University of Iowa College of Nursing student Chelsey Chatters always knew that she wanted to work in healthcare, but it wasn’t until her junior year of high school that she decided to be a nurse. “Nursing seemed like the perfect combination of scientific expertise and personal connection, two things I thoroughly enjoy,” says Chatters, a first-semester Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student from Sterling, Illinois.
BSN student Ezinne Ugwu’s interest in nursing was born from watching a TV show where women did not know they were pregnant until it was time to give birth. That program sparked her desire to someday specialize in the care of pregnant women. “I always thought it fascinating how women can grow a whole human being inside their womb,” says Ugwu, a first-semester student from Des Plaines, Illinois.
When Chatters and Ugwu had the opportunity in July to join Dr. Lynette Cooper, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C, at the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Institute and Conference in San Francisco, it was a dream come true and an affirmation of a career choice made long ago.
Says Chatters, “As a Black student attending a predominantly white institution, I sometimes feel isolated. Being able to go to this conference and seeing hundreds of educated and successful Black nurses was extremely motivational. It shows me that I’m not alone and that I have a bright future ahead of me. I would absolutely recommend this conference to nursing students, especially those students from minority backgrounds.”
Ugwu agrees, “To be part of this conference meant so much to me. It was an opportunity to connect with other nurses and learn about issues going on not only in America, but around the world, specifically in developing countries.”
Founded in the early 1970s, NBNA represents approximately 308,000 Black nurses from the US, Eastern Caribbean, and Africa, and currently has 114 chartered chapters in 34 states.
One of the most exciting things that Chatters and Ugwu witnessed at the conference was the approval and establishment of the Iowa Black Nurses Association (IBNA). The IBNA is the brainchild of Dr. Cooper, and she is its first president.
Though in its infancy, the establishment of the IBNA, the first organization of its kind, is an important part of Iowa Black history. The group’s primary mission is to ensure that the healthcare needs of Black Iowans and their communities are met. Another purpose of IBNA is to provide a platform to bring together Black nurses in Iowa. Although IBNA’s focus is on Black Iowans and Black Iowa nurses, the IBNA is open to and welcomes anyone who has a heart for Black Iowans and/or any marginalized population in the state and who is committed to achieving health equity.
“The IBNA will provide a safe space for students to connect with like-minded individuals and do things like ask questions, share experiences, and give advice,” says Chatters. “IBNA has a variety of people with different levels of expertise and education. As one of the younger members, I want to advocate for other students as well as focus on recruitment.”
In addition to attending the conference, Chatters and Ugwu also explored San Francisco sights, including visiting the famous Pier 39 and The Golden Gate Bridge, with Dr. Cooper. “I had a great time with Dr. Cooper! She had an itinerary that she wanted to do with Chelsey and I that included seeing the popular places and having dinner together,” says Ugwu.
Chatters said it was nice getting to know Dr. Cooper, her former teacher, less formally. She adds, “I truly look up to Dr. Cooper. She is the absolute embodiment of a smart and strong Black woman. I hope to one day follow in her footsteps.”
Upon graduation from the UI College of Nursing in May 2026, Chatters plans to gain professional experience in an ICU and then enroll in a CRNA program, while Ugwu plans to work a couple of years in a Labor & Delivery Unit before returning to graduate school to study midwifery.
To learn more about the IBNA, please contact lynette-cooper@uiowa.edu