Nurse Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM)
Past President, National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)
Alana has spent her professional career improving the health and well-being of vulnerable children and families living in distressed urban neighborhoods through service, scholarship, education and advocacy. Alana is a registered professional nurse, certified clinical nurse leader, educator and Fellow at the New York Academy of Medicine. Elected as President of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) for biennium 2020 to 2022.
Alana combined purpose and passion as Founding President of the NAHN Garden State Chapter having led the chapter in cultivating healthier communities for all residents in the state of New Jersey. She also served on Governor Phil Murphy’s Healthcare Transition Advisory Board in the State of New Jersey.
As a nurse member of Nightingale Initiative for Global Health (NIGH) she contributed to the survey for the development of the Sustainable Development Goals used at the United Nations (UN). She presented at the 2018 UN 62nd Commission on the Status of Women, Empowering Girls and Women through Innovative Nursing and Midwifery Interventions, and as a speaker panelist at national prominent conferences that include the 2019 League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) State of LatinX Health in America Summit, and the 2019 Jonas Scholars Leadership Conference.
Alana has been honored for her leadership, health advocacy, and volunteerism. Recognitions include 2019 NJSNA/Institute for Nursing Dons & Divas Award, NAHN National Henrietta Villaescusa Community Service Award (2016), NAHN Ambassador Award (2016), Seton Hall University College of Nursing Elizabeth Ann Seton Young Alumni Award (2015), and the Hispanic Leadership of New Jersey Health Advocate Award (2015)--a three part award that includes a Bronze Medal of Honor and Special Recognition from both the United States Congress and the State of New Jersey Joint Legislature.
On September 28, 2019 the Alana Cueto Nursing Scholarship was established by The Wilson Initiative for Health & Social Equity, Inc. Scholarship funds will help pave the way for minority students pursuing careers in nursing. In addition, Alana was honored as an “Unsung Hero” for her advocacy in addressing the social determinants of health and for working to create a more diverse workforce.
Alana resides in the City of Perth Amboy, New Jersey where in 2018 she demonstrated her commitment to servant leadership by running against the incumbent for a City Council position. Despite not being elected into the role she continues her commitment to the community through civic engagement as a member of the City’s Planning Board and through collaboration with community leaders and stakeholders in an effort to actively engage residents on initiatives related to quality of life, sustainable solutions related to equity and social justice, health and well-being.
Alana is proud to share that of all her achievements-- the greatest one has been to be the mother of her two children; Wesley and Caryn.