Welcome to your chapter's website!
This site provides you with an even greater ability to network with chapter members, upload photos, share documents, participate in chapter discussions, and learn about chapter events.
The excitement is building!
The countdown to our 2026 Induction Ceremony has officially begun, and we are excited to welcome you on April 7th at 5:00 PM for an inspiring evening of celebration, scholarship, and sisterhood. This year’s ceremony promises to be especially memorable, as we prepare to reveal our highly anticipated keynote speaker, whose message will uplift and energize all who attend.
We are proud to recognize our 2026 Research Award recipient, Jeni Fitzpatrick, a dedicated Sigma member whose work reflects the heart of nursing advocacy and evidence-based practice. Her research addresses a critically important issue in maternal health and exemplifies the impact of nursing scholarship on improving patient experiences and outcomes.
Jeni Fitzpatrick, MSN, RN, RNC-OB
Jeni Fitzpatrick's research study examines the impact of labor and delivery doulas on women’s perceptions of mistreatment by healthcare providers during childbirth in hospital settings. Mistreatment during childbirth may include violations of bodily autonomy, privacy, and dignity experiences that are not only disrespectful but, in some cases, discriminatory. Despite advances in healthcare, such mistreatment remains prevalent worldwide, including in high-resource countries such as the United States. This research explores the presence of doulas as a potential protective factor in promoting respectful, patient-centered maternity care.
More upcoming Events!!!
Curious about the many pathways nursing can take you? Join us for our upcoming webinar series designed to inform, inspire, and empower our chapter members. On March 30, dynamic nurse leaders will share real-world insights, practical strategies, and lessons learned from their professional journeys. Whether you are exploring new opportunities, considering entrepreneurship, or simply eager to stay connected with innovative trends in nursing, these sessions are for you. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and be inspired your next professional breakthrough may begin with this conversation. And yes, we will have door prizes!!!!
Here's the live link: https://gsu-edu.zoom.us/j/81990964342
"Nurse Chat Series"
Meet our speakers
Dr. Wendy Parish
Dr. Wendy Parrish earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Chamberlain University in 2024 and her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Georgia State University in May 2005. She is board certified by the Georgia Board of Nursing and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and brings more than 25 years of healthcare experience.
Dr. Parrish has served in diverse clinical settings, including McIntosh Trail Family Practice in Stockbridge and Griffin, Georgia, where she practiced for seven years. She also dedicated 15 years to Grady Health System specializing in neurological and medical-surgical nursing, and three years at Emory University Hospital on the neurosurgical unit.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Parrish is an active preceptor for several nursing programs, including Georgia State University and Clayton State University. She enjoys traveling, working out, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Shelli-Ann McKenzie, MS, RN, PMP, CPHIMS
Shelli-Ann McKenzie has spent 28 years in healthcare. She is a neuroscience and cardiac nurse at her core, drawn to the specialties where the margin for error is thin and the stakes are personal. Based in Gwinnett County, Georgia, she built her career at the intersection of clinical practice, health technology, and executive leadership, developing a rare fluency in all three that most professionals spend a lifetime choosing between.
In the middle of a global pandemic, while the healthcare system was stretched to its breaking point, she built Help for Healthcare Professionals, Inc. (HHCP) from the ground up. With nothing more than mustard seed faith and a clear sense of purpose, what started as a response to crisis became a full organization delivering crisis relief, scholarships, workforce development, the YOUTH-MED physician mentorship program, and advocacy for the professionals who needed it most. Today HHCP has reached 25,000 lives across Georgia. Through JNI Consulting, active since 2012, she partners with health systems to align technology with the way clinicians truly deliver care.
A Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, ATL Plus 50 Most Powerful Women honoree (2025), Georgia Commission on Women Ambassador, and Forbes BLK member, she leads at the intersection of people, technology, and policy because that is where healthcare is either saved or lost.
