Structural Empowerment

Throughout my journey as a mentee in the Kaiser Permanente mentoring program, I had the privilege to learn from Winchell Kuttner, DNP, RN, CPHQ whose guidance has been instrumental in preparing me for the role of chair for Professional Governance in 2025. Winchell’s expertise and encouragement have provided a strong foundation for my professional growth as we navigate the complexities of nursing leadership together. Her mentorship has helped me to build confidence, refine my leadership approach and deepen my understanding of effective governance practices. Under her guidance, I gained valuable insights into fostering collaboration, resilience and excellence within our nursing community.

One memorable experience in our mentoring relationship was when Winchell guided me through a challenging governance issue, where she showed me how to balance understanding others’ perspectives with making firm, fair decisions. Her approach taught me the importance of empathy and accountability — skills I am eager to carry forward in my leadership as I strive to create a supportive and effective environment for our nursing team. Her mentorship has allowed me to develop a broader perspective on patient care, team dynamics and strategic thinking, essential qualities for leadership within Kaiser Permanente. As I pursue a master’s degree in Nursing Education, her support has enriched my academic journey by connecting practical knowledge with leadership in real time.

I am inspired to continue fostering a culture of mentorship and empowerment that reflects the values Winchell embodies, ensuring future nursing leaders benefit from this supportive infrastructure. As I prepare for this transition, I am grateful for her invaluable support and excited to contribute to a thriving, empowered nursing community at Kaiser Permanente.

— Jennifer Lopez, BSN, RN & Winchell Kuttner, DNP, RN, CPHQ

It is rewarding to contribute to someone else’s learning journey. Being a mentor means offering guidance and helping to explore ideas, especially when facing challenges. A mentor who fosters open, nonjudgmental exchanges encourages growth and learning in a way that’s personal to the mentee. I am incredibly proud of Jennifer’s transformation as she has developed her leadership skills and gained the knowledge necessary to step into the role of a professional governance chair.

— Winchell Kuttner, DNP, RN, CPHQ

As the firstborn in an immigrant family, I often translated health care complexities, sparking my desire to help others. After earning a degree in Human Biology from UC Santa Cruz, I explored health care roles, including optician and pharmacy technician. These experiences fueled my passion for direct patient care and educating individuals on making informed health choices. This led me to pursue an Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Case Management at Samuel Merritt University, where I gained the skills and confidence to enter the nursing profession.

Since graduating in 2014, I’ve managed complex cases for adult and geriatric populations. I assess patient needs, create care plans, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure safe, coordinated transitions. Whether facilitating ICU discharges or coordinating preventive care, I focus on providing holistic, patient-centered care that improves outcomes for individuals with chronic conditions.

Earning my Case Management Certification (CCM) this year was a milestone that reinforced my dedication to this role. It expanded my knowledge in quality, regulatory processes, and utilization management, while refining my skills in discharge planning—key to guiding patients through a seamless health care journey. This experience highlighted the importance of adaptability and continuous growth. I encourage other nurses to pursue certification as it reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and ensures patients receive the support they need throughout their care. Becoming certified is not just a credential; it represents my ongoing dedication to improving patient outcomes and care delivery.

— Tiffanie Wong-Lee, MSN, RN, CCM