New York University College of Nursing’s Leadership Institute of Black Nurses (LIBN) is being honored by The Council of the City of New York in regular session business on May 31, 2012, to congratulate the Institute upon the graduation of its 100th participant since its inception just seven years ago.

New York City Council to Honor NYU College of Nursing’s Leadership Institute of Black Nurses in Regular Session Business on May 31, 2012
2012 NYUCN LIBN Fellows

New York University College of Nursing’s Leadership Institute of Black Nurses (LIBN) is being honored by The Council of the City of New York in regular session business on May 31, 2012, to congratulate the Institute upon the graduation of its 100th participant since its inception just seven years ago.

The LIBN was founded in 2005 by Yvonne Wesley, an alumna of NYU College of Nursing’s, who is now both an adjunct associate professor of nursing there as well as the Institute’s Director. LIBN helps black nurse managers to both envision and achieve career goals in administration, education, and research. It was founded not only to advance black nurses’ careers but also to address the extreme disparities in health between African-Americans and other groups in the United States.

Dr. Wesley emphasizes that both race and gender have historically been barriers to career advancement.

”Black nurses in entry level managerial positions for more than five years, share feelings of stagnation,” Dr. Wesley explains.  “The Institute helps the Fellows express and pursue their career goals within the workplace and negotiate across an uneven table.  We are grateful for the Council’s continued support of the Institute,” she said.

“This program was established in keeping with a long tradition of commitment to black nursing leadership at the NYU College of Nursing,” says NYUCN Dean Judith Haber. “With the grant from the City Council, the Institute’s commitment to education and mentorship has been greatly enhanced. We are delighted by, and appreciative of The City Council’s generous support and commitment to developing leaders in nursing.”


The LIBN holds six monthly training sessions, addressing topics such as individual efficacy, leadership paradigms, negotiation, and collaboration. Participants not only build on personal strengths to develop leadership ability, but also gain practical management skills, such as developing a vision, evaluating and measuring program outcomes, and understanding health care management and finances.

Each participant is paired with a leading African-American nurse in the New York City area who serves as Project Mentor and advisor on a community-health project. More than sixty-nine percent of participants hold Masters Degrees, and all serve in management-level positions.

“The Leadership Institute for Black Nurses ensures that a diversified nurse leadership is available to support the diverse patience population which makes our City such an extraordinary place to live,” notes the Council of the City of New York. “With our continued support, we can help all nurses break through racial and gender barriers and inspire our daughters and granddaughters to reach for their highest aspirations; and BE IT KNOWN That the Council of the City of New York honors the
NYU Leadership Institute of Black Nurses for its outstanding service and contributions to the community,” it concludes.


About LIBN:  In keeping with a long tradition of commitment to Black nursing leadership, the mission of the New York University Leadership Institute for Black Nurses at NYU College of Nursing is to prepare nurses of African descent for leadership positions. Through education and mentorship, the New York University Leadership Institute for Black Nurses serves as a resource to empower nurses that seek career advancement in administration, education, research.

The New York University College of Nursing is a global leader in nursing education, research, and practice. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Arts and Post-Master’s Certificate Programs; a Doctor of Philosophy in Research Theory and Development, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.   For more information, visit www.nyu.edu/nursing

Press Contact

Christopher James
Christopher James
(212) 998-6876