Natasha Jackson, RN
Natasha Jackson, is a registered nurse and nurse entrepreneur specializing in care management and value-based care models that focus on improving patient health outcomes. She helps nurses and healthcare organizations implement technology-supported care management services aligned with CMS programs to strengthen care delivery beyond the traditional office visit. Natasha works closely with primary care practices to support nurse-led care management workflows focused on continuity of care, care coordination, and patient engagement. Through her mentorship work, she trains and supports nurses on how to build and lead independent care management services that align with modern primary care. She is the founder of iCareRN LLC, a care management consulting business.
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Marcella Davies PhD-PH, MBA-HC, MSN, RN
Driven by a passion for social change and global engagement, this Sigma member brings innovative and culturally responsive teaching strategies into the classroom. Through Sigma’s extensive resources ranging from evidence-based research to global nursing networks she enriches her courses with diverse perspectives that prepare students to practice in an increasingly interconnected world. Her work integrates global health discussions, study-abroad and virtual exchange experiences, and immersive simulations that allow students to apply theory to real-world community health challenges. By fostering intercultural dialogue, critical thinking, and cultural humility, she inspires nursing students to grow into confident professionals and globally minded leaders who are prepared to improve patient care and community outcomes.
Here's my interview with Dr. Davies:
How has Sigma membership resources helped you thrive in the classroom?
The resources provided by Sigma have strengthened my teaching by giving me access to evidence‑based research, global nursing networks, and innovative teaching tools. These resources have been especially valuable in my study abroad and virtual exchange courses, where international perspectives and current scholarship enrich class discussions on global health, cultural awareness, and allowing students to develop global citizenship. Through Sigma, I’m able to bring more relevant, diverse, and research‑informed content into the classroom, helping my students thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
What inspires you to teach?
As a proponent of social change, teaching provides me the tools for advancing social change because it shapes how people think, what they value, and how they act within their communities I’m inspired to teach because I love watching students discover their strengths and grow into confident, compassionate professionals. Teaching allows me to help shape their journey, support their curiosity, and connect learning to real‑world impact especially in global and cross‑cultural settings. Knowing that teaching cultivates critical thinking and informed action; what happens in the classroom can influence patient care, communities, and the future of our profession is what motivates me every day.
What innovative pedagogy have you engaged in recently?
One of my most significant innovations has been embedding sustained virtual exchange as a central instructional strategy. For over three years, I partnered students with peers in international institutions for multi week discussions responding to each other’s cultural insights on global health and social issues. Through structured cross‑cultural dialogues and shared readings, students developed real‑time intercultural communication skills, global awareness, and the ability to compare health systems and community contexts across borders. This approach fosters intercultural competence, broadens their understanding of global health issues, fosters empathy, cultural humility, and develops global citizenship, without the travel barrier.
Pictures from Study Abroad in Ghana:
Student outreach with local health workers in rural community (Achiase).
Dr. Davies and nursing student at Central University
GSU students and Nursing Administrative Staff at Central University
GSU students at Kwabe Municipal Hospital with Nurse Manager
What other innovative pedagogy have you implemented in your classroom?
I have introduced simulation activities that replicate real‑world scenarios such as working with a marginalized family to promote healthy lifestyle and prevent diseases, applying behavioral theories to impact change, or responding to social determinants of health challenges. These simulations allow students to make decisions, experience diverse roles of the community health nurse, reflect on outcomes, and apply critical thinking skills in a low‑risk environment, and reflect on They offer active learning and immediate feedback, reinforcing both confidence and competency.
Outside the Classroom: Hobbies and Interests
Gardening is one of my greatest joys - an opportunity to slow down, observe growth, and cultivate resilience. I am also passionate about traveling, both personally and professionally allowing me to immerse myself in diverse cultures, cuisines, and ways of living. These experiences enrich my worldview and directly inform my global teaching practices. Travel keeps me adaptable and committed to helping students understand the broader world they will serve.
I am also enthusiastic about community engagement initiatives; especially marginalized/vulnerable communities. Through volunteer work, service partnerships, or supporting local organizations, I am committed to strengthening marginalized communities through educational support. Community engagement keeps me connected to real‑world needs while making sure my teaching remains relevant, compassionate, and grounded in service.
These interests gardening, traveling, and community engagement help me maintain balance, creativity, and purpose. They enrich my personal life and continually inspire my work as an educator, scholar, and mentor.