In honor of Women’s History Month, we showcase the women who have shaped Galen College of Nursing. We spoke with four accomplished female leaders at the college about their career inspirations, pivotal moments, and advice for other aspiring leaders. Read on to see how their stories and insights highlight the power of resilience, passion, and strategic leadership. 

Anna Kitson, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, attributes her career inspiration to the female leaders she observed early on in agency life. “I was fortunate to be surrounded by female leaders, watching them lead all-male client teams through strategic marketing plans without blinking an eye,” she says. “I learned by watching them demonstrate unwavering conviction and strength around the quality of their work, no matter the audience.” 

Tracy A. Ortelli, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, President & Chief Academic Officer, draws inspiration from a historical figure—Isabel Hampton Robb. “She was a pioneer, an advocate, a problem solver, an influencer, and someone who demonstrated unwavering commitment to improving nursing education and healthcare,” Ortelli shares. “Her vision laid the foundation for the work nurse educators continue to do today.” 

For many leaders, the path to the top involves recognizing opportunities and taking initiative. The desire to shape ideas rather than execute someone else’s vision was the driving force for Kitson. “I wanted to be able to interpret the data and form ideas from it versus being asked to create ideas from someone else’s interpretation,” she explains. “What keeps me inspired is working with creative thinkers, taking a spark of an idea and molding it into that ‘aha’ moment.” 

Audria Denker, RN, DNP, FAADN, Chief Experience Officer, speaks of her journey overcoming self-doubt. “Starting as a high school dropout and single mother in the ’80s, I lacked belief in my ability to succeed,” she recalls. “Graduating with my associate’s degree in nursing was a major milestone, but the pivotal moment was realizing my capacity for resilience and perseverance. That initial victory fueled my continued education, culminating in my doctorate.” 

Kathy Dwyer, Associate Chief Operating Officer, shares a defining moment when she took the lead on a project with no clear direction. “Even though I had never managed a single person or project of that size before, I asked to lead the project,” she says. “Ultimately, this became a pivotal project that changed the trajectory of my career and solidly established my reputation as a leader who could get things done.” 

Across the board, these leaders emphasize the importance of confidence, resilience, and strategic thinking. 

Denker advises young women to “seize opportunities, cultivate self-belief, and build strong professional networks. Expect challenges and setbacks and develop the resilience to overcome them,” she encourages. “Be yourself, and don’t try to conform to unrealistic expectations.” 

Ortelli emphasizes self-care and professional passion. “Make sure that you take good care of yourself every day,” she advises. “Be courageous, take risks, and communicate with clarity and purpose.” 

Dwyer stresses the importance of giving time to others, even when it’s inconvenient. “Leaders must give what is needed,” she explains. “Take the call, help with the request if you can, and don’t make a big deal about it. When the overall organization is successful, you are successful.” 

Kitson highlights the importance of excellence and passion. “Don’t settle. Leadership comes through showing a desire for excellence in all things, from the 30,000-foot view to the details. Don’t be afraid to show passion for your work and how much you care about quality.” 

These journeys emphasize that leadership requires vision, resilience, and the willingness to step up when opportunities arise. Whether through personal challenges or career-defining moments, these leaders have carved out paths that continue to inspire. For young women aspiring to reach leadership positions, their message is clear: believe in yourself, embrace challenges, and lead with purpose.