Iris V FernandezIris V. Fernández (Iris La Blanca) grew up in the South Bronx projects, the daughter of Puerto Rican parents. She navigated the challenges of the 1980s as a single mother, and balanced her roles, providing for her children while pursuing an educationin nursing. Iris's journey spans from her tenure as a staff nurse in a New York City hospital to pivotal roles in third-party insurance, all the while prioritizing the healthcare needs of the Latino community.Her 35-year nursing career included her contributions as a diabetes educator, paired with her innovation as a research nurse in a telemedicine initiative for the elderly, highlighting her unyielding commitment to positive change. An esteemed graduate of Columbia University, Iris boasts a master's in nursing informatics. For 15 years, she served as a clinical analyst, mentoring fellow nurses in nursing informatics at premier Magnet(TM) hospitals.Upon her retirement in 2020, Iris embraced her passion for writing. As a co-author and founding member of Latinas 100(TM) Vol II and III, and a contributing author to Hispanic Stars Rising Vol III and IV, her writings amplify the voices of women, advocating for empowerment and representation. Additionally, Iris finds joy in the culinary arts, often 'veganizing' her favorite traditional dishes.A vehement advocate against domestic violence, Iris lends her support to organizations like Break the Silence. Her compassion extends to animal welfare, fervently backing sanctuaries and rescues such as The Sato Project, Skydog Sanctuary, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, NY Bully Crew, and The Pug Queen. Read More Read Less