Iota Xi at-Large Chapter

Take a moment to restore your mind, body, and spirit.
Join us for Healing for Healers - an evening dedicated to the wellbeing of those who care for others.

🗓 Thursday, February 26th, 2026
⏰ 4:00–7:00 PM
📍 Florida Atlantic University Christine E Lynn College of Nursing

✨ Experience:

• Sound Therapy
• Yoga & Stress Relief
• Aromatherapy
• Affirmation Workshop 
• Labyrinth Walk

📲 Register here:

For more information:
📧 Dr. Louise Aurelien Buie – laurelie@health.fau.edu 

Let’s come together in restoration, community, and connection.
Whole healers are powerful leaders. 💙

Looking forward to seeing you,
Sigma Iota Xi at-Large Chapter Leadership

Dear Fellow Members and Friends,

Please join us to celebrate our new inductees. Friday, February 6, 2026, 6:00 PM. This will be a virtual event. Please see Zoom invitation. Thank you.

Kind Regards,

Raquel Brown, President

Iota Xi at-Large Members,

We’re planning our Spring 2026 educational webinars, and your input is essential in helping us design meaningful, relevant programming for our chapter. Whether you prefer clinical topics, leadership development, caring science, or practice-focused sessions, we want to know what matters most to you.

📋 Please take a few minutes to complete our Webinar Interest Survey:

👉 Sigma Iota Xi at-Large April 2026 Webinar Interest Survey

or
📱 Scan the QR code below to access the survey quickly and easily

Your feedback will guide our topic selection and help us determine whether sessions should be virtual, in-person, or hybrid.

Thank you for helping us shape valuable learning opportunities for the spring. We appreciate your voice and your engagement!

— Danielle Granderson
Secretary, Sigma Iota Xi at-Large Chapter

48^th Biennial Convention November 2025 Report

On Monday, November 10 and Tuesday November 11, 2025, Immediate Past President Barbara Lovell-Martin and I, President Raquel Brown, attended the delegate session of the 48^th Biennial Convention of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (STTI). They had strict parliamentary procedures and used Robert’s Rules 12^th edition. All delegates had to be seated, both virtual and in-person no later than 10 minutes before the proceedings began.  

The president Sandra Bibb led the proceedings. Voting for the new board of STTI occurred as well as votes for amendments to the bylaws and resolutions. The state of the organization was reported including accomplishments and financial health. The new Board was announced.

The president for the 2025-2027 biennium Liz Wescott presented the new call to action. The new call to action is “Lead Together”. In this call to action, we are challenged to elevate “Our Voice”, advance “Our Value”, and expand “Our Impact”. With that charge, I say let’s do this.

Thank you,

Raquel A. Brown President

Hello Iota Xi at-Large Chapter Members,

We value your participation and want to ensure our upcoming meetings fit your schedule. Please take a moment to complete this short survey to help us select the best day and time for our chapter meetings:

Click here to vote: Qualtrics Survey

Your input is important!

• Deadline: Please respond by November 18, 2025.
• Reminders: We will send gentle reminders every 2 days until the survey closes.

Thank you for helping us make our meetings accessible and engaging for all members.

With care,
Danielle Granderson, MSN, RN
Secretary, Iota Xi at-Large Chapter

Dear Colleagues,

We concluded our elections on October 21, the ballots closed at 11:59 PM. The results were as follows: 

President elect, Zaysheron Francis; Vice President FAU, Louise Aurelien Buie; Vice President Broward College, Tomas Madayag; Secretary, Danielle Granderson; Governance Committee 1, Michelle Broadbent; Counsellor FAU Andrea Halpern. Thank you for your participation and interest to serve our profession, colleges, and the local and global communities. Looking forward to continued success.

Regards,

Raquel Brown

President Iota Xi at-Large Chapter #228 STTI

The journey to the establishment of the Iota Xi at -Large Chapter began with Broward College, Florida Atlantic University, and Palm Beach State College. I was privileged to work alongside Annmarie Rempala, Tina Collins, Louise Aurelien Buie as one of the four institutional representatives that believed in the vision of an at large chapter with active programming. We were always aware that we had the unwavering support of our members and on March 31, 2019, that vision was realized with the formation of the Iota Xi at- Large Chapter. As I conclude as the chapter's 4^th president, I would like to express sincerest gratitude to the officers and members with whom I have been privileged to serve.

