CFBNA of Orlando, Inc
Under 40 Committee
Under 40 Committee:
Connecting and Empowering Young CFBNA Members
The Central Florida Black Nurses Association’s Under 40 Committee brings together CFBNA members under age 40 – from student nurses to LPNs and RNs – to build a vibrant, supportive community. This group is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of nurses and strengthening our profession. The Committee recognizes that nurturing young nurses is crucial for the future: by fostering mentorship, networking, and career development, we help our members grow into the leaders our communities will rely on tomorrow .
Engaging Future Nurses through Outreach
A key mission of the Under 40 Committee is outreach to youth and the community. Our members visit local high schools for career days and health fairs, sharing information about nursing careers and health science education. By speaking with students – especially those from underrepresented backgrounds – we help demystify nursing and encourage a diverse next generation. Research shows that engaging young people early can strengthen the health-care pipeline, and the “benefits of diversifying the … workforce are clear” when students from all communities are inspired to pursue health careers . In doing so, we not only open opportunities for local youth but also build a stronger, more inclusive nursing community for the future.
Building Community: Membership Drives and Networking
The Under 40 Committee also focuses on membership recruitment and community-building. We participate in CFBNA recruitment events and partner with the Membership Committee on targeted drives, highlighting the special benefits for young professionals. For example, we emphasize networking – an invaluable resource for career growth. Studies show that networking is a top reason nurses join professional associations : in fact, over two-thirds of associations report that “the top reason members join is to network with others in their chosen profession” . Through our events, young nurses meet peers and mentors, make professional connections, and discover new career paths. In addition, the Committee sponsors fun social gatherings – from informal mixers to “painting and sip” nights – that strengthen bonds and make it easier to find support. Networking isn’t just about jobs; it also creates a support system. Nursing is demanding, and a strong peer network helps reduce burnout and stress . By building these relationships, our members gain confidence, share resources, and lift each other up in both work and life .
Leadership Development and Mentorship
Above all, the Under 40 Committee is a place to grow as future leaders. We organize workshops and speaker sessions on topics like career planning, continuing education, and leadership skills. Importantly, we facilitate mentorship: young nurses are matched with experienced CFBNA members and senior nurses from the community. This mentor-mentee relationship is incredibly powerful. As one professional resource notes, “Whatever stage you’re at…there are benefits to being or having a nurse mentor. This dynamic, supportive relationship provides tremendous growth opportunities” . Mentors offer guidance, help troubleshoot challenges, and share hard-earned wisdom; mentees gain direction, insight into different nursing roles, and confidence . In fact, studies have shown that nursing leadership programs combining hands-on experiences with mentoring significantly boost young nurses’ leadership knowledge and skills . Our Committee helps make those connections, tapping the expertise of senior nurses who “precepted, coached and mentored the students” in successful leadership programs . Through this support, we foster a true sense of community: as the National Black Nurses Association notes, mentorship programs are designed “to foster the development of a nursing community” by supporting new nurses as they approach their careers . In this environment, each member is encouraged to step into leadership roles – whether co-chairing a project, serving on a board, or leading a workshop – and we provide the mentorship needed to succeed. These experiences not only grow individual skills, they help “identify and nurture future nurse leaders” for our profession .
Join the Under 40 Movement
We invite every CFBNA member under 40 – students, LPNs, and RNs – to get involved with the Under 40 Committee. Whether you want to inspire high schoolers, expand your network, or develop your leadership skills, there’s a place for you. Together we build friendships and professional connections, and we support each other through every stage of our careers. Join us to make a difference: attend our events, volunteer for outreach or planning, or simply bring your energy and ideas. When young nurses come together, amazing things happen – and we’d love for you to be part of it. Contact the Under 40 Committee chair to learn how you can plug in and help shape the future of nursing at CFBNA.
Ready to connect, learn, and lead?
Get involved with the Under 40 Committee today and take the next step on your nursing journey.