Thank you to our Keynote Speaker for the Diversity CRNA 2025 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop in Pittsburgh.
We are honored to have welcomed Bruno Beja-Umukoro, MSN, CRNA/APN, podium presenter on “International Surgical & Anesthesia Mission Trip in Ghana,” who highlighted his global impact and commitment to equitable surgical care.
As the founder of Epitome Anesthesia Associates, LLC, and a dedicated CRNA serving at New Jersey’s top trauma centers, Bruno exemplifies clinical excellence and compassionate service.
Since 2014, he’s brought anesthesia care to underserved communities in Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Peru, embodying what it means to lead with purpose.
Dr. Connie Lorette
PhD, CRNA, APRN, FAANA
Program Director, Northeastern University
A national leader in cardiac anesthesia, she brought invaluable insight to aspiring nurse anesthetists. Dr. Lorette’s passion for education and mentorship continues to shape the future of the profession.
Dr. Dawn R. Landman
DNP, CRNA, MBA
Clinical Coordinator, La Roche University
Dr. Landman brings extensive experience in anesthesia, healthcare leadership, and education. As a successful entrepreneur, she blends clinical expertise with innovative business insight to shape the future of healthcare.
Dr. Veronica Amos, PhD, CRNA, FAANA
Program Director, University of Maryland Nurse Anesthesia Program
Dr. Veronica Amos has led the University of Maryland Nurse Anesthesia Program to a 10-year accreditation and top-ten national ranking. She chairs the National Certification Examination Item Writing Committee and was inducted into the inaugural FAANA class in 2021. A dedicated advocate for diversity, she also advanced key legislation as the past president of the Maryland Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
Dr. Michael Neft
DNP, PhD, FAAN, FAAN
Clinical Professor and Inaugural Director, Duquesne University Nurse Anesthesia Program
Dr. Michael Neft is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps with extensive experience in nurse anesthesia education and leadership. He holds a DNP from Chatham University and a PhD from Duquesne University. Currently, he serves as Clinical Professor and inaugural director of Duquesne University’s nurse anesthesia program. Dr. Neft’s research focuses on healthcare provider well-being and patient safety, and he is a sought-after speaker on topics like chemical dependency and simulation education.
Dr. De’Kia Dortch, DNAP, CRNA
Barriers to Increasing Racial Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia
A 2021 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Nurse Anesthesia program, Dr. Dortch is a dedicated board member of the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program and Chair of its Personal Statement and Resume Review Committee. Passionate about mentoring future nurse anesthetists, she has a special interest in obstetric anesthesia, supporting mothers through life’s most precious moments. Outside of her work, De’Kia enjoys traveling with her husband, discovering new brunch spots, and seizing spontaneous flight deals.
Dr. Carline Jean-Pierre
DNP, AGACNP, CRNA
Ideas for DNP/DNAP Capstone Projects: Ideas Through an Equity Lens
Dr. Jean-Pierre is a CRNA at Northwell Health with a strong background in cardiac nursing, having worked in telemetry and the Cardiothoracic ICU. Inspired by her family and her brother’s journey as a CRNA, she pursued advanced practice nursing and began the innovative DNP/CRNA program at Hofstra-Northwell in 2021. Despite challenges, Carline has found the experience rewarding and is passionate about inspiring future nurse anesthetists to follow their dreams.
During our 68th Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab, we honored pioneering nurse anesthetists of color whose journeys began between the 1950s and 1981, marking a powerful and historic moment for Diversity CRNA.
The weekend welcomed a full-capacity audience of ICU nurses and aspiring CRNAs, with a nationwide Zoom presence extending the impact. More than a workshop, it was a moving tribute to those who paved the way.
Still I Rise…
Congratulations Dr. Deborah Byers, DNAP, PMHNP-BC, CRNA!
From the Cabrini Projects of Chicago to Assistant Program Director of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program, Dr. Byers' journey is one of resilience and triumph.
A teenage mother at 16, she refused to be a statistic, joining the U.S. Army, becoming the only Black nursing student in her cohort, and later rising to Chief CRNA and Clinical Coordinator.
With over 21 years of anesthesia experience, Dr. Byers now leads and mentors future CRNAs, breaking barriers and shaping a more inclusive future in healthcare.
UNLV’s CRNA program is now accepting applications, no GRE required!
For details, contact:
gradnursingadmissions@unlv.edu
June 2025 CRNA Spotlight: Mission Work in Honduras
This summer, two incredible CRNAs—Dr. Everett Moss, DNP, CRNA, and Orane Hay, CRNA, MSN—joined forces with an ENT surgeon and his RN wife on a surgical and anesthesia mission trip to Honduras. Their commitment to providing care beyond borders is a powerful reminder of the impact CRNAs can make both at home and abroad.We see you, Dr. Moss and Orane Hay—thank you for representing the profession with compassion and excellence!
We’re Now on Instagram — Follow Us!
We’re excited to announce the official launch of the Diversity CRNA Instagram page!
Our new digital home will offer a dynamic way to stay connected with our mission, community, and events. From behind-the-scenes moments at our workshops, to CRNA spotlights, mentorship tips, student features, and advocacy updates, you’ll get it all in real time.
Follow us at @DiversityCRNA and be sure to tag us in your journey using #DiversityCRNA.
This is more than a platform, it’s a movement. Let’s continue to build, share, and amplify the future of nurse anesthesia together.