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PHILIPPINE NURSES ASSOCIATION OF INDIANA, INC
UNITY. GROWTH. SERVICE.
VISIBILITY. VIABILITY. VITALITY
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"BABAE AKO, HINDI BABAE LANG":
I AM WOMAN
THE POWER AND GRACE OF FILIPINA NURSE
BY: EARL A. SALAVANTE, DNM, RN
This Women's Month, the Philippine Nurses Association of Indiana (PNA-IN) is proud to honor a group of women who are changing healthcare in our state. From the bedside to the boardroom, these Filipino nurses bring a unique blend of clinical skill and a deep-rooted culture of pagkalinga (nurturing) to everything they do.PNA-IN celebrates the idea that being a woman in healthcare is not a limitation-it's a superpower.These awardees show us that empathy and strength go hand-in-hand to heal our communities.
Eufrocina Esteleydesy
Connecting to Communities
Presidential Award
At the forefront of this excellence is the President, For Eufrocina, leadership has never been about just running meetings or checking off programs. As the outgoing PNA-IN President 2024-2026 and her 2nd term as President, she has focused on building a true community whereevery member feels they belong. She is a bridge that connects our mission to the people we serve, ensuring the Filipino nursing voice is heard across Indiana. Thus, her ability to connect with communities shows her firm belief that charity begins at home.
Eleanore Wilson
Courage and Strength: Challenging the Status Quo
Transformational Leadership Award
Leadership in healthcare requires the courage to challenge the status quo. A former Vice President of Nursing for Operations for 9 years, a transformative leader who orchestrated the recruitment and integration of international nurses, she has provided over a decade of meticulous financial oversight as Treasurer of PNA-IN while fostering a culture of mentorship and academic advancement. Eleanore's work helps nurses find their path, more so their calling. She has helped many colleagues navigate the challenges of moving to a new country. Beyond that, she is a dedicated mentor who personally spearheaded PNA-IN's mentoring program.
Teresa Gonzalvo
The Global Impact with a Heart Membership Excellence Award
Following this trail of global influence and with 50 years of experience, Teresa is a mainstay in the nursing profession. She has advocated for nurses on a global scale. A former Vice President and Nurse Executive for Integrated Care Management over ten hospitals, a columnist, and the Associate Editor for Inside PNAA Newsletter. Teresa is an accomplished nurse executive, contributing significantly to globalnursing summits and leadership development programs. But even with her international influence, what makes her stand out is that she stays close to home and always anchored by her values and integrity. Whether she is volunteering for local outreach and programs, mentoring new leaders, she does it with her style and that is sharing her expertise and wisdom from the heart.
April Angeles
Patient Experience at the Forefront
Clinical Staff Nurse Excellence
April is the person you want by your side in the Surgical ICU. Over the last decade, she has become a clinical expert in complex cases, from neurocritical care to gender-affirmation surgeries, consistently driving clinical excellence and patient safety within Magnet and JCI-accredited environments. A two-time Daisy Award winner (2014 & 2024), she doesn't just care for patients; she makes sure that they have a voice and are heard. Her compassion impacts positive patient experience all the way to recovery and beyond.
Monic Domingo
Bayanihan sa Puso at Gawa
Bayanihan Spirit Award
Finally, we celebrate the spirit of civic unity. Monica has spent 21 years specializing in Cardiothoracic and Vascular surgery, but her impact goes far beyond the operating room. She truly lives the spirit of Bayanihan-the Filipino tradition of helping one another without being asked. Whether she is teaching a new nurse or leading a community project, Monica always shows up. Her presence and spirit of volunteerism in community programs of PNA-IN makes the difference. "Laging handang tumulong at may malasakit ng walang kapalit" as described by other members makes her shine and embodies the true spirit of Bayanihan. She reminds us that we are at our strongest when we move together toward a common goal, proving that the spirit of cooperation is a vital medicine, a care we can offer.
In addition to these women, we want to acknowledge as well all the women of power, strength and grace that made the organization where we are today and continuously dedicate their selfless leadership to the community.
Eleanore Wilson, BSN, RN, MA—Vice President; April Angeles, BSN, RN, CCRN- Secretary; Shelley Gaviola, BSN, RN—Assistant Secretary; Eufrocina Esteleydes, BSN, RN- Treasurer; Gabriela Dela Llana, BSN, RN—Assistant Treasurer; Pressy Freeman, MS, CCRN, ANP-BC—Auditor.
Board Members
Aiza Majella Dela Paz, BSN, RN; Nitz Delacruz, BSN, RN, CCRN; Daisy Blythe, BSN, RN; Josie Jimenez, BSN, RN, Teresa Gonzalvo, BSN, RN, MPA
Executive Director
Redd Knotts, BSN, RN- Past President 2006-2008
Advisory Board/ Past Presidents
Emma Tolentino, BSN, RN- (Founding President 1999-2002); Josie Jimenez, BSN, RN 2004-2006); Redd Knotts, BSN, RN 2006-2008); Matilde Upano, MSN, RN, FNP-BC(Ret)2008-2010;2014-2016; 2020-2022; 2022-2024); Elena De Jesus, BSN, RN (2010-2012); Manelita Dayon, MSN, RN (2012-2014); Karleen McGill, MS, RN, FNP-BC (2016-2018); Eufrocina Esteleydes, BSN, RN (2018-2020, 2024-2026)
CARING IN EVOLUTION—A LEGACY IN MOTION
These women are not "just" nurses. They are global advocates. Being a woman in nursing is not merely about "care" in its simplest form, but about the masterful integration of science, strategy, and soul. They have traveled from the Philippines to Indiana, bringing with them a standard of excellence that has saved countless lives and inspired hundreds of colleagues.
The PNA-IN Excellence Awards serve as a reminder that the contributions of Filipino nurses are essential to the safety, innovation, and compassion of the American healthcare system. These women do not just fill roles; they redefine them.
This March, we don't just celebrate their gender; we celebrate their power. Babae sila. At hindi babae lang.
Isang pagpupugay sa lahat ng kababaihan ng PNA-IN at ng buong mundo!
Happy Women's Month to all!
Published: March 17, 2026