As we embark on the New Year, it is with great pleasure that University of Santo Tomas Nurses Association International (USTNAI) takes this opportunity to honor and celebrate the remarkable achievements and significant milestones of our esteemed colleagues. We invite you to join us in a moment of reflection, as we acknowledge the incredible journey that has brought them to this point.

Minda Banaria, BSN Class of 1964 has received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the UST College of Nursing along with Nancy Hoff, BSN Class 1966 and Senen Cabalfin,  BSN Class 1979, held last December, 2023 in Manila, Philippines. Both Nancy Hoff and Minda Banaria have been very consistent supporters of USTNAI as the Association has continued to evolve through the years to stay relevant and responsive to its members and alumni. This award is given to honor individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and distinguished service to the College of Nursing, the community, and extraordinary achievements in their chosen field.

Mindy Ofiana, BSN Class 1975, MSN, RN, Founding President, and current Executive Director of USTNAI has been elected as Pres-Elect PNAA Foundation Board FY 2023-2025. The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the PNAA designed to promote and support professional advancement of all Filipino American nurses and health for all through nursing care, education, scholarship, management, and research. Her leadership and experiential knowledge, skills and expertise as critical care nurse, COO and CNO are well recognized, lending itself well in her role as Pres-elect. Thus, she is well positioned towards steering the PNAA Foundation in accomplishing its mission and vision both here and abroad. She also serves as Adjunct Professor at Charles R. Drew University, College of Nursing in Los Angeles, California. Moreover, she prides herself as a wife, mother, and grandmother to five girls. 

Joanely Salinas, BSN Class 1996, MS in Nursing Administration
Joanely is currently a Board Member of the University of Santo Tomas Nurses Association International (USTNAI). She has been a NICU nurse for 17 years and most recently promoted to the position of Department Administrator in the NICU. It is through her deep commitment to delivering high-quality care, fostering excellence and compassion, and empowering staff, along with a transformational leadership style, that has led to this well-deserved promotion. Currently, she also serves as the Corresponding Secretary of the Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California (PNASC). Joanely looks forward to creating positive changes and hopes to impact more lives in her new role. As she continues as a nurse leader, her aim is to make profound difference in the healthcare community. 

Roland Santos, BSN Class 1981, MSN, BSN, RN, is currently the USTNAI Treasurer and Board member. As CNO of Encino Medical Center and Sherman Oaks Hospital, he has made the list of 153 hospital and health system Chief Nursing Officers to know | 2023. As the CNO, Mr. Santos oversees the clinical and administrative operations of both Prime Healthcare hospitals. Additionally, he fosters collaboration between clinical departments, provides management and oversight for various nursing departments including the development of high-quality, cost-effective, and integrated clinical programs. One of Mr. Santos' notable accomplishments was the implementation of a cardiac catheter laboratory and subacute services in both Encino Medical Center and Sherman Oaks. In addition to his role as CNO, Mr. Santos also serves as director of risk management.

Ronaldo Verian, BSN Class 1992, MPH, MOH, RN, PHN, is currently the President of the USTNAI. The recent re-organization of the California Department of Health Care Services has made possible the creation of a new position for which Mr. Verian has just been selected to lead and manage. The new position as Unit Chief, Clinical Review of the Department of Health Care Services’ Audits & Investigation, Contract and Enrollment Review Division, speak highly of Mr. Verian’s educational background in public health completing an MPH from Yale University recently. Additionally, his broad-based knowledge & experience in health care & public health system, will benefit the communities that the department serves.

Let us raise our glasses to toast their achievements, and express our heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable contributions they have made. Together, we can look forward to a future filled with continued growth, success, and the collective pursuit of excellence.