2025-2026 Board of Director Candidates
Please note, you need to be a NSNA member to vote. You will receive an email from NSNA for your ballot. Voting will be taking place from May 26th- May 30th. If you have any questions about open positions or questions in general, please email our current president Jenny at mackenzie.jennifer@student.greenriver.edu.
President Candidates
Owen Heit- Seattle University
Vice President Candidates
Sierra Tachiyama- Seattle University
My name is Sierra Tachiyama, and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Vice President of the Nursing Students of Washington State for the upcoming year.
I’m running because I believe in the power of student leadership to create real, lasting change. I want to be a voice for nursing students across the state. As future nurses, we’re facing more challenges than ever: intense academic demands, clinical stress, and preparing for a rapidly changing healthcare system. But with those challenges come opportunities, opportunities to support one another, advocate for our profession, and help the future of nursing.
As Vice President, my goal is to strengthen communication and collaboration between schools, create more leadership and networking opportunities, and ensure that every nursing student in Washington feels heard, empowered, and represented. I bring with me experience in being Director of West, Co-Chair for the outreach committee for the 2024-2025 year of NSWS, as well as a Cohort Representative for Seattle university Student Nursing Association.
Together, we can build a stronger, more connected nursing student community. I’d be honored to have your support!
Thank you!
Secretary Candidates
Oredolapo Kartchner- Pacific Lutheran University
Hello, fellow nursing students! My name is Oredolapo (Ore) Kartchner. I am originally from Nigeria. Growing up, I developed a passion for leadership and service, driven by my desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This passion has guided me through over 15 years of program administration experience and continues to shape my journey as a nursing student at Pacific Lutheran University.
My commitment to leadership is rooted in my dedication to fostering collaboration and inclusivity within our diverse community. Throughout my nursing education, I have actively engaged in student leadership roles, including my involvement in the Rainer Olympic Nurses Association as a student representative, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, and various community outreach initiatives. These experiences have equipped me with the skills to organize, communicate, and advocate effectively.
Serving as your NSWS Secretary will allow me to continue practicing leadership while upholding the mission and vision of the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA). I am passionate about ensuring that our collective voices are heard, accurately documenting our progress, and maintaining organized, transparent communication within our organization. My goal is to support NSWS in advancing the professional development of nursing students while advocating for our needs and interests.
Your vote will enable me to serve you with dedication and integrity. I would be honored to take on the role of Secretary and contribute to NSWS's continued success. Thank you for being so supportive!
Treasurer Candidates
Gurnoor Brar- Pacific Lutheran University
Hi everyone!
My name is Gurnoor Brar, and I’m a first-year BSN student at Pacific Lutheran University. I’m excited to be running for Treasurer because I believe in the importance of accountability and serving with purpose. In the past, I’ve managed club finances and led successful fundraising efforts as a committee head, which taught me valuable skills I would bring to this role. As a nursing student, I understand the importance of having a strong team working behind the scenes. If elected, I’ll bring that same energy and sense of responsibility to NSWS by managing finances with transparency and care. My goal is to ensure that every dollar supports meaningful opportunities, advocacy, and connection for nursing students across Washington.
Thank you again for your time and consideration!
Best,
Gurnoor Brar
Media Director Candidates
Addison Cary- Pacific Lutheran University
Director West Candidates
Aysha Yates- Boise State (Online Program)
Hello, fellow future nurses. My name is Aysha, and I am ecstatic to be running for the position of Director West. I am slated to graduate this year from Pierce College with my ADN and continue pursuing my BSN at Boise State University. So far, this year has been nothing but transformative as a future professional and individual. Attending the Annual NSNA and NSWS convention helped me foster new relationships, deepened my passion for nursing, and empowered me to pursue a new role within our state chapter— a change agent. I want to be the catalyst that inspires you to be more involved within NSWS, your school chapters, and yourself. The incredible opportunities I seized in the last couple of months had helped me grow into my potential as a leader in my school chapter and the nursing profession. I want to extend and share this empowerment with you. With my outreaching skills and tenacious drive, I’m confident that I can invigorate your involvement, and together, we can connect and grow as future nurse leaders and enact the change we want to see!
Aysha Shandu
Breakthrough to Nursing Candidates
Alexis Wallace- Holman - Tacoma Community College
Hello fellow students,
My name is Alexis Wallace-Holman, and I am currently a second-level ADN student at TCC. I bring over 10 years of experience in the healthcare field, primarily as a CNA and now as an Emergency Services Technician at MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.
Through my work, I’ve witnessed the real impact that a lack of diversity can have on both patient outcomes and team dynamics. This has fueled my passion to advocate for greater inclusion within our profession. As a first-generation college student and a nontraditional learner, I understand the barriers many of us face. I believe it is essential to show that resilience, determination, and a commitment to service can break through any obstacle.
My goal as your Breakthrough to Nursing Director is to amplify underrepresented voices, inspire minority students to pursue nursing, and foster a sense of belonging within our community. You deserve to be heard, seen, and supported—and I am committed to helping ensure that happens.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Director East Candidates
OPEN - Please contact NSWS for more information :)
Nominations & Elections Chair Candidates
OPEN - Please contact NSWS for more information :)
