Thank you to all of the sponsors for the California State Chapter Inagural Event
Our Commitment
The mission of the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (LA NAHN) is to advocate for the professional and educational advancement of nurses serving Hispanic communities, promote culturally competent healthcare, and improve health outcomes through mentorship, leadership, and community engagement.
"To be a leading force in transforming healthcare by empowering Hispanic nurses and advancing equitable and culturally competent care for all communities."
- LANAHN VISION STATEMENT
Fulfilling Our Mission Through
LA NAHN History
LA NAHN’s roots go back to the 1960s, when the Chicana Nurses Organization (CNO) emerged as the first Hispanic nurses’ association in the United States. CNO became an incorporated non-profit in 1969, building early momentum for representation, leadership, and visibility among Hispanic and Latina nurses.
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In August 1990, after multiple invitations from the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), CNO officially became the Los Angeles Chapter—solidifying its place within the nation’s only professional organization dedicated to representing Latino nurses.
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“The first Hispanic nurses’ organization in the U.S. began right here in Los Angeles.”
Today, NAHN has grown into a national network of chapters across the United States and Puerto Rico. The organization is deeply engaged in local, state, regional, and national issues shaping the health of Hispanic communities. Through mentorship, networking, and collective action, NAHN supports the professional growth of Latino nurses and strengthens their role within a caring and healing profession.
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NAHN continues its commitment to expanding access to education, leadership pathways, and economic opportunity for Hispanic nurses—while advancing equitable, high-quality healthcare for the communities they serve.
In California—the state with the largest Hispanic population—health outcomes are often shaped by political and socio-economic realities. LA NAHN was founded to address these gaps by building community, developing leadership, and creating support systems for local Hispanic/Latino nurses. Since 1990, the chapter has been a hub for connection, advocacy, and professional development across Los Angeles.
“Less than 7% of the U.S. nursing workforce identifies as Latino, despite Latinos representing 18% of the population.”
Since 1975, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses has been the nation’s leading voice for Latino nursing professionals. As a 501(c)(3) organization with 40+ chapters, NAHN champions excellence, provides mentorship, recognizes achievement, and drives initiatives that shape the future of Latino representation in healthcare.
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A core priority is growing a strong, highly skilled pipeline of Latino nurses—elevating educational opportunities, leadership development, and professional advancement. Increasing Latino participation in the nursing workforce remains a defining piece of NAHN’s mission.