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Insights Magazine 2025

Living a Legacy

Living a Legacy

How three women in one family set the tone for the future of nursing through advocacy, leadership, and education

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At the University of Utah College of Nursing (CON), a 77-year legacy has been shaped by a shared vision of high-quality, accessible health care. It’s fueled by the passion of alumni, educators, and nursing professionals alike. For one family, that legacy is deeply personal. Across three generations, three remarkable women have each found their own path in nursing. Together, they embody the college’s principles of service, education, and leadership and provide tangible form to how these values endure.

A Family Legacy in Nursing

When Erica Nelson, DNP, APRN, CNM, WHNP-BC, took the stage for her 2024 graduation from the CON’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, she was surrounded by a sea of familiar faces. Among them were colleagues, fellow graduates, and faculty who had supported her journey. But two stood out most: her mother, longtime professor and community advocate Ana Sanchez-Birkhead, PhD, APRN, WHNP-BC, and her daughter, Elena, a newly enrolled nursing student at the CON. 

The moment was the culmination of years of hard work. As a full-time mother, Erica had also been working part-time as a certified nurse-midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner while also teaching undergraduate classes. Returning to school had been daunting, but she had always believed it was possible. After all, she’d been inspired by watching her mother do the same for decades.

ANA SANCHEZ-BIRKHEAD: CONTINUING A LINEAGE OF HEALING

Erica’s mother, Ana, was raised in California as the daughter of Costa Rican immigrants. From a young age, Ana was captivated by family stories, especially those of her great-great-grandmother, a revered midwife and healer in her village in Costa Rica. The tales sparked a reverence for the power of women’s strength and intuition in caring for others.

Nursing wasn’t Ana’s original plan. She began college focused on accounting. But a medical terminology elective ignited her fascination for the language of medicine and the human body. So she changed direction, wholeheartedly embracing the profession of nursing.

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Everything clicked during a clinical rotation in labor and delivery. The legacy of her foremothers, the spirit of caregiving, and the joy of advocating for women came together. Ana had found her calling in continuing a lineage of healing that had begun generations before her.

Driven by a deep commitment to health care, advocacy, and lifelong learning, Ana balanced her clinical role as a nurse practitioner with rigorous academic pursuits, earning both her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and PhD degrees. Her compelling advocacy for women’s health quickly stood out at a professional conference, which led to her first academic position at Brigham Young University. Ultimately, though, Ana’s passion found its fullest expression at University of Utah Health, where she joined a college deeply invested in empowering students, expanding research, and building community partnerships.

“My time at the U has been so meaningful,” she says. “The leadership here has always championed real-world experience and growth, equipping students and faculty with the tools to succeed. With so many programs and specialties, there’s space for every nurse to find their path, from BS to PhD.”

BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH RESEARCH ADVOCACY

Ana made full use of her opportunities. She joined a cancer disparities research lab, where her work contributed significantly to a breast cancer survivorship study and a community support program that’s now in its 20th year.

“My own cultural experiences shaped the way I approached community education,” Ana explains. “In many Latina families, you see strong support systems during health crises. We built our workshops around that— empowering women to share resources and tell their stories, while gathering important data that can often be lost through language or access barriers.”

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The resulting model has inspired similar programs nationwide. It’s created spaces where Latina women can both give and receive support and where facilitators gain crucial insights into cultural identities and obstacles to care.

“Women can access information and come together for support,” Ana says. “It’s their voices that sustain these programs and make them effective.”

Ana retired in July 2025, but her work is far from over. Her legacy of advocacy continues as she leads and supports multiple organizations, including the Utah Hispanic Health Care Task Force, Alliance Community Services, and the Unidos en Utah chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses.

The College of Nursing has given me a home to pursue education and high-level research that reflects my own cultural background and passions,” Ana says. “From day one, I was supported by leadership, fellow faculty, staff, and even students who all understood the value of what we were building and the legacy we will be leaving behind. Even in retirement, the research, mentorship, and service opportunities allow me to stay deeply connected to both community and academia.
Ana Sanchez-Birkhead PhD, APRN, WHNP-BC

A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP: ERICA NELSON

Ana’s legacy deeply influenced Erica, who admittedly had not planned to follow in her mother’s footsteps.

