Ayannah Burgos '26 Authors Chapter in 'Latinas in Nursing Vol. II'

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Ayannah Burgos '26 is a first‑generation college-educated Latina and a member of the inaugural cohort of the Seedworks Health Equity in Nursing Program at the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing (EMCON). As she prepares to graduate next month, Burgos can also add published author to her resume.

In 2024, Burgos penned a chapter in "Latinas in Nursing Vol. II: Stories of Determination, Inspiration, and Trust" by Tina Loarte-Rodriguez. Building on the success and stories from its first volume, "Latinas in Nursing Vol. II"  showcases the resilience and triumphs of Latina nurses, serving as an "invaluable resource for nurses and those who collaborate with and advocate for nurses," according to the book description. Burgos is the only student nurse to be featured in the series so far. She was nominated to participate by Lucinda Canty, associate professor and director of the Seedworks program.

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Ayannah Burgos '26 stands with copies of "Latinas in Nursing Vol. II," in which she penned a memoir chapter.

In a recent author talk she presented on April 17, 2026 in Skinner Hall, Burgos said Canty's mentorship and encouragement was the beginning of her journey to dismantle doubts she had been wrestling with. "My socioeconomic status became more apparent to me through every interaction," she shared. "How could I belong here when there was such a small number of Latinas admitted into this program? For the first time, I felt imposter syndrome."

Writing her own chapter for "Latinas in Nursing Vol. II" is a milestone Burgos is "immensely proud of." Titled “Say Her Name, Know Her Strength,” she details how her path to nursing was born from inspiration of all of the women role models in her family, including her mother, grandmother, and aunt. Burgos spent countless hours as a child learning from the care and service that her grandmother's personal care assistant provided over the years, eventually shaping Burgos's own commitment to whole-person nursing care. Her Puerto Rican ancestry is an important part of her identity and how she chooses to show up as a nurse leader.

"Latina representation is essential in health care. No one should ever question themselves and face imposter syndrome because they aren't accurately represented and reflected in their program. Now, I've learned if there is no representation, I will be the representation."

—Ayannah Burgos '26, co-author "Latinas in Nursing Vol. II"

After graduation, Burgos plans to begin her nursing career by relocating to South Carolina. She eventually plans to pursue a career as a women’s health nurse practitioner. Writing will always be a part of her life. Her advice to admitted nursing students who feel they don’t belong: reach out to the Seedworks team to connect with her and other Seedworks alumni to feel less alone— she wants to hear from you.

The Seedworks Health Equity in Nursing Program is a scholarship and mentorship program at EMCON that was started in 2021. Founded to challenge the status quo, Seedworks "unapologetically centers the brilliance, resilience, and authenticity of UMass Nursing students who are BIPOC, queer, first-generation, neurodivergent, and everything in between." Recently admitted students to the four-year nursing program are eligible to apply. Learn more.