I am pleased to share highlights of our accomplishments, the progress we have made together, and the promising direction ahead. This year, our chapter has remained steadfast in advancing Sigma’s vision of improving world health and celebrating nursing excellence. Our members actively engaged in research dissemination and scholarly dialogue, ensuring that our chapter continues to be a space where knowledge is shared and nursing leadership is strengthened. We hosted webinars highlighting critical topics in nursing, expanding opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and innovation.

Our chapter also answered the call to serve with compassion and purpose by addressing hygiene insecurity through thoughtful donations and community outreach. We hosted the Healing for Healers event, in collaboration with Broward College and Florida Atlantic University, an initiative that exemplified our shared values of Represent- Respect, Reflect and Respond: representing nursing with integrity, respecting the diversity of our communities, reflecting on how our collective service can make a meaningful difference as we  responded to Sigma's call to action

I am proud to report that the Annual Report and IRS Tax Return were submitted on time. These reports capture our chapter’s strong financial health, as well as the breadth of our activities, achievements, and impact over the past year. Additionally, I am excited to share that two of our members will serve as delegates, Drs. Barbara Lovell-Martin and Raquel Brown,  will represent our chapter at the Biennial Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, ensuring that our voices and contributions are part of this significant international gathering.

The state of our chapter is strong. As we transition into the next leadership cycle, a strategic plan and a list of events have been developed to serve as a guide to empower our new leaders beginning in October 2025. This plan and events build upon our foundation of scholarship, service, and leadership, ensuring that our chapter continues to thrive and fulfill both Sigma’s mission and that of the Iota Xi at-Large Chapter.

Together, we have accomplished much and together, we will continue to grow, lead, and serve.

Sincerely,

President, Iota Xi at- Large Chapter (2023-2025)

Associate Dean, Nursing, Broward College

Dear Members,
Please use the link below to cast your vote for the new Leadership Team by October 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Thank you for your participation and continued support!

Chapter Board of Directors.

                                Iota Xi at- Large Chapter

                   Board of Directors Leadership Nominees

Dr. Louise Aurelien Buie- Vice President

Dr. Louise Aurélien Buie is an accomplished nurse leader, educator and clinician, whose 30-year career spans frontline patient care, academic administration and program innovation. At the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, she currently serves as Associate Professor in the Practice-teaching track and Director for Nursing Continuing Professional Development, following a productive tenure as Assistant Dean of Executive & Continuing Education and Academic-Practice Partnerships.

Her leadership as Director of the RN-BSN program at Palm Beach State College led to demonstrable improvements in retention, program completion, inter-departmental and inter-institutional community partnerships. She was instrumental in the chartering of the Iota Xi at-large chapter in April 2019. These outcomes mirror the organizational, strategic and collaborative competencies required of a chapter vice-president.

Clinically, Dr. Aurélien Buie is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with a practice that embraces holistic, evidence-based care across the lifespan.

She holds a Doctorate in Education (Leadership/Educational Administration) from University of Florida, a Master of Science with a primary care focus from Northeastern University, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing from FAU, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UMass Boston.

Her record of service includes leadership roles in the National Black Nurses Association Women’s Health Committee and the Palm Beach County Black Nurses Association, along with local and international philanthropic efforts in nursing education and community health.

Given her extensive background in nursing education, mentorship, program development and professional service, Dr. Aurélien Buie is exceptionally well-suited to support the Iota Xi Chapter’s mission of scholarship, leadership and service as Vice-President.

Danielle Granderson - Secretary

Danielle Granderson is a committed nurse leader and scholar originally from Trinidad and Tobago. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Broward College. Currently a Ph.D. Candidate at FAU, Danielle serves as a Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant, mentoring future nurses and contributing to research that advances caring science. Her dissertation prospectus, Enhancing Caregiver Personhood: A Grounded Theory Study, explores nurse–family caregiver partnerships in pediatric home health, aiming to develop a care model grounded in caring science. 

