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Hispanic Nursing Leader Nilda Peragallo Honored

Dr. Nilda Peragallo (right) accepts her award at the NHMA banquet in Wasjongton. Pictured with her are Martha Baez, president, Hispanic Dental Association (left) and Elena Rios, NHMA president and CEO.

Nilda P. Peragallo, RN, DrPH, FAAN, dean of the University of Miami School of Nursing and president of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), is a nurse educator, researcher, clinician and advocate who exemplifies leadership in many different capacities. This spring, the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) honored Dr. Peragallo’s exceptional commitment to nursing, education and quality health care by presenting her with its prestigious Hispanic Health Leadership Award. The award recognizes national leaders who make outstanding contributions to their communities.

Dr. Peragallo was presented with her award on March 20 at an awards banquet held during NHMA’s Eighth Annual Conference, “Hispanic Health Strategies Across the Nation,” in Washington, D.C.

The NAHN president, who is also an officer of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA) and has conducted extensive research on HIV/AIDS prevention in Latino women, feels that this award is not merely a recognition of her personal accomplishments. Rather, she believes it represents an honor for all Hispanic nurses.

“I am pleased to receive this award on behalf of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses,” she says. “The nursing profession welcomes all individuals who believe in quality health care. This award recognizing the contributions of Hispanic nurses who are working to improve the health of our nation is most rewarding.”