a message from our president
Greetings Everyone!
My name is Katiana St Thomas Azemar. I am honored to be elected as the eighteenth president of this prestigious organization, Haitian American Nurses Association of Florida, Inc. (HANA). I’ve been a member of HANA for over two decades. Several of my closest friends are loyal members and/or leaders of this great organization. It goes without saying that I have been inspired by many of them.
I would like to acknowledge and thank Madame President Rose Valcin and her team for successfully leading HANA for the past two years. Together, we have done a fantastic job caring, protecting, nourishing, and educating the community. I assure you, working together with compassion, dedication, hard work, and with the spirit of excellence, we will continue HANA’s legacy.
I have a deep understanding of the lessons learned from my ancestors. Their sacrifices afforded me the kind of life I live today. I feel compelled and committed to paving the way for new nurses for the betterment of the community. My platform for the next two years is “Committed to the community”. I am aware of the healthcare needs of the most vulnerable populations. These needs are crucial. I carry with me a strong sense of responsibility to serve with compassion and humility.
My inspiration comes from a long line of leaders who fought for anything from freedom to equality. Nursing in some ways has fueled that need in me to serve. In HANA there’s a sense of the same devotion to the community; therefore, this is the legacy I wish to maintain.
To accomplish my goals, I devised a 3-P principles: Purpose, Planning, and People.
Purpose
My vision is to foster an all-inclusive HANA, where all members and non-members contribute to extend the reach of the organization to better serve the community through a comprehensive Wellness Center (CWC). We will enhance education through more accessible technology such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and more. We will continue with the health fairs and medical missions. Together, we will bring diversity, expertise, skills, and characters that will unify our strength and voices to elevate the organization.
Planning
There is an adage often attributed to Benjamin Franklin: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. Therefore, planning is extremely important. My goal is to create additional committees to help with the affairs of the organization. We endeavor to respect and listen to fresh ideas making it more adaptable to change and contribute innovative ideas that will make HANA more successful. I will strengthen and acquire more symbiotic relationships internally and externally. I will also create an atmosphere that will promote professionalism and personal growth and recultivate the joy in volunteerism.
People
HANA’s greatest assets are the members, but also the non-members including partners, sponsors, advisors, and volunteers who contribute by giving their time and resources necessary to help accomplish the association’s ambitious goals. I acknowledge the importance of collaboration especially with Hana International (HANA-I) which includes all HANA chapters and other organizations such as HAPC.
I congratulate the newly elected board and look forward to working with them.
A better HANA starts with ME, YOU and all of US. the legacy of HANA continues with us, NO DOUBT THAT we will face and overcome challenges and obstacles. But here’s the deal …..YOU” YOU…YOU…
and I, “TOGETHER”, will continue to build a stronger HANA while ensuring the legacy lives on.
Katiana St. Thomas Azemar, MSNEd, RN
President of HANA of Florida 2023-2025