Her clinical background includes pediatric home health, correctional nursing, and clinical auditing, with leadership roles such as Charge Nurse, Clinical Auditor, and Regional Clinical Lead. Danielle has demonstrated excellence in documentation, policy development, and team communication—skills central to the Secretary role. She has created and implemented audit tools, drafted reports, and collaborated with leadership to revise clinical standards and procedures. These competencies have been further refined through academic writing, research dissemination, and committee service. 

Danielle is enthusiastic about serving as Secretary for the Sigma Iota Xi Chapter. She is particularly drawn to the role’s emphasis on structured communication, record-keeping, and protocol development. Her ability to synthesize complex information, maintain accurate records, and lead communication initiatives makes her well-suited to support the chapter’s mission. Through this role, Danielle hopes to contribute meaningfully to the chapter’s growth, engagement, and continuity. 

Danielle Granderson, MSN, RN  

PhD Candidate | Graduate Teaching & Research Assistant

Andrea Halpern –   Counselor

I am honored to submit this statement of qualifications in support of my nomination for the Counselor position of the Sigma Iota Xi at-Large Chapter at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). This role requires dedication to academic excellence and mentorship, qualities I have cultivated over almost two decades in clinical nursing leadership. I believe my commitment to supporting new nurses, combined with my ongoing academic pursuits at FAU, makes me a uniquely qualified candidate to guide and empower our chapter members.

My nursing journey began with my ADN in 2005. I returned to FAU for my RN to BSN, embracing the College of Nursing’s Caring Science philosophy. My ongoing pursuit of MSN/APRN (FNP) credentials demonstrates my commitment to lifelong learning.

I bring nearly twenty years of nursing experience, including ten years at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, where I specialize in Labor and Delivery. I serve as a Charge Nurse, leading coordination and team management. With experience in L&D, Pediatrics, and NICU, I am skilled in mentorship. I continuously train and support new hires and graduate nurses. I am a Superuser for EMR charting and actively participate in unit-based groups.

I volunteer with the diabetes coalition, contributing to community health outreach. As a Counselor, I will promote this blend of academic achievement, clinical leadership, and community service to create an environment within the Sigma Iota Xi at-Large Chapter that is both challenging and supportive.

I appreciate your consideration,

Andrea Halpern, RN, BSN, Current MSN/APRN (FNP) Student at FAU

Dr. Michelle Broadbent   -   Governance Committee member 1

Dr. Michelle Broadbent began her nursing career after earning an Associate Degree in Nursing from Copiah Lincoln Community College in 1997. She gained extensive clinical experience in mental health and medical-surgical nursing within acute care settings before advancing her education at Delta State University, where she completed both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees.  As a Family Nurse Practitioner, she has provided compassionate, comprehensive primary care to veterans within the Department of Veterans Affairs health system and has also practiced in urgent care, home health, and long-term care environments.

Dr. Broadbent’s passion for nursing education led her to academic roles in both undergraduate and graduate programs across Florida. In 2022, Dr. Broadbent earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Chamberlain University, furthering her commitment to evidence-based practice and leadership in nursing. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Nursing at Florida Atlantic University, a position she has held for the past three years. In this role, she has demonstrated strong leadership, mentorship, and dedication to student success and faculty development.

Dr. Broadbent has previously served as Secretary for Sigma Theta Tau Iota Xi Chapter at Large. Dr. Broadbent is committed to fostering collaboration, supporting professional growth, and advancing the chapter’s service efforts. 

Zaysheron Francis              -   President Elect

My name is Zaysheron Francis, and I am excited to express my interest in serving on the board of Directors of the lota Xi-at-Large Chapter. I am pursuing my Family Nurse Practitioner degree at Florida Atlantic University in a part-time program designed for working professionals, which allows me to continue contributing to the healthcare field while advancing my education and clinical expertise.

I work at a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect children from harm by providing shelter and specialized care for children with developmental disabilities. As the Nursing Supervisor, I coordinate medical and therapy schedules, support staff training, and ensure continuity of care for children with complex needs. Collaborating closely with physicians, nurses, and therapists has strengthened my leadership, communication, and advocacy skills- qualities I believe are essential for effective board service.

Beyond my professional role, I am committed to leadership and service. I am a member of the National Society of Leadership (NSLS) and have represented FAU College of Nursing at FAU Day at the Capitol, advocating for healthcare education and resources. I am passionate about advancing nursing excellence, mentorship, and professional growth within our chapter.

