect for the ANA-Michigan nursing association. 

Bridget Leonard, DNP, MBA-HCM, RN, CRRN, NEA-BC

Dr. Bridget Leonard is an award-winning nursing leader with extensive experience in nursing leadership spanning various roles, showcasing her dedication to empowering individuals within the nursing field. From her humble beginnings as a CNA to her current roles as President of ANA-Michigan, Nursing Professor, and Life Skills Coach, she focuses on mentoring, professional development, and breaking barriers to help others achieve their aspirations. Her commitment to advancing nursing practice, recognition, and professional growth highlights her passion for motivating and engaging others, leaving a lasting impact through her advocacy and leadership in the nursing community. Dr. B constantly challenges everyone she meets to Be Powerful On Purpose.

Bethany C. Skillen, MPA, BSN, RN

Bethany Skillen is a registered nurse with experience in med/surg, post anesthesia, and community health nursing. She oversaw the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Geriatrics programs for 7 years, a highlight of which is a nurse practitioner led house calls program called THRIVE. She has a master’s degree in public administration and is passionate about advocacy and moving legislation forward in support of nurses and patients alike. Bethany is currently the Director of Operations for Trinity Health, Grand Rapids and Muskegon, covering inpatient hospitalists and intensivists, palliative care, pulmonary and geriatrics. In her spare time she enjoys being bad at watercolor and being good at laughing at herself.