Dr. Sherri Wilson, Director of Partnership Development for Stride, Inc., has recently been inducted as a Fellow into the Inaugural Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing. This prestigious recognition highlights her decades-long contributions to the field of nursing and her unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Dr. Wilson’s journey is deeply rooted in the legacy of her family. Her late grandmother was a licensed vocational nurse in Georgia the 1950s, paving the way for women of color in the healthcare field. Additionally, her mother played a significant role in the first manned lunar mission of 1969. She worked as a mathematician for the Boeing Company, an aerospace leader in building the Saturn V rocket for the Apollo 11 mission. Her contributions earned her a place in the Apollo/Saturn V Roll of Honor housed in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. She is considered one of NASA’s “hidden figures.”
“They made me see what was possible,” Dr. Wilson said.
Inspired by her family’s achievements, Dr. Wilson pursued a career in science, leading her to become a transformative figure in public health and nursing education.
Dr. Wilson’s career began as a public health nurse and a labor and delivery nurse over two decades ago. Before her tenure at Stride, Inc., she served as an administrator with the Fairfax County Health Department in Virginia. In this role, she was responsible for the administration, planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health services across multiple clinics. She specialized in maternal-child health, making significant contributions to the well-being of countless families in Fairfax County.
Throughout the course of her career, Dr. Wilson has served in various leadership roles to improve health equity at the intersection of education, science, and policy Her dedication to the field was further demonstrated through her selection as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in 2023 and through her graduation from the DC Education Policy Fellowship Program with the Institute for Educational Leadership in 2022. Today, Dr. Wilson serves as the President of the Virginia Nurses Association, an affiliate of the American Nurses Association, the leading professional organization representing over 120,000 registered nurses in Virginia.
Currently, Dr. Wilson is the Director of Partnership Development for Stride, Inc., where she forges national partnerships that lead to employment and postsecondary opportunities for students and graduates. Her wealth of experience was instrumental in enhancing Stride K12-powered schools’ health science career pathways. She provides strategic direction on healthcare content and curricula. She also spearheads K12’s certified career coaching to support students in Stride’s Career Prep program.
One of Dr. Wilson’s notable initiatives at Stride is her leadership of K12’s Nursing Explorers. This innovative program offers students real-world insights into various nursing careers through interactive sessions featuring nurses from across the nation. In these monthly virtual sessions, students delve into specific areas of nursing, learning directly from professionals in the field. They can ask questions and engage with the speakers, providing an insider’s look into an exciting potential career path.
“Exploring healthcare opens a world of possibilities,” said Dr. Wilson. “Our program not only enriches the educational experience for students enrolled in healthcare pathways but also fosters early awareness of the extensive opportunities available through a nursing career.”
Dr. Wilson’s induction into the Inaugural Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing is a testament to her exceptional contributions to the field and her dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion. At Stride, Inc., we are proud to have her lead our efforts in healthcare education, inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact that one dedicated individual can have on the lives of many. Dr. Wilson’s work continues to inspire students and colleagues alike, proving that with passion and commitment, we can achieve remarkable things in the field of healthcare and beyond.
