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