For nine years, Arlene de la Rocha has played an instrumental role in developing the Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Honours program curriculum at Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). On May 6, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) presented de la Rocha with one of its highest honours.

Professor de la Rocha was recognized with the prestigious 2016 HUB Fellowship for her demonstrated transformational leadership capacity and commitment to empowering nursing students to find a path that will develop their leadership strengths, whether at the clinical point-of-care or in traditional leadership positions. As the winner of the 2016 fellowship, de la Rocha, who is currently enrolled in her PhD in Nursing at Queen’s University will have the opportunity to participate in a week-long, one-on-one placement with RNAO’s chief executive officer Dr. Doris Grinspun.

“Receiving the HUB Fellowship is more than an honour – it’s the chance of a lifetime,” said de la Rocha. “Observing and working with Dr. Grinspun will provide me with invaluable insight into how she leads, motivates and empowers others, and I look forward to sharing all that I learn from her with my colleagues and students.”

Her leadership as a nursing educator includes her effort to bring greater realism to nursing education in a laboratory setting, which includes working with a research team aimed at introducing the use of technology such as iPads at the point of care for patients. She has also implemented a capstone project for fourth-year nursing students to help them identify emerging health issues.

“Arlene has established herself as a passionate, effective leader and we are thrilled to see her being recognized by the Ontario nursing community, said Judeline Innocent, executive dean, School of Health & Community Services, DC. “As an educator, innovator, researcher and mentor, she embodies the spirit of the HUB Fellowship in all facets of her career.”

Sponsored by HUB International, RNAO’s home and auto insurance provider, the fellowship recognizes an individual’s contributions to RNAO’s mandate: Speaking Out for Nurses, Speaking Out for Health. Nominated by their peers, recipients are chosen for their achievements in nursing and their commitment to RNAO.