Women’s History Month and the Role of Female Nurses

March 10, 2022

The United States Congress designated March "Women's History Month" in 1987. Annual celebrations are aimed to celebrate the many achievements and contributions women have made throughout American history in all fields and industries.

In March, Avant Healthcare Professionals believe in honoring women all over the world, women in nursing, and our female executives who help Avant Healthcare Professionals support our mission of "Changing Lives."

Influential Women in Nursing History

Mary Eliza Mahoney

Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first African American registered nurse. Although faced with overwhelming discrimination, Mahoney moved into private nursing and later joined the Nurses Associated Alumnae of the United States and Canada. She later co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses to help pave the way for other black nurses.

Dorothea Dix

Dorothea Dix spent 40 years advocating for mental health rights and became the superintendent of female nurses for the Union Army. She founded 32 mental health institutions during her career and oversaw a staff of over 6,000 nurses. She spent most of her career as an advocate for mental health awareness.

Clara Barton

Clara Barton became known as America's "Angel of the Battlefield" as she made it her mission to bring supplies to Union soldiers during their time of need. This slowly became her passion, which led her to find the American Red Cross in 1881. She led the organization until 1904 and was also a longtime supporter of women's suffrage.  

Honoring the Women of Avant Healthcare Professionals

Avant Healthcare Professionals is lucky to have incredible women on our staff that helps guide and inspire not only our nurses but also all the staff they oversee. Below we will honor executives, Vice Presidents, and Associate Vice Presidents on their work with Avant Healthcare Professionals and learn what Women’s History Month means to them.

Marisa Zaharoff, President

“It’s been nearly five months since I joined Avant Healthcare Professionals. I am incredibly proud of the diversity, equity, and inclusion of our organization both as an executive as well as a registered nurse. As we kick off Women’s History Month, I would like to share my gratitude for the courage and conviction of the pioneering women who made my path to becoming an executive leader possible.”   

As President, Zaharoff is dedicated to furthering the company’s mission and reach in helping international healthcare professionals achieve their American dreams and partnering with clients to overcome staffing shortages and meet patient care objectives.

Lesley Hamilton Powers, SVP of Operations

“I have been with Avant Healthcare Professionals for 15 years. Women’s History Month in 2022 is especially meaningful as the theme is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history. As an RN, it makes me proud to think of all of the nurses at Avant Healthcare Professionals who have worked so hard to provide healing and hope over the last 1-2 years and the dedication they have to improve the lives of patients they care for.”

As SVP of Operations, Powers leads many of the operational areas of the company including recruitment, document control, quality compliance, immigration, licensure and credentialing, client services, and employee support.

 Jennifer David, AVP of Client Relations

"I have been at Avant for eight years and a nurse for over 45 years. During my career, I have been able to take care of patients and guide nurses in their education and career paths. Avant has been the best experience for me in my nursing career as I have had the honor to be a part of helping nurses and changing their lives and the lives of their families. We live our mission of "changing lives" every day."

As AVP of Client Relations, David is responsible for the education of clients on best practices for transitioning international nurses, assessing client clinical needs, including units’ specifics to assist Client Services in making great matches, as well as supporting our sales team.

 Brenda Reinert, AVP of Professional Development

“I have been at Avant for 2 years as the Assistant Vice President of Nursing Professional Development. I have been a Registered Nurse for over 27 years. Women’s History Month, for me, is a time to reflect on all the contributions women have made globally to make our homes and world a better place. It is also a time to thank all the women before me who blazed their path and challenged the status quo that provided me the opportunities that I have today. This month is an opportunity for us to join to encourage, support, and empower each other.”  

As AVP of Nursing Professional Development, Reinert is responsible for directing, overseeing, and evaluating the Avant clinical education programs of the Clinical Transitions Program, Nursing Continuing Professional Development Department and Avant University Education & webinars. 

 Georgia Bemiss, AVP of Licensure and Credentialing

"I have been with Avant Healthcare Professionals for ten years. Woman's History Month is important in recognizing the contributions and achievements of women to inspire others to believe they can achieve their dreams without limits.  I have been honored to grow in my Avant career and be surrounded by many talented female leaders.”

As the AVP of Licensure and Credentialing, Bemiss ensures that our Healthcare Professionals have the proper documentation needed to work in the United States. Under the Licensure and Credentialing department is also Document Control which does an initial collection of qualifying documents, and the Avant English Program (AEP) that assist HCPs with knowledge of the English language.

 Joanna Garcia, AVP of Client Services

"I have been with Avant Healthcare Professionals for 17 months. The theme of women's history month is Providing Healing, Promoting Hope. It makes me thankful to the women in my life (sisters, mother, and grandmothers) who have given or given blood, sweat, and tears to make a difference for people.  The difference in being educators and promoting that education can make a difference. A difference in being nurses, knowing their actions helped save lives and a difference in showing that culture and diversity should always be embraced."

As AVP of Client Services, Garcia works with our client services department by nurturing our client relationships following the master staffing agreement processed by our sales team. Client Services matches the demand of our clients with our supply of Healthcare Professionals.

Shirley Perry, Controller, and AVP of Finance

“I have been with Avant Healthcare Professionals for over a year. Women’s History month to me is a time to reflect on how far we have come.  It was a little over 100 years ago that women couldn’t vote and only 50 years ago that women couldn’t get bank accounts or credit card accounts without their father’s or husband’s approval, just because of gender.  It’s thanks to those that worked hard to change the world’s perception of women that allows me to enjoy the same opportunities as my father, brother, and husband.”

As AVP of Finance, Perry oversees the finance department with multiple responsibilities including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, financial reporting, and maintaining financial controls.

Bottom Line

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s continuous contribution to history, culture, and society. Avant Healthcare Professionals believes it would not be complete without acknowledgment of nurses’ great contributions to the medical field and nursing profession. The number of women nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals continues to grow each year as nurses are continuing to be instrumental in promoting the health of individuals and communities. During Women’s History Month we honor the influential women in the nursing profession and all their achievements in clinical care, public health, and achievements in science.

There are women worldwide that have made significant impacts on healthcare and will continue to impact women everywhere. These nurses have affected the profession of nursing for all the women in the field today. This month we remind ourselves of all their achievements and hope nurses will continue to forge the path for future nurses. Thank you!