“I was more interested in community health and business,” Erica says. “There was never pressure from my family, but over time I realized that nursing aligned with my personal values. I saw how much impact nurses have in women’s health and that really inspired me.”

Erica didn’t need to look far for a role model. While growing up, she had watched her mother build a career grounded in compassion and excellence. With a growing interest in advocacy, Erica charted her own path. After earning her MSN in 2009, Erica began her career as a certified nurse-midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner.

After 10 years of this clinical work, she felt ready to give back on a broader scale.

Erica was familiar with the academic culture and leadership of the CON having watched her mother become a faculty member in 2012. So when it was time to flex her own teaching muscles, Erica knew exactly where she wanted to be.

“I began here as an adjunct faculty member,” Erica says. “I immediately loved the students and my colleagues. I felt supported by a faculty community that was encouraging and uplifting. The mission and focus of the college resonated with my own values. Starting in an introductory faculty position, I felt completely welcomed and supported by senior faculty. They respected my clinical experiences and education and helped me envision my journey in academia. Not only did they recognize my potential, but they also helped me achieve it.”

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I chose to pursue the DNP to deepen my clinical expertise, expand my leadership capacity, and enhance my ability to support the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners. After more than a decade as a midwife and women’s health practitioner, I found myself mentoring students, leading teams, and seeking opportunities to grow—particularly in women’s health and nursing education. The College of Nursing’s MS to DNP program offered the ideal next step, with a flexible, individualized structure that allowed me to focus on areas most relevant to my practice. I was drawn to the college’s strong faculty, supportive community, innovation, and real-world impact in health care.
Erica Nelson DNP, APRN, CNM, WHNP-BC

Teaching, Mentorship, and the DNP Journey

Erica’s feeling of connection to the college and her colleagues inspired her to earn a clinical doctoral degree, the DNP, as the next step in her career. Throughout her academic journey, Erica leaned on the example and support of her mother.

“I watched my mom work, go to school, and parent with intention,” she says. “That shaped how I approached my own goals. I learned how to build a support network, delegate, and stay focused on what aligns with my values.”

Now a faculty member and the interim director of the post-MS to DNP Leadership in Health Systems and Practice track within the DNP program, Erica teaches with the same dedication she admired in her mentors. Her classes emphasize evidence-based practice and real-world leadership. Her dual commitment to education and community advocacy mirrors her mother’s.

“Erica is a huge advocate for patients, students, and colleagues,” Ana says. “She champions the individual and believes in empowerment.”

“She brings joy and warmth to the classroom,” adds Susan Chase-Cantarini, DNP, a clinical nursing professor. “Her empathy and insight make her a natural fit in nursing education.”

Linda Hofmann, PhD, another colleague and a mentor agrees: “Erica has an unmistakable passion for leadership and excellence. Her experience and commitment elevate everything she’s part of, from classroom discussions to state board service. She leads with intellect, heart, and a drive to uplift the nursing profession.”

Erica’s journey with the CON—first as an observer during her mom’s career, then as a student, and now as a faculty member—has given her broad insight about what it means to be successful. She is open about her experiences.

“I encourage incoming students at all levels to choose a profession and specialty that calls to them,” Erica says. “With so many options and opportunities at the college, there’s no need to feel pressured to choose a specialty right away. We want students to explore the continuum of nursing, whether that’s education, clinical care, research, or advocacy. In the story of my own family, nursing takes different forms. That kind of breadth is possible because of the support and flexibility the college provides.”

Elena's Path: A New Generation, A Continuing Legacy

In 2024, Erica’s daughter, Elena, was accepted into the CON, continuing the legacy of care. While Elena grew up immersed in this environment, she originally saw herself as a dancer and athlete. It wasn’t until undergoing surgeries for femoral misalignment that she envisioned herself in a nursing role.

“I was in a lot of pain,” Elena recalls. “But the nurses made me feel seen. They went beyond routine care by braiding my hair, keeping me company, helping me feel like myself again.”

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That experience left a lasting impression. Now a nursing assistant at University of Utah Hospital, Elena regularly draws on it in her own practice.

“I hope I can make a tough moment a little easier for someone else,” she says. “Whether it’s a bath, a braid, or just a conversation, I want to offer the same kindness I received.”

