"Where You Start is Not Where You will End"- Meet Dr. Deborah C. Stamps

Meet Deborah Stamps EdD, MBA, MS, RN, GNP, NE-BC, CDE?, FADLN,FAAN : an international leader in diversity.

How would you identify yourself?

I am the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Deborah Stamps Consulting , an inclusive leadership consulting agency. I have been a trusted diversity, equity, inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) champion throughout my entire career, and I understand the challenges of the profession of nursing in communities of color. I am passionate about health equity, eliminating healthcare disparities, and increasing the diversity of the nursing workforce.

I work to strengthen awareness and knowledge in the field of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice through strategic planning and training to help organizations retain a diverse workforce that impacts community health outcomes and the social determinants of health (SDoH). We must ensure that all healthcare workers recognize SDoH in communities, and?my vision is to build a world where health equity is achieved for all.

?My progressive career of more than 30 years began as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)and quickly advanced to higher nursing roles, including Nurse Manager; Vice President of Quality, Patient Safety and Innovation; Chief Nursing Officer; Chief Nursing Education Officer; Founding President of the Rochester General College of Health Careers; and the Inaugural Chief Diversity Officer at Rochester Regional Health . I am an active participant in many local, regional, and national initiatives and committees working to impact poverty, health equity, racism, and workforce development.

I created the progressive professional academic workforce model to advance the educational and economic mobility of underrepresented minorities in nursing.?The implementation of my model led to the expansion of the nursing program by 72% between 2016-2022, increased graduation rates by 436% between 2016-2022 with a 100% employment rate;?improved racial diversity from 23% to 73%, men from 7%-15%; and added 3 rural NY satellite sites. The professional academic workforce model includes the establishment of the College of Health Careers with an AAS in Nursing and negotiated partnerships with six colleges/universities to provide tuition discounts and create an educational pipeline to BSN/MSN/DNP/Ph.D. that resulted in 58% of graduates continuing on to achieve a BSN. This pathway provides diverse individuals with the social resources, education, and skill development required to advance in a healthcare career leading to employment.

I led a four-county Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy outreach initiative, and?Community Conversations, inclusive of persons of color, the deaf, veterans, LGBTQ, and youth, reaching over 241,000 persons, from December 2020 through April 2021. The impact was increased vaccinations in these counties from less than 20,000 to 729,695. In 2021, I was named among 50 of the nation’s most influential diversity leaders receiving the Leadership Excellence Award at the 2021 National Diversity and Leadership Conference. One of my goals for the future is to address diversity in nursing by increasing interest in a career in nursing beginning with grades K-12. I am committed to the recruitment, training, development, and retention of individuals from all populations.

What is your personal story?

I was born in England and moved to Rochester, NY where I grew up with my maternal grandmother. My dream and plan were to attend college to become a physician.?However at age 17, I became a single mother, but I did not lose sight of my dreams. My successes would not be possible without faith, love, and a great deal of support. Soon after the birth of my daughter, I finished high school and started a career in nursing.?I attended training to be a home health aide to help support my daughter while attending school to become a practical nurse. I have seized every opportunity to grow and learn through mentorships, tuition assistance, and participation in committees at work, in the community, and in professional organizations. I am who I am today because people believed in me, I never gave up, and I never shied away from opportunities presented to me. Hard work, commitment, and integrity will lead you to your true North.

I became a nurse because of the care my grandmother received when she underwent open heart surgery back in the 1980s. The nurse in the cardio-thoracic intensive care unit was kind and explained what to expect when my mom and I entered the rooms.?I knew this was what I wanted to do be the nurse that cared for her patients and their families, put them at ease, is transparent with the care.?Years later, I was able to practice as an LPN, then an RN, and I never lost sight of the importance of caring for patients at their most vulnerable tie and keeping their families informed, and partnering with them in the care of the patient.

I earned my associate degree in nursing from Monroe Community College , a bachelor’s degree in nursing from SUNY Brockport , a Master’s degree in the Gerontological Nursing Practitioner program at Nazareth University , a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology , and an Education Doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University . I am nationally certified as a Nurse Executive by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and recently achieved the credentials of Certified Diversity Executive (CDE?) through the Institute for Diversity System, at the Institute for Diversity Certification, (IDC), Inc. (formerly The Society For Diversity) .

What advice would you give to give our students?

Never give up, and don’t let bumps, turns, and setbacks get in the way of your dreams. Where you start is not where you will end. Get a mentor, be a mentor, listen, and remember to give back.

What does Global Leadership mean to you?

Global leadership is seeing the value in differences, and being culturally humble and responsive. Working with others to empower their ideas for solutions that are owned by the people, developing others, and collaborating across the globe, and industries. Welcoming diversity of thought approach brings a unique lens to the table for solutions.

What long-term impact would you like to have throughout your career?

My greatest contribution on a regional, national, and international level is advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) through developing community and healthcare organization partnerships.

How could GlobalMindED further support the efforts that you are part of?

GlobalMindED can continue to support my efforts by continuing to provide opportunities to collaborate and network with others in regard to health equity and the social determinants of health. Allowing me a seat at the table on issues related to nursing (practice and academic), social determinants of health, health equity, and creating pathways for K-12th?graders to gain interest in the field of nursing.