2024 HEW

Monday Speaker Bios

  • Andrea Blount, MPH BSN RN, Patient Education Specialist

    Distinguished 30-year tenure at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, currently as a Patient Education Specialist. She has demonstrated leadership locally and regionally to advance community engagement & enhance health information. She is a qualitative interviewer in research to best understand the pathway for advancement of black and or African American women in nursing leadership. Other areas of my work include program coordinator for the clinical nurse mentorship program, Co-leader for the DEI committee and a facilitator for Spaces of Color (SOC). A significant role for her is the launching of a non-profit organization, Circles of Wellness designed to Promote health and wellness in faith congregations through Lay Health Educators (LHEs).

  • Felicia Morrison, MSN, MBA, RN, UPHS Administrative Fellow

    Felicia Morrison, MSN, MBA, RN is a dedicated UPHS Administrative Fellow with a remarkable 19-year journey at Penn Medicine. From her humble beginnings as a curious SFAS clinical bedside nurse, Felicia's path has been marked by excellence and service. Alongside her roles as Former Chair of the Nursing Research Core Council (2019-2021), Case Manager/Discharge Planner, and Nursing member of the HUP Ethics Committee (2016-2019), Felicia embodies a commitment to ethics, research, and holistic patient care.

    In 2020, Felicia was honored with the prestigious Helen McClelland Award for Research and Innovation, a testament to her unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare practices. With a Master of Nursing, MBA in Healthcare Administration, and a post-master certificate in quality and patient safety, Felicia stands as a beacon in the healthcare industry.

    Today, Felicia drives change as one of four nurse interviewers for the groundbreaking "Path for Women of Color to Ascend in Health Care" study. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others.

  • Georgian Green, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, RN-BC

    Georgian Green, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, RN-BC, is a dedicated clinical nurse who has been with Penn Medicine for over ten years. Georgian has served with distinction, currently holding the title of Clinical Nurse Level 3 and working as a Staffing for All Seasons Nurse at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

    Georgian's passion for advancing nursing practice and patient care is evident through her multifaceted roles within the healthcare community. As the past chair of the Nursing Research Council at HUP, she played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of evidence-based practice and continuous improvement. Her contributions to the Nursing Research Council have been instrumental in driving innovation and excellence in nursing care delivery.

    Furthermore, Georgian's commitment to research excellence extends beyond leadership roles. She actively contributes as one of the principal nurse interviewers for the research study entitled "The Path for Women of Color to Ascend in Healthcare: The Stakeholder's Perspective".

    Georgian received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Drexel University, solidifying her foundation of knowledge and expertise in nursing practice. With certifications as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP), and Board Certified Registered Nurse- (RN-BC), Georgian exemplifies a commitment to professional growth and clinical excellence.

    Outside of her professional endeavors, Georgian is known for her compassionate bedside manner, empowering patients to actively participate in their healthcare journey. She embodies the core values of nursing—compassion, integrity, and excellence—while consistently striving for excellence in all aspects of her practice. Georgian Green's unwavering dedication to advancing nursing practice, coupled with her profound commitment to research and patient care, truly sets her apart as a leader and advocate for nursing excellence.

  • Larissa Morgan MSN, RN-BC

    Larissa embodies the essence of a change agent, mentor, advocate, and barrier breaker. Over her impressive 20-year tenure at Penn Medicine, she has navigated various roles, including clinical nurse, Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Recruitment Manager for Talent Acquisition, and her current position as Program Manager for Talent Acquisition Strategies and Programs. As one of the Principal Investigators, Larissa conceptualized the groundbreaking research study "The Path for Women of Color to Ascend in Healthcare.” Her commitment to advancement and mentorship permeates both her professional and personal spheres, reflecting her intrinsic dedication to uplifting others.

  • Rebecca Trotta, PhD, RN, Director, Nursing Research and Innovation

    Dr. Rebecca Trotta is the Director of Nursing Research and Innovation and the Executive Director of the newly established Abramson Family Center for Nursing Excellence. Dr. Trotta provides leadership for advancing nursing research and inquiry. She also supports the translation of evidence into practice by applying rigorous scientific principles to various methodologies of inquiry. Over the past 11 years, Dr. Trotta has been working to build a comprehensive approach to geriatric programming at HUP, which is now titled SOAR (Supporting Older Adults at Risk). SOAR includes primary care geriatric NP co-management and the American Geriatrics Society CoCare: HELP (Hospital Elder Life Program). As co-investigator on the study, "The Path for Women of Color to Ascend in Healthcare: Stakeholder Perspectives in Nursing," Dr. Trotta supported the research team in study implementation, data collection, and data analysis.