Choosing an Unconventional Path
When Liliana Trespalacios decided to pursue her BSN at Herzing University's Kenosha campus, she knew her path wouldn't be traditional. Balancing two jobs while studying, she chose Herzing for its flexible program that would allow her to bridge her medical assistant experience into a nursing career. What she didn't expect was how this decision would launch her into a journey of global healthcare advocacy and community impact.
"Returning to school after a long hiatus wasn't easy," Liliana reflects. "But Herzing provided me with the flexibility and support I needed to thrive. It wasn't just about the academics—it was about rediscovering my confidence, finding my voice, and realizing that it's never too late to chase your dreams."
Excellence in the Classroom and Beyond
Her academic journey, while challenging, was marked by significant achievements. A regular on both the President's and Dean's lists, Liliana was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau and named the ANA Student of the Year in 2023. She also received multiple scholarships, including the NAHN Illinois Scholarship in both 2022 and 2023, and the Abbott Scholarship in 2023.
The supportive faculty at Herzing played a crucial role in her success. From Dr. White's engaging microbiology classes that made "growing bacteria in your own kitchen oddly satisfying" to Professor Judy Reilly's patient guidance with dosage calculations, each instructor contributed to her growth.
"These professors didn't just teach me," she says, "they inspired me, challenged me, and reminded me to keep going."
Embracing the Unexpected
After graduating in 2023, Liliana' journey took several unexpected turns. Rather than immediately stepping into traditional bedside nursing, she completed a clinical rotation in Burgos, Spain, became a Brain Health Equity Fellow, and participated in a medical mission trip to Barranquilla, Colombia. During the mission, she helped conduct health screenings, donate mobility devices, and work alongside local nurses.
She also contributed to "Latinas in Nursing Vol II," sharing her unique perspective and experiences. "Being licensed as a nurse has opened a unique space for me to develop my passion in a very unconventional way," Liliana explains. "While I haven't transitioned into a traditional nursing role just yet, I'm excited for when the right opportunity presents itself."
Making a Difference in Healthcare Equity
Today, Liliana serves as the President of the Abilities Employee Resource Group Chicago Chapter at her company, where she led her team in collaborating with Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for the SkyRise Chicago event, raising nearly $15,000 to support rehabilitation services. In her role, she is driving an initiative to elevate the handling and accessibility of mobility devices during air travel, addressing key challenges to improve the overall travel experience for passengers with mobility needs. Drawing on her nursing education and innovative problem solving, Liliana is also crafting an initiative to raise neurodivergent awareness within the airline industry by developing training programs aimed at fostering understanding and creating a more inclusive travel experience. As a surgical coordinator at or private practice, she continues to apply her nursing expertise in creative and impactful ways.
Her impact extends far beyond her professional roles. She's currently involved in the Illinois Brain Health Project, developing a campaign to raise brain health awareness. Through a Fuel2Flourish Grant, she's promoting healthy eating and mental wellness among Hispanic children. As a committee member for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, she works to create safe spaces for members affected by anti-DEI legislation and advocates for DACA student members.
Looking Forward While Giving Back
"Herzing taught me to embrace the journey, not just the destination," she says. "My path may not look like everyone else's, but it's filled with purpose, growth, and a whole lot of excitement for what's ahead."
Her advice to current students? "Don't fear failure, use it. If you stumble, it's not the end of the world. I failed the HESI exit exam, and didn't get my honor cord, and yeah, it stung. But I got back up and came back stronger, passing NCLEX first try during Nurses Week. Failure doesn't close the door, it hands you the key to unlock it differently."
