DNP Diversity Ambassadors

Keoni comes to nursing through a nontraditional pathway shaped by more than two decades of service in military medicine. As a former, retired Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer and enlisted medical leader, including service as an Independent Duty Corpsman, he practiced across multiple clinical and operational platforms while mentoring and developing servicemembers from diverse backgrounds. He currently serves as the APNI Class of 2029 DNP-FNP Track Co-Lead and has held formal roles in diversity committee leadership and enlisted leadership development.

Throughout his career, Keoni has worked at the intersection of clinical care, leadership development, and systems navigation. His experience leading teams in high-stakes, resource-limited environments—including extended service in the Pacific region—shaped his approach to mentorship, communication and accountability, and reinforced the importance of creating psychologically safe spaces where individuals can grow, ask questions and perform at their best. These leadership principles continue to guide how he supports peers within the APNI and DNP programs.

Keoni brings lived experience navigating complex institutions and systems not originally designed with full inclusion in mind. With deep personal ties to Hawaiʻi and a strong connection to Maui, he is especially mindful of the cultural humility and community-centered care needed to serve diverse populations. He chose Seattle University for its Jesuit mission and emphasis on cura personalis, justice and service. As a DNP Diversity Ambassador, he is committed to fostering belonging, supporting student success and promoting equitable, people-centered care through mentorship, representation and collaboration.

Hello, I am Chan. I was born and raised in Nepal and moved to Seattle in 2016. Since then, I have come to love this city for what it represents—diversity, opportunity and a constant sense of discovery. Even after nearly a decade here, I still find new places and experiences that remind me why Seattle feels like home.

I have intentionally worked across a wide range of settings—large hospital systems, adult family homes, detox and rehab, and specialized facilities. This has made me adaptable and confident in fast-changing environments. That breadth is also what drew me to acute care. I enjoy complexity, I value clear thinking and I care about delivering safe, dignified care when it matters the most.

Outside of clinical work, I have always enjoyed creating clarity, both for myself and for others. Moving to the U.S. as an international student at 17 taught me how to adapt quickly, ask good questions and find the right resources without being afraid to start from zero. Once I felt more settled, I became a peer mentor because I wanted other students to feel supported and guided through the process. That same approach shows up in my nursing work and other projects. I like noticing patterns, simplifying steps and putting together practical training guides that help teams feel more confident and deliver more consistent care. I have been able to contribute to small improvement projects in several of the places I have worked. And I am honored and excited to keep building on that through the DNP.

I chose the DNP because it is the right environment for that kind of growth. I want to deepen my clinical expertise while learning how to improve practice at a systems level through evidence, quality improvement and equity-focused thinking. The program is challenging, but it is doable, and I have found the faculty and staff to be both accommodating and genuinely inspiring. Please feel free to reach out (cmanandhar@seattleu.edu). Everyone has their own struggles, and if you are a first-generation student, immigrant or international student, I am especially happy to share what I have learned along the way.

As actress and producer Reese Witherspoon said, “Don’t ever stop investing in yourself. You are your own lottery ticket.”

Hello! My name is Melissa Terry, and I’m part of Seattle University’s APNI-DNP program in the nurse-midwifery track. I’m a nontraditional student in my 50s, and I returned to school after raising my three kids, mostly as a single mom. My youngest daughter played a big role in getting me here. While I was helping her think through her options for a college major, I suggested she could become a midwife. She said, “Mama, it sounds like YOU want to be a midwife!” I told her I was too old for that now, and she insisted I wasn’t. That conversation gave me the courage to apply and trust what I had felt for a long time.

The APNI year has challenged me academically and stretched me in all the ways I hoped it would. I’ve learned to balance demanding coursework with clinical practice and to lean into the collaborative culture of the program. Creating study groups, working on projects and building friendships (yes, even with people half my age) has been a vital part of my experience, especially in the moments when things feel overwhelming.

I’m an activist at heart, and equity and social justice are values I live, not just topics I study. I love that SU holds those values as well and continues to work toward them. I’m committed to culturally humble care, reproductive justice and improving outcomes for communities who are routinely harmed by structural barriers in health care. 

As a DNP Diversity Ambassador, I’m honored to help build a sense of belonging for future students, including those who may not see themselves reflected in traditional nursing narratives. I truly believe it’s never too late to do meaningful work. As Maya Angelou said, “As long as you’re breathing, it’s never too late to do some good.” 

When I am not at school, I enjoy cheering on the SU basketball teams, taking long walks through the city, writing and hanging out with my adult kids. 

My name is Jeremy Veilleux, and as a European, Asian and American man, my multicultural background has shaped how I show up for patients and students, leading with openness, respect and advocacy. Through more than seven years of experience across emergency, acute and community-based health care, I have witnessed how disparities in access and trust directly affect outcomes. These experiences continue to drive my commitment to equitable and culturally responsive care.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Advocacy

My dedication to diversity and equity is deeply personal. My mother immigrated from Hong Kong as a teenager and avoided health care for years due to fear and mistrust of systems—a reality I have seen mirrored in many of the patients I care for, including rural, uninsured and undocumented populations. I am motivated to turn these insights into action: advocating for patients, addressing inequities in care and ensuring that all individuals receive respectful, fair and compassionate treatment. I want students and colleagues to feel comfortable reaching out, knowing I am approachable, relatable, and committed to building inclusive and supportive spaces.

Professional Goals & Life Outside Nursing

As a future Family Nurse Practitioner, I aim to address gaps in rural and underserved healthcare, improve access to care and support both patient and provider well-being. My goal is to help create sustainable, equitable models of care that prioritize outcomes and dignity for all populations.

Outside of school and work, I stay grounded through:

• Hunting, fishing and time in nature—for spiritual reflection, stress relief and mental clarity.
• Lacrosse—lifelong involvement as a player, coach and referee, emphasizing leadership, mentorship and community engagement.
• Family, animals and simple joys—bird watching, time with my dog and family, and sharing nostalgic hobbies like Pokémon.

As a DNP Diversity Ambassador, I am committed to advancing equity, inclusion and tangible solutions that improve health outcomes for patients and communities alike.