The Filipino Nursing Diaspora (FiND) Network has announced the appointment of Dr. Dion Candelaria as the Interim Director for Professional Development and Education. Dr. Candelaria, an esteemed early-career researcher at the Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery at The University of Sydney, brings a wealth of academic achievement and clinical expertise to this new position.
Dr. Candelaria’s recent recognition includes securing a prestigious Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, focusing on patient empowerment for secondary prevention and cardiac rehabilitation. His groundbreaking doctoral research on cardiac rehabilitation service delivery and its influence on patient outcomes earned him the Research Dissertation Award from the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. He made history as the first individual from both Australia and the Philippines to receive this international honor.
In his interim role, Dr. Candelaria will lead initiatives that advance professional development and create educational programs aimed at supporting the continuous growth and career progression of FiND Network members. “My vision for the Professional Development and Education Portfolio is to build on the impactful foundation laid by Prof. Cindy Leigh, continuing a supportive environment where Filipino nurses globally are empowered to lead, innovate, and excel across diverse healthcare settings,” Dr. Candelaria shared.
The FiND Network also welcomes Dr. Cindy Leigh, the previous Director, as Leadership Advisor. Dr. Leigh will play a key role in providing strategic mentorship and guidance to the leadership team as it pursues its mission of elevating the professional status of Filipino nurses. “Leadership is about nurturing potential and creating pathways for success,” Dr. Leigh stated. “I am excited to continue contributing to FiND’s vision by advising our dynamic team and helping to shape the future of nursing leadership within our community.”
FiND Network President, Professor Violeta Lopez, praised the appointments, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to strengthening its leadership capabilities. “We are thrilled to have Dr. Candelaria join our leadership team and for Dr. Leigh to continue her invaluable contributions as Leadership Advisor. These appointments reflect our commitment to bolstering our leadership capacity as we strive to deliver impactful professional development and education initiatives,” Lopez affirmed.
