About Us

The Multicultural Nurse Leadership Institute (MNLI) was established in 1999 to foster improved health care and services for residents of urban communities through leadership development of minority nurses. It is designed to empower multicultural nurse leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to advance into more senior leadership positions in health care and tackle political, social, and cultural barriers that contribute to health inequities in New Jersey. From 1999 to 2019, over 300 racial and ethnic minority early career nursing professionals have participated in eleven cycles of the MNLI program, including many RNs working at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and University Hospital in Newark. Nearly all MNLI fellows have since completed graduate school and/or advanced to significant leadership roles in health care and professional organizations.

During the MNLI program’s first 20 years, each fellow developed an individual community health or quality improvement project in collaboration with a sponsor from their organization and a mentor from Rutgers MNLI. Examples of prior projects include: • Adult Day Care Program: A Faith-Based Community Initiative • Community-Based Resource Book for Second Baptist Church • Health Needs Assessment for Newark’s Central Ward Residents • Incorporating Cultural Assessment Into Clinical Practice • Culturally Competent Nutritional Assessment and Counseling for Korean-Americans • Addressing the Needs of Low Income Pregnant African American Women and Their Families

Program Director

Meet Dr. Olga Jarrín Montaner, Director of the Multicultural Nurse Leadership Institute (MNLI). With a passion for empowering nurses and a commitment to improving healthcare, Dr. Jarrín brings a wealth of experience and a warm, welcoming approach to leadership development. From her early days as a volunteer EMT in New Jersey to her roles as a Visiting Nurse/Case Manager and Nurse Educator, she has always believed in the power of nursing to make a difference. Dr. Jarrín is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, a proud National Association of Hispanic Nurses member, and serves as Corresponding Secretary for the International Home Care Nurses Organization. Dr. Jarrín believes that together, we can create a brighter future for healthcare in our communities.

Her journey in nursing is not just a career; it’s a calling to elevate the voices of minoritized nurses and ensure they have the tools and opportunities to thrive in leadership positions. Her vision for MNLI is to continue fostering a supportive community where nurses can learn, grow, and connect with one another.

Dr. Jarrín is excited to launch MNLI’s new 10-month leadership development program designed specifically for nurses interested in tackling social determinants of health and health inequities in Newark in partnership with Dr. Lois Greene, Senior Vice President, Wellness, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at University Hospital. This program is all about empowerment, growth, and breaking down barriers.

Drs. Jarrín & Greene know firsthand that when multicultural nurse leaders step into their power, they can tackle the political, social, and cultural challenges contributing to New Jersey’s health inequities.

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