West Houston Chapter President Welcome Message

Dear Members of the West Houston Chapter of AACN,

As we step into this new year, I am thrilled as your new Chapter President to share a message that I hope sets the tone for everything we do in the months ahead. Inspired by AACN's 2025-2026 theme “On Purpose” - I invite each of us to lead, grow, and serve in the chapter this year with bold intentionality.

In her address, AACN President Rebekah Marsh said, “We are nurses. We are leaders. But we are also artists, architects, and gardeners. We are building the future together.” This is a reminder for all of us that nursing is not just a profession, but a craft- one where we have the power to design, shape, and cultivate the culture of healthcare and nursing.

"On Purpose" is also a mindset that calls us to act with clarity, to lead with conviction, and to support each other in ways that are deeply rooted in our shared mission, vision, and values.

Let us make this the year that we:

• Engage fully, by sharing our voices and participating in chapter activities.
• Collaborate intentionally, recognizing that joy and fulfillment in our work are amplified when we do it together.
• Nurture growth, not only for our careers and for the chapter, but for nursing as a whole.

I encourage each of you to get involved and connect with one another. This chapter is a professional network and a community where your voice matters and your growth is supported. Thank you for the work you do, and for being committed to transforming nursing for the better.

I am honored to serve alongside you, and I am excited for what we will create and accomplish together this year. Here's to a year of impact, growth, and purposeful progress!

With much appreciation,

Kristen Gutierrez, MSN, RN, CNL, CNRN, SCRN

Alumnus CCRN

President, West Houston Chapter of AACN