Nessan Salmon-Wilson: After graduating from high school, Nessan’s goal was to major in mass communications and to become a news anchorwoman. However, after spending a few summer weeks volunteering at a long term care facility, these future aspirations began to change. During her volunteer work she had the opportunity to witness nurses advocating on patients’ behalves, developing multidisciplinary care plans, listening to patients share stories about their life experiences, and helping patients at a vulnerable time of their lives. Based upon this volunteer experience Nessan states “I realized nursing was truly a rewarding career, impacting individuals in numerous aspects. Needless to say, I changed my major to nursing because I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life.” Nessan is a member of NCNA because she views her membership as an investment in her professional development and growth. In addition, she believes that her involvement in NCNA keeps her abreast of the latest issues that impact her and her colleagues in North Carolina, as well as on a national level. This knowledge of current developments within the nursing profession benefits Nessan in developing departmental goals and initiatives. When asked about future aspirations, Nessan states that she would like to assist with NCNA’s 5X10 Membership Challenge. On a professional level, she also aspires to continue advancing in a leadership position to advocate for safe and healthy work environments for nurses and foster professional nursing practice and impact patient outcomes. Outside of nursing, Nessan serves as a Big Sister with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization and is the President of the Health and Wellness Committee for her church. She also enjoys traveling and shopping in her free time.