2021 TNA Virtual Conference

TNA VIRTUAL CONFERENCE | 2021: YEAR OF THE NURSE 2.0 - ONE YEAR WASN’T ENOUGH
NOMINATING COMMITTEE Vote for three (3)
Ashley Carter, BSN, RN
A little about my background, I started my nursing career as a Licensed Practical
Nurse in an urgent care setting and then relocated to Nashville, TN a year later to
pursue my passion in Pediatrics. I worked at Vanderbilt as a Pediatric/Adolescent
Primary and Acute care nurse for about 4 years before returning to school. I
completed my ASN at Fortis Institute because they had a bridge program for LPN-
RN in 18 months. During that time, I worked as a night shift supervisor at a Skilled
Nursing Facility and served as interim Resident Services director. I returned to school to complete my BSN
at Chamberlain University and am currently enrolled in the MSN program to achieve my goal of becoming
a Nurse Educator. I am beyond thankful for the opportunities that I have been able to access through TNA;
it has truly helped me grow professionally. I am a self-motivated individual. I love learning from others
and sharing my personal experiences. I strive to represent diversity in healthcare and provide better care
for diverse populations while creating more inclusion within the nursing profession. I want to represent
areas of nursing that are often underrepresented and believe that their participation and knowledge is
vital to gain insight on patient experience, education, quality, and safety. The skills we develop as bedside
nurses can easily translate to leadership/managerial roles. One of my favorite quotes of all time is, “Don’t
let the fear of what could happen make nothing happen.” The year 2020-2021 for me is about stepping
out of your comfort zone, being brave, and bold. With every stage in my life, I wanted to focus on being
the best version of myself that I can possibly be while spreading positivity and confidence.Today I am
honored to nervously place myself at the forefront of a meaningful leadership opportunity. I hope you chose
me to represent TNA based on support, guidance, and faith, as I would love to represent this incredible
organization. I am humbled by the sheer possibility of representing a caliber of nurses who I have found to
be outstanding individuals. To me, nurses represent resiliency and selflessness. Nurses are professionally
driven to serve and have shown complete dedication time and time again. As a newer member, I was
overwhelmed by the wealth of knowledge, support, and mentorship that I’ve received, and it has had a
profound impact on me as a nurse leader. I am fortunate to have had nothing but positive experiences,
encounters, and encouragement on this journey. Since my start with TNA, I have become an interim board
member for District 3, made the May 2021 edition of Tennessee Nurse for the “I am TNA” segment, and I
am the current member of the month for District 3. I value working as a team and feel that my personable
character, eagerness to learn, and ability to overcome challenges would be befitting in this role.
La-Kenya Kellum, DNP, RN, NE-BC, CNML
I have been a practicing registered nurse and active member of TNA/ANA for 21 years.
I have held positions in TNA including: Director of Operations, Chair of Nominating
Committee, Secretary, Vice-President, and ANA Delegate. At the local level (District 1),
I have served as President, Vice-President, and Treasurer. I have been a nursing leader
for over 15 years. My strengths include energy and drive to accomplish goals, faith in
abilities and judgment, focus, diversity, creativity, positivity, and consistency.
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