Third Annual Multicultural Festival 2013 September 2013 | Seite 2

September 14, 2013 To Officers and Members of the Nursing Associations Celebrating The Third Annual Multicultural Event : Congratulations on this auspicious day as you gather to celebrate the third Multicultural Event. Of the various ethnic nursing organizations in the Greater Miami area. In the midst of our expression of each of our unique cultural heritage—through music, dances, discourse and camaraderie—let us also take the opportunity to brainstorm about issues that are highly relevant to each of us individually and as a collective group of professional nursing organizations. Let us dialogue on such questions as: 1. 2. 3. What does “globalization” mean for each of us? What is cultural assimilation and cultural diffusion? Are any of us conducting research activities as students and as practitioners in these important areas? How have we enriched our “host country” –the United States and in turn how has each of our respective groups enriched our new homeland through our migration to this great country? What opportunities do we still need to partake to advance ourselves and to enhance both our countries of origin as well as our host country? What challenges and opportunities do the next generation—our children, grandchildren and generations to come have that can be facilitated by each of our respective professional nursing organizations?

THE INTERNATIONAL NURSES ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC.

I would like to welcome all of you to the third annual multicultural event sponsored by nursing organizations. This event would not be possible without the participation and support of various nursing organizations here in Miami including the Black Nurses Association – Miami Chapter, Haitian American Nurses Association of Florida, Indian Nurses Association of South Florida, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Jamaican Nurses Association of Florida Inc., Nicaraguan American Nurses Association, Trinidad and Tobago Nurses Association of South Florida and the Philippine Nurses Association of South Florida Inc. This day is made extraordinary because this is the third time that the International Nurses Association of America (INAA) has spearheaded a large assembly of nurses from various cultural backgrounds. Today, we are witnesses to the truth that America is really the melting pot of many cultures. We are witnesses to the fact that we are united in appreciating each other’s culture. We are truly a community of nurses, bonded by our profession! This afternoon, prepare to be entertained with song and dance presentations from a range of cultures; get a taste of a variety of ethnic dishes; meet with the leaders of nursing organizations; know their different platforms; look for opportunities to engage in philanthropic activities and professional workshops; and most importantly, meet nurses here in Miami who share their love and passion for our profession. On behalf of the participating nursing organizations, thank you for coming and I hope you enjoy the program that we have prepared for all of you.

4. 5.

Today is a special day for merrymaking and thanksgiving. We salute each other as well as pay tribute to our American and international professional colleagues. We show our appreciation to our support system—our spouses, children, friends and professional colleagues. Above all, let us re-commit ourselves to the high standards of excellence and service that our noble profession of nursing represent through our re-energized activities as officers and members of our professional nursing organizations.

Congratulations to each and every one of us!!
Sincerely Linda A. Simunek, PhD, JD Executive Project Director and Adjunct Professor

Josephine D. Villanueva, R.N., M.S.N INAA President, 2011-2013 PNASF President, 2010-2014