CONHI Alumnus Credits UTA Student Organization for Continued Success

Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025 • SAMUEL GALINDO : CONHI CONNECT

Orlando Flores RN, BSN, CCRN, CBRN, a UTA CONHI alumnus and former president of the UTA Hispanic Student Nurses Association (HSNA), believes his decision to join a UTA student organization helped pave the way for his future success. 

Flores' rise in the HSNA, from volunteer chair to president, came with increased responsibilities and new opportunities to learn crucial leadership skills. 

"My experience serving in the HSNA was invaluable in preparing me for leadership after graduation. It allowed me to hone key professional skills," Flores said. "Additionally, I built a strong network of connections in the health care field, which has proven essential."

While the experience serving in the HSNA was important for his career, it made an even greater personal impact on him.

"My overall experience while serving in HSNA was both meaningful and transformative," Flores said. "From the very beginning, HSNA provided a safe, culturally rich environment where students with shared values and interests could come together to celebrate, connect, and give back to the community."

While balancing school and his leadership roles in the HSNA, Flores also joined the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) Dallas Chapter in 2018; by 2022, he was serving as president. Flores credits his time in the HSNA for preparing him for the role.

"When transitioning into my leadership role with the NAHN Dallas Chapter, the shift felt seamless," he said. "The skills I developed through HSNA naturally translated into my leadership responsibilities within NAHN, making the process feel like a natural progression."

Flores encourages UTA students to consider joining a UTA organization, as he himself continues to benefit from the decision he made to join one years ago.

"I strongly believe that joining UTA organizations is incredibly beneficial for students. It’s important to find a community that shares your interests and offers support throughout your academic journey," said Flores. "For me, I was fortunate to discover HSNA, where I felt an immediate connection. Joining an organization is an investment in your future career—what you put into it is what you’ll get out."