First Mississippi nurse to join program
Tonya Moore, PhD, RN, an alumna of Alcorn State University’s School of Nursing, has been selected as a 2024-2025 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Health Policy Fellow. This fellowship, administered by the National Academy of Medicine, honors health professionals for their outstanding accomplishments and interest in health policy.
Moore, a native of Fayette, Miss., is one of only seven health professionals chosen for the 2024-2025 program. With over 300 alumni in its 50-year history, the RWJF Health Policy Fellowship is highly competitive and attracts mid-career health professionals, behavioral and social scientists, and others from across the nation.
“I am honored to be the first Mississippi nurse to join this esteemed community,” said Moore. “As a healthcare leader and educator, I understand that equitable policies are vital for healthier communities and a strong healthcare workforce. Nurses play a crucial role in shaping health policy. I am eager to learn from others and leverage my Mississippi experiences to contribute to conversations and solutions around health equity challenges.”
She is not only the first Mississippi nurse selected for the RWJF Health Policy Fellowship but also holds the distinction of being the first African American president elected to the Mississippi Nurses Association Board of Directors.
“As a lifetime member of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), I’ve experienced firsthand the incredible benefits of professional development and networking within the NBNA community,” Moore stated. “Attending the 51st Annual Institute and Conference in Atlanta, Ga. in 2023 was a pivotal moment when I discovered the RWJF Health Policy Fellowship program. During a session on achieving health equity, I found myself surrounded by esteemed NBNA members, including Dr. Sheldon Fields – the current NBNA president, who are alumni of the RWJF Health Policy Fellowship program. Their inspiring stories motivated me to apply for the fellowship.”
She continued, “Additionally, I aim to cultivate a strong network of health policy leaders to facilitate collaboration and resource-sharing, which are essential for advancing healthcare initiatives locally and nationally.”
The fellowship involves spending a year in Washington, D.C., working on health-related legislative and regulatory issues.
“I am passionate about our nursing workforce and systemic challenges that enable health disparities, including health care access – especially in marginalized communities,” said Moore. “I hope to leverage my voice and Mississippi experiences to address challenges and seek solutions around these issues.”
Reflecting on her education at Alcorn State University, Dr. Moore emphasized the role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in nurturing exceptional talent.
“I am proud to be an alumna of Alcorn, where I received the education and support that laid the groundwork for my successful career as a nurse and leader,” she said.
