For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Leezel Tanglao
October 22, 2024
FYLPRO Tayo Research Member Samantha Sumait Awarded ‘2024 Award Winners: 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders’ by Illinois Nurses Foundation
The Illinois Nurses Foundation has honored Samantha Sumait, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, a recent Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduate from Rush University’s Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program and member of Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) Tayo Research team, as one of its “2024 Award Winners: 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders.”
Samantha received this prestigious award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to healthcare through the MAGPABAKUNA project, a Tayo initiative aimed at addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy within the Filipino community in the Chicago area.
Reflecting on her achievement, Samantha shared: “As a Filipina nurse, the journey of working with Tayo has been transformative for both my personal and professional development. The devastating impact of COVID-19 on Filipino nurses—making up 21% of all COVID-related nurse deaths despite representing only 4% of the U.S. nursing workforce—highlighted the urgent need for advocacy and culturally specific care. Being able to give back to my community in Chicago, addressing barriers to vaccination rooted in cultural nuances, has been incredibly fulfilling.”
She expressed deep gratitude for the guidance and mentorship she received during her time with the Tayo team, particularly from Tayo Medical and Public Health Advisor Dr. Melissa Palma, MD, MPH: “Dr. Palma’s unwavering guidance, support, and mentorship allowed me to grow not only as a healthcare professional, but also as a community leader, enabling me to connect deeply with the needs of Filipino families.”
Samantha’s work with Tayo also empowered her to inspire the next generation of Filipina/o/x leaders. “Working alongside the next generation of Filipina/o/x leaders, especially during our COVID-19 Pinay Power Panels, has been both inspiring and empowering. Seeing young Filipina women take the lead in shaping the future of our community gives me immense pride and hope for what’s to come,” she said. Together, we are building a legacy of leadership, resilience, and cultural pride for the next wave of community leaders. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat for giving me this opportunity with Tayo! I truly could not be here without you.”
The Illinois Nurses Foundation’s 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award recognizes young nursing professionals under the age of 40 who are leaders in the profession, driving innovation and excellence in patient care and nursing practice.
About Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)
FILIPINO YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM (FYLPRO) is a network of high performing, next-generation leaders who advance the Philippines and the Filipino people through their advocacy and expertise in various industries. We continually expand the pipeline of Filipino young leaders in the diaspora. By connecting them to the motherland, we foster collaborative multinational relationships that create innovations and support the socio-economic progress of the global Filipino community.
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About Tayo
Tayo, a project of the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), is an innovative data hub that empowers Filipinx/a/o communities by collecting data, fostering partnerships, publishing culturally relevant insights, and developing leaders to create an equitable and sustainable future.
For more information, visit tayohelp.com.
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