Five Carolina Nursing students elected to North Carolina Association of Nursing Students Board

Carolina Nursing proudly celebrates the election of five students to the North Carolina Association of Nursing Students (NCANS) board of directors. Kyndall Estep, serving as President (BSN2); Mia Brazeau, elected as Treasurer (BSN2); Alicia (Ali) Lillywhite, taking on the role of Publications Chair (incoming BSN); Madelyn Bowers, appointed as Director at Large (BSN 2); and Ricarte Jin (RJ) Atienza, also selected as Director at Large (BSN 2), have been elected to serve on the board, furthering the goals of nursing education and advocating for optimal patient care.

NCANS, the leading statewide organization representing nursing students in North Carolina, is dedicated to enhancing nursing education, fostering professional development, and promoting the highest standards of patient care. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, NCANS provides a platform for student nurses to engage in meaningful initiatives, share knowledge and experiences, and advocate for the nursing profession.

Kyndall Estep
Hometown: Lexington, NC
Why did you choose nursing? Choosing nursing was an easy decision for me. Nursing is not just a career but a lifelong journey. The nursing profession is an ever-changing field that offers endless opportunities for growth and learning. It allows me to pursue further education through various pathways, ensuring that I am constantly evolving and expanding my knowledge and skills. Moreover, it allows me to fulfill my passion for caring for others through patient-centered care. As a nurse, I am able to advocate for patients, educate them about their health, and provide compassionate care that truly makes a difference in their lives.
What does serving on the NCANS board mean to you? Serving on the NCANS Board for a second term and as President is a tremendous honor and responsibility for me. I am able to continue my commitment to North Carolina nursing students for a second term, leading them into the future and helping to bridge the gap between nursing school and clinical practice. Furthermore, it provides me with the opportunity to make meaningful connections with nursing students and nurses from across the country, allowing us to collaborate and improve both our schools and our practice. Serving on the NCANS Board is not just about leadership—it’s about making a positive impact on the future of nursing and healthcare in North Carolina and beyond.

Mia Brazeau
Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina
Why did you choose nursing? I chose nursing because I believe that it is the backbone of the healthcare system. I have always known that I wanted to help others. As I have been slowly exposed to the field, I have realized that nursing is for me. Nurses are apart of the front lines and they do much more than simply assisting with the physical needs. They spend the most time with the patients, are always there to listen, answer questions, and provide an invaluable impact on their lives.
What does serving on the nursing board mean to you? I am excited to work on the NCANS board since it is an opportunity to support nursing students in North Carolina. NCANS offers countless resources and opportunities and I want to ensure that they meet the needs of all its members. I am eager to collaborate with the other board members to contribute to the success of my fellow nursing students.

Alicia Lillywhite
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Why did you choose nursing? Volunteering with kids who have special needs, working as a CNA, and interning in the NICU taught me the importance of advocacy and patient-centered care, inspiring me to enter into a career in nursing.
What does serving on the NCANS Board mean to you? To me, serving on the NCANS Board means fostering a supportive environment for all nursing students. I am honored to have the opportunity to amplify student voices, ensuring everyone’s needs are heard and addressed. I look forward to connecting with other nursing students and helping each other enrich our education.

Madelyn Bowers
Hometown: Lexington, NC
Why did you choose nursing? I chose nursing because of the different opportunities I will have as a nurse to help people. Nursing offers a dynamic and rewarding career path where I can continuously learn, grow, and contribute to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities. I cannot wait to make a difference in someone’s life!
What does serving on the NCANS Board mean to you? I am grateful to represent all the fellow nursing students of North Carolina as the new Director at Large position. I have a passion for advocacy and community. In my new role I act as a liaison between all nursing schools in North Carolina. I am excited for the positive impacts and change to come with this new board. I am looking forward to working with everyone and assuming my position as Director at Large!

Ricarte Jin Atienza
Hometown: Bulacan, Philippines
Why did you choose nursing? I’ve always loved nursing’s holistic approach to treating patients! I feel like there’s a lot of ways we can do as nurses to help and empower patients, whether that’s through treatment, patient education, or research about how to better approach problems. While doing so, I get to do the things I am passionate about, and contribute to people’s well-being!
What does serving on the NCANS Board mean to you? For me, serving on the NCANS board means collaborating with my peers to expand access to nursing education across the state, for both current and aspiring nurses alike. I am honored to be part of an organization that has a long-held tradition of helping bring people from all walks of life together to innovate new ways we can use to continue to uphold and enhance the standard of nursing!