I welcome the opportunity to serve on the board of Directors and contribute to fostering leadership, scholarship, and collaboration among members while supporting the mission and values of Sigma.

Dr. Tomas Madayag            - Vice President

Dr. Tomas Madayag, EdD, MSN, MEd, APRN, is an Assistant Professor in the RN-BSN Nursing Program at Broward College, where he teaches courses in global health, nursing roles and perspectives, and issues in aging. With more than forty years of nursing experience, he has served in various capacities as clinician, nurse educator, author, and NCLEX review consultant for international nurses across Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and the United Kingdom.

He is the co-author of Medical-Surgical Nursing: Reviews and Rationales (Prentice Hall) and remains actively engaged in advancing professional excellence through mentorship and scholarly collaboration. His teaching philosophy, grounded in the theory of Nursing as Caring, reflects his commitment to nurturing compassion, cultural humility, and global citizenship in nursing practice.

Dr. Madayag is deeply aligned with Sigma’s vision of fostering scholarship, leadership, and service in nursing. As Vice President representing Broward College, he hopes to strengthen engagement among members, promote scholarly initiatives, and inspire nurses to embrace leadership roles that elevate the profession locally and globally.

Tomas M. Madayag, APRN, MSN, MEd, EdD

Dear Members,

We invite you to consider volunteering for a leadership position on The Board of Directors for the Iota Xi at-Large Chapter.

If you are interested, please use the link or QR Code below to complete and submit your application by Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Voting through the Redcap Ballot will begin on October 19, 2025, at 11:59 pm  until October 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

To review the bio sketch for the nominees please see your email and the website announcement.

For more details about available roles and responsibilities, please click these links Bylaws” and “Chapter Leader Description”.

Thank you for your continued commitment and dedication to our Chapter’s growth and success!

Warm regards,

The Board of Directors

The Anne Boykin Institute is excited to host its annual Summer Academy from Wednesday, June 4 through Friday, June 6, at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing’s Boca Raton campus, as well as online. The event is expected to attract an international group of nurses and health care professionals who are dedicated to advancing the field of caring science.

This year’s theme, Caring: Essential Knowledge for Nursing Practice, aims to inspire reflections on the critical importance of developing knowledge in caring science that informs and guides nursing practice in all areas. The Artist-in-Residence, Mary Packard, will share her poetry to create space for reflective thought. Please click the link below for more information.

Dear Colleagues,

In a compassionate response to the growing needs of the unhoused community, members of the Iota Xi at-Large Chapter came together in an impactful show of solidarity and service. Generous donations were received from members from Broward College and Florida Atlantic University enabling the at large chapter to provide essential supplies for those in need.

Over 50 hygiene kits were thoughtfully assembled, each packed in signature purple bags for easy individual distribution. These kits included vital items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, and soap. In addition to hygiene products, the chapter also donated socks, washcloths, and pull-ups items often overlooked but deeply appreciated by recipients.

This effort reflects the chapter's ongoing commitment to service and making a tangible difference in the lives of the underserved.

Dr. Barbara Lovell-Martin

Iota Xi at-large Chapter President

Dear Members,

We are pleased to announce the Anne Boykin Institute 2025 Summer Academy, titled "Caring: Essential Knowledge for Nursing Practice." The academy will take place June 4–6, 2025 and will be offered both on-site and online. Please see flyer posted below.

Each year, our Sigma Iota Xi at-Large Chapter sponsors two members to attend this enriching event. If you are interested in being considered for sponsorship, please email Dr. Cali lmendonc@health.fau.edu as soon as possible.

This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of caring science and engage with leading scholars who have shaped our profession.

Warm regards,
The Board of Directors

May is National Nurses Month and to celebrate the Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing has produced a short video about the Power of Nursing Education. Please click on the link below to watch the video "National Nurses Month 2025".

Together with Florida Atlantic University and the Sigma Iota Xi at-Large Chapter, the Anne Boykin Institute for the Advancement of Caring in Nursing hosted an Earth Caring international webinar on March 26. More than 300 participants from around the world joined the session, which addressed the global challenges in nursing with care, compassion and a commitment to healing our shared home, Earth.