Elaine Alston is a nurse with passion for global health. Helping the underserved with limited to no access of healthcare services became an obsession. After a homecoming in 2010 to her native land of Johannesburg, South Africa, Elaine wanted to give back to the country she instantly fell in love with. Unbeknownst to Elaine, during that h
Elaine Alston is a nurse with passion for global health. Helping the underserved with limited to no access of healthcare services became an obsession. After a homecoming in 2010 to her native land of Johannesburg, South Africa, Elaine wanted to give back to the country she instantly fell in love with. Unbeknownst to Elaine, during that homecoming, she discovered her grandmother was a nurse. That ignited a fire in her that she already had within, so she began “to walk,” as she so often states, and felt a calling to serve those in need. The grassroots development of Nurses with Purpose was never intended on becoming a full-fledged organization but unbound love and unrelentless drive led the organization to fast growth. Nurses with Purpose, Inc was established in 2017 having 1 mission a year, to now a little over 16 missions a year with expansions to new territories in many other countries by invitation only.
Alston creates a platform for nurses worldwide, to be exposed to humanitarian relief in the best possible way, putting emphasis on the nurses well- being throughout the mission by creating a well balanced medical mission trip. The enrichment program allows the working-class nurse to realize volunteerism is an integral part of his or her career which creates a harmonious balance for the nurse and the beneficiaries served.
Annually, Alston awards a nursing student to attend a medical mission trip through the Emilia Ndaba Foundation, in honor of Elaine’s grandmother. She believes in introducing the power of giving back in the early stages of one’s nursing career building cultural competency. Alston believes that Nurses with Purpose will continue to touch the lives of not only the people they serve, but the nurses that play vital roles in this global movement.
Dr Kezia Nixon-McDaniel hails from the great state of Virginia.
She is a graduate of Norfolk State University's Associate and Bachelorette degree Nursing Program.
In 2009 she graduated with her Masters as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of North Dakota.
She relocated to South Carolina in 2009 and has proudly served as a Fam
Dr Kezia Nixon-McDaniel hails from the great state of Virginia.
She is a graduate of Norfolk State University's Associate and Bachelorette degree Nursing Program.
In 2009 she graduated with her Masters as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of North Dakota.
She relocated to South Carolina in 2009 and has proudly served as a Family Nurse Practitioner since.
In addition to her Masters she went on to complete her Doctorate in Nursing Practice at the University of South Carolina.
Since 2017, Dr Nixon has honorably served as the Clinical Board Director of Nurses with Purpose and is committed to improving
healthcare access abroad to underserved communities through medical missions. Dr Nixon states, "I love my job. My journey in
nursing has been an incredible experience. Like others, I have had my weak days. It is then that I am reminded that God’s grace
is sufficient for me. His power works best in weakness 2 Corithians 12:9.”
Kezia Nixon DNP, FNP-BC
LaShawna Tukes, an expert in newborn care, is a Travel RN in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. She is an active team member of Nurses with Purpose where she serves as a Board Advisory Director. Prior to working as a Travel Nurse, LaShawna worked as a Staff Nurse at Palmetto Health in Columbia, SC
LaShawna Tukes, an expert in newborn care, is a Travel RN in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. She is an active team member of Nurses with Purpose where she serves as a Board Advisory Director. Prior to working as a Travel Nurse, LaShawna worked as a Staff Nurse at Palmetto Health in Columbia, SC. Ms. Tukes is a proud Alumni member of South Carolina State University where she earned a BSN degree in 2007. She later went on to earn a Master of Health Administration degree at Webster University. In her spare time, you can find LaShawna traveling, attending cultural events, and fine dining. Her desire to impact the lives of others through providing compassionate care and education for a healthy lifestyle is the basis of her foundation as a nurse.
South Africa Division Manager
South Africa Manager of Transport
Team Support Coordinator
South Africa Division
Youth Support Counselor
South Africa Division
Kenya Division Manager
Team Support Coordinator
Kenya Division
Ashley’s career began more than 12 years ago as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist. While working in the laboratory, Ashley had a passion of helping others, teaching and desired patient contact. She decided to return to school and enter into a nursing program for second degree students. A natural leader, Ashley quickly worked her way into
Ashley’s career began more than 12 years ago as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist. While working in the laboratory, Ashley had a passion of helping others, teaching and desired patient contact. She decided to return to school and enter into a nursing program for second degree students. A natural leader, Ashley quickly worked her way into a leadership role within a
healthcare organization in the Charlotte metro area. With experience in pediatrics,
orthopedics, neurology, oncology, and the ambulatory setting, she has worked on numerous initiatives focused on improving clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and teammate retention. She earned her Masters of Science in Nursing from Jacksonville University. With an itch to teach and support future nurses, Ashley became adjunct faculty at Queens University of Charlotte. Currently, Ashley is a Nurse Manager for a healthcare group that specializes in Dermatology, Endocrinology and Sleep Medicine in Charlotte, NC. In her spare time, Ashley is continuously looking for ways to support and uplift vulnerable communities. She is a current board member for the Domestic Violence Advisory Board in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Nurses Association, a Big Sister, and long life volunteer of
Nurses with Purpose. Ashley attended her first medical mission trip with NWP in October 2017. Additionally, Ashley enjoys going to brunch with friends, staying active, traveling and spending time with family. A forever learner, she is currently enrolled in a real estate program. Ashley lives by these words daily, “Never let the fire inside of you die. There’s more work to
do.”
