Presidents Welcome- Schnese Williams 2023-2024

Greetings fellow Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Family Nurse Practitioners, Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and honored community partners,

It is with great pleasure and humility that I Schnese Williams, come before you today as the new President of The Houston Area Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

As we embark on this new term, I am inspired by our theme for the year: REACH. This acronym, representing Restructuring, Educating, Aim, Collaboration, and Honor, embodies our collective vision for the growth and impact of our chapter.

Firstly, we aim to Restructure our chapter to better serve our members.  Our goal is to create more opportunities on committees, to include allowing more members to serve on committees within the chapter which will enhance their leadership skills and use our chapter committees as a bridge for other opportunities within the organization.  We will also continue to provide the best opportunities for continuing education through sponsored dinner meetings, CE opportunities and more.

Education is a core pillar of our mission. We are committed to Educating the Community on important pediatric health topics, raising awareness about prevention, early intervention, and best practices in pediatric care. By engaging with schools, community centers, and other platforms, we will empower parents, caregivers, and fellow healthcare professionals with the knowledge they need to provide the best care for our children.

Increasing membership and engagement is crucial to the strength of our chapter. To Aim for this goal, we will actively reach out to potential members, highlighting the benefits of joining our chapter. Through networking events, educational opportunities, and mentoring programs, we will create an inclusive and supportive environment that fosters personal and professional growth.  We will also build a long standing partnership with universities to help students learn more about professional organizations and welcome their input on committees to bring new ideas to the chapter/organization.

Collaboration lies at the heart of our endeavors. We recognize the power of working together with other organizations to amplify our impact. By forging strong partnerships, we can collectively address the complex issues that affect the health and well-being of our pediatric population. Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient healthcare ecosystem that prioritizes the needs of our children.

Lastly, it is crucial that we Honor Advanced Practice Providers and Community Partners who play a vital role in improving pediatric healthcare. Their dedication, expertise, and tireless efforts deserve recognition and appreciation. We will celebrate their achievements and extend our gratitude for their contributions to our chapter and the wider community through our Inaugural REACH Luncheon that will take place September 23, 2023 At Pinstripes Ballroom.

In conclusion, I am honored to lead this incredible chapter and grateful for the opportunity to serve as your President. Together, we will embrace the REACH initiative, Restructuring our chapter to better serve our members,  Educate the Community through more community outreach initiatives, Aiming for increased membership and engagement with a focus on students seeking an advanced education , fostering Collaboration with other organizations, and Honor the invaluable Advanced Practice Providers and Community Partners who make a difference every day.

Thank you, and let us embark on this journey together, as we strive for excellence in pediatric healthcare.

Thank you,

Schnese Williams, MSN, CPNP-AC

President-Houston Area Chapter of NAPNAP

2023-2024