NAINA: New Team Takes Charge

Paul D Panakal

The National Association of Indian Nurses in America (NAINA) has successfully elected its new
leadership team for the 2025-2026 term, marking a significant transition from the current leadership
under President Suja Thomas.
Umamaheswari Venugopal (president), Liffy Cherian (executive vice president), Tara Shajan
(vice president), Dr. Munira Wells (secretary), and Dr. Sheela Sajan (treasurer) will be in the executive
board. Binu Shajimon (APRN), Usha Cherian (advocacy & policy), Maya Joseph (awards & scholarships),
Siby Varughese (bylaws), Rajitha Bommakanti (Communications), Nisha Mathews (editorial), Elizabeth
Sam (elections), Saramma Ipe (fund raising), Lyssy Alex (membership), Vincia Pandian (research &
grants) are the new chairs of various committees. NAINA’s advisory board will consist of past
presidents Suja Thomas, Dr. Lydia Albuquerque, Dr. Jackie Michael, Sara Gabriel, and Dr. Solymole
Kuruvilla. Suja Thomas will assume the chair of the advisory board.
Incoming President Umamaheswari Venugopal outlined the organization's vision as "Engage,
Educate, and Empower", focusing on collaboration, mutual respect, and professional growth for Indian
nurses across the United States.
NAINA which was founded in 2006 with the goal of uniting all nurses and nursing students of
Indian origin in the United States with one voice to increase visibility in the healthcare professional
arena and to rejuvenate their unique cultural heritage and values. The organization currently, has
twenty-two chapters across the United States.
While being active as a minority ethnic organization, NAINA closely works as an affiliate with
American Nurses Association (ANA) that represents the four million nurses in the country and
Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), the institution evaluates the education of
nurses graduated in foreign countries. NAINA is also a provider of continuing education to nurses.
NAINA’s president is a board member of CGFNS.