Ayanna Toney is a RN with experience in several critical areas including, but not limited to, cardiovascular ICU, trauma ICU, and surgical intensive care units. She currently works as an Assistant Nurse Manager of the Intensive Care and Medical Surgical Telemetry units while serving on the Stroke and Code Blue committees for a major hospi
Ayanna Toney is a RN with experience in several critical areas including, but not limited to, cardiovascular ICU, trauma ICU, and surgical intensive care units. She currently works as an Assistant Nurse Manager of the Intensive Care and Medical Surgical Telemetry units while serving on the Stroke and Code Blue committees for a major hospital entity.
Ayanna is a natural leader with a great passion for nursing, leadership, and community service. Her professional career ladder which includes teaching, public health and nursing is what has helped to create the well-rounded person she is today. While a nurse at heart, education has remained a strong focus and is at the forefront of how she embraces the challenges in today’s society.
She has been volunteering with NWP in various capacities since 2018. When not traveling the world for adventure and fun, this social butterfly enjoys spending time with her family, exploring different cities with friends and experiencing other cultures. Ayanna was born and raised in New Orleans, LA and is a true WHO DAT at heart. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University, Masters of Public Health from Florida A&M University, and her Bachelor Science in Nursing from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Joyce Blue has been a registered nurse for over 26 years in various roles and settings. As a serial entrepreneur since 2003, she has created businesses to include non-skilled homecare, healthcare staffing, hospice, primary care and behavioral health; as well as residential and commercial real estate.
She currently serves in various capaci
Joyce Blue has been a registered nurse for over 26 years in various roles and settings. As a serial entrepreneur since 2003, she has created businesses to include non-skilled homecare, healthcare staffing, hospice, primary care and behavioral health; as well as residential and commercial real estate.
She currently serves in various capacities in her community, as well as on several boards. She is an active member in her church and her sorority. She has volunteered with Nurses with Purpose since 2018 in medical missions to South Africa.
She has been married for over 26 years has four children and four grandchildren: London, Kayden, Brooklyn and Catherine. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, laughing and eating.
Awesomeness coming soon.
Started off in a nursing home as a server and transferred to home services where I worked as an STNA. I left that position after six years to be a PCA in the acute care setting. Been a float nurse for six years at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. I serve on the board of directors for The Ohio State University Nurse Orga
Started off in a nursing home as a server and transferred to home services where I worked as an STNA. I left that position after six years to be a PCA in the acute care setting. Been a float nurse for six years at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. I serve on the board of directors for The Ohio State University Nurse Organization (OSUNO) and for Mid-Ohio District Nurse Association (MODNA) where I advocate for patients and staff. I am also a clinical instructor at Capital University. I love being with the students and being a mentor and support. I was born in Gualan, Guatemala and came to the US at a very young age. I live with my husband, Ben, in Columbus, Ohio with our three dogs Mila, Chloe and Peyton. I enjoy being outside as often as I can. I love spending time with my family, traveling and listening to music at all times. I will never pass up an opportunity to talk about my dogs.
Armani has been a Registered Nurse for 7 years and a travel nurse for 4 in the adult ICU. She has been an active member of NWP since 2020 and has served on two mission trips in Johannesburg. Armani is not new to mission work; she has also served in Nicaragua assisting in prevention education and detection of parasitic infections at pop up
Armani has been a Registered Nurse for 7 years and a travel nurse for 4 in the adult ICU. She has been an active member of NWP since 2020 and has served on two mission trips in Johannesburg. Armani is not new to mission work; she has also served in Nicaragua assisting in prevention education and detection of parasitic infections at pop up clinics in rural communities.
When Armani is not working her favorite pastimes include trying new restaurants, visiting museums, listening to music and traveling. When visiting a new country her goal is to embrace in the history, culture, food and music. She is excited embark on her new role as a Team Supervisor and cannot wait to meet her fellow nurse volunteers.
Hi! I’m Tamaria. I’ve been in nursing for 9 years now. I first interviewed with NWP in 2018, the steady growth of this organization is amazing! I love the adventure that NWP adds to nursing, taking me away from the busy ER. What better place to serve than the motherland!? If I’m not in scrubs, I’m probably at a coffee shop or a greenhous
Hi! I’m Tamaria. I’ve been in nursing for 9 years now. I first interviewed with NWP in 2018, the steady growth of this organization is amazing! I love the adventure that NWP adds to nursing, taking me away from the busy ER. What better place to serve than the motherland!? If I’m not in scrubs, I’m probably at a coffee shop or a greenhouse. Living the simple life, surrounded by love and laughter. I’m forever grateful for this movement and all the great things to come.
Porsche became a part of the NWP family in 2022 with her first mission to South Africa. She began her career as a registered nurse in 2001 after graduating from South Carolina State University. She later returned to Walden University for her MSN in education then University of South Alabama to become a family nurse practitioner.
Throughou
Porsche became a part of the NWP family in 2022 with her first mission to South Africa. She began her career as a registered nurse in 2001 after graduating from South Carolina State University. She later returned to Walden University for her MSN in education then University of South Alabama to become a family nurse practitioner.
Throughout her career she has worked in a variety of settings where her practice has been centered around health promotion. She views wellness as much more than merely the absence of disease and aims to equip people with the tools to live optimally even in the presence of Illness.
Porsche is an avid reader, enjoys all things outdoors, and is always up for a new adventure. Her personal motto is “Live Out Loud and On Purpose”.
Nurses with Purpose growth has been because of the tremendous amount of work our nursing teams have done. It is because of outstanding people that are aligned with the same goals and values we stand for in global healthcare. NWP encourages growth from within by having opportunities to lead in our nurse driven culture. Who will be nominated next?
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