2024-2025 NRNIG executive

Tania La fleur is a RN and nursing leader and is currently working as a diabetes educator in Markham. Tania first started with the RNAO as a student member and then chosen as one of the first groups for the Student Board of Directors (BOD) placement. She later joined the Nursing Students of Ontario (NSO) while engaging with her Region 7 Chapter as a student member. Tania is currently an expert panelist for the Black Nurse task force with the RNAO.

Tania began her first nursing role in the community as a visiting nurse. From there, Tania felt compelled to work in the hospital setting to support her community as she made the decision to move to the  hospital sector. Following her time in the hospital Tania also worked in the public health sector and in education as a clinical instructor.

Tania is passionate about health and education and believes that a nurse inherently marries the two. Tania hopes that her nursing career will open doors for her to lead and provide mentorship to nursing students, nurses and other health professionals to advance the nursing profession. 

Mackenzie is a new nurse, having become an RN in January 2024. She has experience in Mental Health and Long Term Care. Since joining RNAO when she was a student, she has been an active advocate for nursing policy and took on the role as PPAN for the Middlesex Elgin Chapter in 2023. Since then, she has also become co-chair of this new interest group, New Nurses in Ontario.

My name is Gelena Stepanova (she/her), I am a Registered Nurse and received my BScN from York University in 2023. I am a part of the interprofessional resource team with experience working in mental health, emergency, and acute care settings. My professional and personal philosophy is grounded in self-awareness, growth, development and collaboration with others. I am a member of the Nursing Advisory Council at my workplace and strive to implement meaningful change in promoting high-quality healthcare. As a recent graduate, I have first-hand experience navigating challenges starting a new career, gaining skills and experiences and advocating for myself and others. With NRNIG, I strive to create and sustain a supportive and welcoming environment for new RNs joining the workforce. In my free time, I like to practice yoga, journal and spend time outdoors."

Ola Abanta Thomas Obewu is a Master of Nursing Student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), where she also works as a Research and Teaching Assistant. In addition to her academic pursuits, Ola works on the frontline as an Emergency Department nurse. The foundation of Ola's approach to nursing and leadership is centered on ensuring the success of nursing students and newly graduated nurses. With a strong dedication to mentorship and community building, Ola actively participates in various roles in the nursing community that support nursing students and new graduate nurses. As a founding executive of the New Registered Nurses Interest Group, Ola holds the position of the Policy ENO.

Diana  is a fourth-year nursing student at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is passionate about  health equity , social justice and advocacy. She is engaged with  maternal mental health research for Black populations and leadership development in nursing. Diana has been a media liason volunteer for RNAO since 2021 and continues to join RNAO in advocating and speaking for nursing in the media.

As a Communications ENO within the New Registered Nurses Interest Group, Diana hopes to amplify the voices of new nurses joining the profession by advocating for mentorship opportunities and leadership development.

Diana's high academic achievements reflect her commitment towards nursing excellence. As a student member of Sigma Theta Tau, she joins other nursing leaders to promote nursing excellence in both research and education.

 As a soon graduating student, Diana hopes to join the nursing workforce  and continue her research interests through a thesis masters in nursing program.

Temiloluwa Adeyemo is a dedicated NRT nurse with over a year of hands-on experience providing compassionate and high-quality care to patients in a fast-paced healthcare setting. With a strong commitment to professional growth and patient advocacy, I am excited to be a part of the new RN Interest Group where I hope to connect with like-minded peers, share knowledge, and stay updated on the latest practices in nursing.

David Inioluwa Adedeji is a graduate of York University and currently works as a Registered Nurse in Surgical Oncology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. He previously served as the Outreach Director of the Nursing Student Association and played a key role on the marketing team of the Canadian Black Nurses Association at York University. 

During his tenure as Outreach Director, David actively advocated for fairness, equity, and opportunities for innovative expression. His passion for advocacy extends to global health and social justice, reinforcing his commitment to meaningful change. 

In addition to his professional and advocacy work, David has a strong interest in public speaking and promoting Innovations. He has been invited as a keynote speaker and panellist at various health-related events. His contributions have been recognized through multiple awards and scholarships, highlighting his dedication and impact in the field.