My name is Kristina Harrison. I am creating this fundraiser because I’ve had the privilege of watching my friends and coworkers build Hispanic Nurses of Minnesota from the ground up. I’ve seen firsthand the time, heart, and determination they have poured into creating something that has never existed in Minnesota.

To expand awareness and reach more of our Minnesota neighbors, they have applied for a booth at the Great Minnesota Get-Together, the Minnesota State Fair. While space is not guaranteed, their goal is bigger than one event. Funds raised will help create a reusable outreach booth with a branded canopy, banners, table displays, QR-code materials, and other supplies that can be used at future festivals, community events, and outreach opportunities across Minnesota.

National Association of Hispanic Nurses in MN

(by Gustavo Mancilla, El Minnesota de Hoy)

Hispanic nurses spearhead the creation of the first chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, MN.

What began as a conversation between two emergency room nurses is evolving into a statewide effort to strengthen the representation of Hispanic healthcare professionals and improve connections between Minnesota's Latino communities and the healthcare system.

Rosinda Majano and Pilar Lara Madrid, both emergency room nurses, are leading the creation of Minnesota's first chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), a national organization dedicated to professional development, leadership, and advancing health equity for Hispanic communities.

The initiative officially began on April 16, 2026, when the two nurses decided to work together to establish a Minnesota chapter. The organization is currently in its development phase and is seeking official recognition from the national NAHN organization.

"We realized Minnesota didn't have a Hispanic nursing organization, even though there was a clear need for one," said Pilar Lara Madrid, vice president of the proposed Minnesota chapter during an interview with El Minnesota de Hoy. "We knew it was time to act. Our goal is to build a strong foundation where Hispanic nurses, nursing students, and other healthcare professionals can come together to support one another, grow professionally, and develop as leaders."

The founders say their experience on the front lines of healthcare has given them firsthand insight into the barriers many Hispanic patients continue to face, including language differences, limited cultural representation within the healthcare system, and unequal access to medical services.

Conozca la historia detrás de la creación del primer capítulo de la National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) en Minnesota. Lea la cobertura completa en español y descubra cómo esta iniciativa busca fortalecer el liderazgo de los profesionales hispanos de la salud y mejorar el acceso a una atención médica más equitativa para nuestra comunidad, solo en El Minnesota de Hoy.

They also note that today's immigration climate has created fear among some members of the Latino community, causing many individuals to postpone medical appointments, preventive care, prenatal visits, and even filling prescription medications.

Since launching the initiative, the organizers have reached out to all 43 nursing and practical nursing programs across Minnesota while building relationships with faculty members, students, healthcare professionals, and community organizations. They have also established an active presence on social media to expand awareness and encourage participation.

"Rosinda Majano is the president of this organization, and this all began with her," Lara Madrid said. "She approached me and said, 'Pilar, let's work together. We need to create this organization, and we need to do it now.' At the time, we were talking about everything happening with immigration and how it was affecting our communities. We realized we needed to bring healthcare professionals together to make a difference. From there, we started reaching out to hospitals, nursing schools, community organizations, and the public. We launched our social media platforms to connect with more healthcare professionals who wanted to help build this chapter."

The group's first official meeting was held on June 9 and marked the beginning of its membership recruitment efforts while helping establish priorities for the future chapter.

The founders say their mission is to create a professional network where nurses, nursing students, and other healthcare professionals can collaborate, support one another, develop leadership skills, and advocate for greater health equity across Minnesota's Hispanic communities.

The organization continues to welcome nurses, students, educators, healthcare professionals, and community members interested in helping build what would become Minnesota's first chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses.

https://mailchi.mp/mlatinomedia/enfermeras-hispanas?e=7a822e2033" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Association of Hispanic Nurses in MN