It is my honor and privilege to serve you as the First President of AZINA, the foremost organization for all professional nurses of Asian Indian heritage in Arizona. In the middle of the pandemic of COVID19, we felt the need for an organization for more than ever. So, a group of determined nurses came together and through their tireless effort AZINA was born in the year of Nurse 2020. AZINA is blessed with almost 140 members currently and it serves as the state chapter under the umbrella of National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA). To all our members from AZINA, thank you for being part of this great association, you are the strength of AZINA.

As we go through the ever-challenging time of human survival, the world is realizing the crucial roles played by the nurses. Nurses are always in constant close contact with COVID 19 patients than anyone else. Several of them sacrificed their lives already in this fight…Most of us are still continuing the struggle. Even though the nurses are faced with critical shortages for beds, PPEs, essential equipment and staff, they continue to give exceptional care for their patients. Once they put on their uniform, nurses detach themselves and become a part of the patient’s lives. I am pretty sure those who have gone through the horrible phases of this infection, cannot forget the nurses faces in their lifetime. We have new vaccines which are promising, but fear of the unknown is still continuing….

As we look to the future, I am confident that we can work together to transform these challenges into opportunities and build a better tomorrow for us and for others. Together we can improve our skill sets, practice, and leadership. We will provide need-based, advanced continuing education, support nursing research for our members who are interested in pursuing their goals. AZINA will act as a great platform for interaction for our NP students and doctoral students to find their mentors, preceptors and potential placements. Let us grow together! At AZINA, everyone matters.

We will volunteer to promote the health and well-being of our local community. It will be a great opportunity for us to learn more about the needs of our community, and to give back. Hope it will eventually improve the visibility of nursing and AZINA. I hope with selfless efforts of our members, committee chairs and executive members, AZINA can make an impact locally, nationally and globally in the near future!

As we continue to grow, we proudly preserve AZINA as the professional organization of choice for all Asian Indian nurses in Arizona.

Looking forward to an incredible two years of service to you,

Ampili Umayamma, DNP, RN, AGNP-C
President