Elena entered the college through an early assurance program, now called U-Excel, which streamlines the path to a BS degree for high-achieving high school students.

“Everything just clicked here,” she says. “I had scholarships, a clear path forward, and a strong support system, even while carving out my independence. And because I came to the college through U-Excel, I didn’t have to worry about applying to the program once I got to college. I could focus more on exploring what kind of nurse I wanted to become and shaping my future career.”

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Three Generations, A Singular Purpose

With her sights set on graduate education and eventually becoming a nurse practitioner, Elena sees limitless possibilities. Her mother and grandmother have laid a clear blueprint for what’s possible in nursing and for leading with intention and care.

I’ve always looked up to my grandma,” says Elena. “When I was younger, I sometimes went to work with her. I was struck by how many people knew her, liked her, and respected her. I always felt lucky to be related to her, especially now as I can see how many lives she’s impacted. She supports my hopes and dreams, just like she’s supported other people in our community.”

Elena also relies on a close bond with her mother and admires her mom’s example.

“I take pride in being my mother’s daughter,” she says. “I have learned a lot about how to be a good student and health care provider by listening to my mom’s stories and watching the ways she’s helped people. It’s inspiring to see her work and take care of our family. Since we’re so similar, I know I can do those things, too.”

“The impact of our family on women’s health and the Latina community will be lasting,” Elena promises. “For us, choosing the College of Nursing was choosing opportunities. Our story shows the ability of this institution to meet the needs of multiple generations and professions.”

A Lasting Legacy

“The legacy continues,” Ana says, laughing. “Watching my daughter and granddaughter become successful in a field I have loved is amazing, inspiring, and also not surprising. Our shared values tie us together.”

“This family’s close relationships, deep commitment to education, and concern for community, advocacy, and integrity serve as a powerful example of the values we cherish and promote,” says Dean of the CON, Marla De Jong, PhD, RN, CCNS, FAAN. “Their story uniquely demonstrates how the college supports nurses across the full spectrum of their careers—from early education to leadership and faculty roles. We’re committed to ensuring sustainable, multi-generational advancement in the field of nursing."

Watching my mom graduate was really cool. I was so proud. It’s not the end for her—and it’s just the beginning for me.
Elena Nelson U-EXCEL Graduate

The college fosters an environment where lifelong learning, mentorship, and service shape each new generation of nurse leaders. Through academic guidance, personal support, and real-world experience, students access opportunities that resemble their goals and their communities.

Erica reflects on these ideals—the power of generational momentum, shared purpose, and mentorship— as she thinks about her graduation in May 2024.

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“The ceremony was meaningful on every level,” she says. “It was the convergence of self, family, profession, and purpose. Having my mom there was the icing on the cake. Seeing my own students cross the stage and knowing Elena would be there soon made me emotional. We’re fortunate. And I’m committed to paying it forward, so more students can reach their full potential.”

“Watching my mom graduate was really cool,” Elena adds. “I was so proud. It’s not the end for her—and it’s just the beginning for me.”

“I’m filled with pride and gratitude to see our family’s legacy continue at the University of Utah College of Nursing,” Ana concludes. “We hope others see themselves in our story and feel inspired to pursue nursing as a powerful calling to uplift communities and lead with compassion.”

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ABOUT U-EXCEL


U-Excel: Excellence in Nursing is a dynamic, direct entry pathway to the Bachelor of science (Bs) program in nursing at the University of Utah. High school seniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are eligible to apply for this competitive program. Replacing the former Nursing early Assurance Program (NEAP), U-Excel offers a streamlined, secure route into nursing that eliminates the stress of competitive admissions and allows students to focus on their academic and personal growth. Participants demonstrate readiness for upper-division nursing coursework by maintaining high academic standards and progressing toward a BS degree. 

With support from specialized academic advisors, students create a personalized academic plan that integrates nursing prerequisites with required enrichment opportunities. To enhance their academic and co-curricular experience, U-excel students must apply and actively participate in one of the following: the Honors College, the Bennion Community engagement Certificate Program, the Undergraduate research opportunity Program (UROP), or the summer Program for Undergraduate research (SPUR). Through early exposure to nursing values, service learning, and focused coursework, students form a confident academic and professional identity as future leaders in the profession of nursing. Visit nursing.utah.edu/programs/bs/uexcel to learn more.