Two London, Ont. area nurses have received Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) Recognition Awards. Safeyyah Raji has received the Leadership Award in Health Equity and Nyechuor Deng has received the Student of Distinction award. The Leadership Award in Health Equity is given to an RNAO member who identifies as Indigenous, Black, or 2SLGBTQI+ and advocates for one of those communities. According to RNAO, the recipient must: Act as a change agent, mentors, and supports members of their community to achieve their goals and mission Uphold and champion social justice, equitable treatment, and fairness for equity seeking groups Engage in policy advocacy to address inequity, discrimination, and racism against Black, Indigenous, and/or 2SLGBTQI+ persons or communities Actively collaborate with decision makers, MPPs/MPs, and other members of the health team and public to address prejudices, stereotypes, racism, inequality, and discrimination Promote and advocate for inclusion, diversity, decolonization, and respect of all individuals from equity seeking groups Raji is a lecturer at Western University and teaches the undergraduate nursing program in theory, clinical, lab, and simulation courses. She is a registered nurse certified in health advocacy, anti-Black racism, and advancing health equity. She is also the Ontario regional lead for the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance and supports work that strengthens Black nursing leadership, mentorship, and advocacy while amplifying lived experiences of Black nurses and nursing students to inform systemic change. The Student of Distinction award recognizes a current undergrad nursing student who has made significant contributions, acting as a change agent, resource, and mentor within their undergraduate nursing program. They also must show active involvement in RNAO Region/Chapters/Interest Groups. Nyechuor Deng is a student in the Western University and Fanshawe College collaborative BScN program. She works as a clinical extern with the London Health Sciences Centre, supporting patients with daily needs and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team. She is the first in her family to continue into post-secondary education and says she has experienced many barriers growing up.
