Madeline Feliciano-Weiser, nurse manager at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center
Madeline Feliciano-Weiser, a nurse manager at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center, received a #NAHNStrong award from the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). She is one of eight recipients of the award in the country and the only one from Pennsylvania.
January 23, 2024
The #NAHNStrong program recognizes NAHN members who treat others with dignity, respect, kindness, compassion and civility while working with or throughout their communities. Fellow NAHN members and supporters nominate honorees, who are selected by the NAHN Communications Committee.
Feliciano-Weiser’s nomination noted her commitment to creating a culturally diverse workforce within her department. Prior to joining Lancaster Medical Center, she served as a clinical coordinator at Penn State Cancer Institute, where she advocated for patients and families with limited English proficiency. Her efforts helped to ensure adequate resources were available in their native languages, increasing their ability to understand their diagnosis, prognosis, treatment plan and side effects.
The nomination also acknowledged Feliciano-Weiser’s multiple publications, speaking engagements and interviews related to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Feliciano-Weiser serves as chair of the Lancaster Medical Center DEI committee, is a member of the health system’s Diversity Council and contributed to the development of a systemwide document that outlines DEI priorities.
In addition to her #NAHNStrong award, Feliciano-Weiser received Penn State Health’s Excellence in Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion award in November. This recognition honors her longstanding commitment to DEI and her work to create a culturally diverse workforce.
“Feliciano-Weiser represents the true meaning of a diversity and inclusion champion and has made an impact on our organization,” said Lynette Chappell-Williams, Penn State Health vice president and chief diversity officer. “She is a model of how all employees can engage in the health system’s commitment to our RITE values and diversity and inclusion principles.”
Since 1975, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses has been the nation’s leading professional society for Latino nurses. The organization is committed to promoting safe, quality health care delivery to Latino communities and individuals, recognizes excellence among Latino nurses, provides formal and informal mentoring opportunities and serves as a center of excellence for its members.