Leadership

Juanita Wilson serves as President of the Alpha Chi Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated. A Registered Nurse for 22 years and a board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner for 15 years, she brings clinical expertise in Medical-Surgical Nursing, Transplant, Urology, Neurology, Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Pain Management, and Long-Term Care. With 12 years of dedicated service to Chi Eta Phi in roles including Dean of Membership and Vice President, Juanita is a results-driven leader committed to community service, member growth, and advancing the mission of the sorority.

Shanika Pruitt has dedicated over 24 years to nursing, beginning her career in critical care and expanding into pediatric, trauma, medical, and cardiac intensive care. She earned her MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Southeast Missouri State University and later her Doctor of Nursing Practice from University of Missouri - St. Louis, focusing on palliative and dementia care for underserved geriatric populations. Dr. Pruitt is the founder of Hearts Connecting Health Consultants, LLC, where she advises nursing homes on clinical documentation, emergency response, and specialized care. She also co-leads CPR education initiatives with her husband, Brian, for schools, churches, and community groups. Actively engaged in professional organizations, she currently serves as Vice President of the Alpha Chi Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, family, and riding her motorcycle.

LaKecia Clay discovered her passion for nursing at a young age after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and inspired by the care she received. She began her career as a patient care technician, became an LPN in 2007, and later joined the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Louis Children’s Hospital—where she was the only ADN nurse hired among a BSN cohort. LaKecia has since earned her BSN and now serves as a charge nurse, vascular access nurse, and member of the neonatal resuscitation team. A dedicated member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated, she also enjoys pickleball, reading, and spending time with her chocolate Labrador.  

Glenda Sharp serves as the Corresponding Secretary of the Alpha Chi Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated. A registered nurse with experience in Cardiac Care and Oncology, she is passionate about lifelong learning, volunteering, supporting her family, and enjoying games. Glenda is currently pursuing studies in Health Information Management with a focus on coding.

Kristen Hunter is a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of nursing experience, including 6 years in advanced practice. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Chamberlain University and currently practices in Pain Management at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital. Kristen has published in medical journals and presented on topics such as pain medication weaning, everyday pain management, and emergency preparedness. A member of the Alpha Chi Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated since 2022, she currently serves as Treasurer. Outside of work, Kristen is a proud wife and mother of two who is passionate about patient care, education, and advancing nursing practice.  

Vanessa Davis has been a registered nurse for over 25 years with experience in pediatrics, public health, insurance, and pharmaceuticals. A member of the Alpha Chi Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated since 2013, she has served in multiple leadership roles and is notably the first member of Alpha Chi Chi to serve as a Middlewest Region Officer. Passionate about health education, Vanessa lives the motto “Service for Humanity” and enjoys faith, family, friends, line dancing, and teaching others ways to improve their health. She can be reached at AXXEpistoleus@gmail.com.

Gisele R. Jones has over 20 years of experience in healthcare and has served as a Team Lead Case Manager at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Elevance Health) for 17 years. She has worked in chronic condition and disease management, provider relations, and acute care in Medical-Surgical and Oncology nursing, and now leads a team of nurses providing case management. Gisele holds a BS in Health Information Management from Saint Louis University, an RN from Barnes-Jewish School of Nursing at Washington University, and an MS in Human Resources from Webster University, along with certification as a Certified Case Manager (CCM). A dedicated member of the Alpha Chi Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated, she enjoys decorating, traveling, movies, and spending time with her husband of 30 years, family, and grandsons.

Rasheda Pippens has over 20 years of nursing experience and has been a dedicated member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated since 2014, serving as Immediate Past President, Vice President, and in various leadership roles. She earned a BA in Psychology and a BSN from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and an MSN from Goldfarb School of Nursing, where she developed her passion for Reproductive and Maternal Health. Her professional background spans acute care medicine, labor and delivery, case management, outpatient clinics, and academic roles as faculty and supervisor. Rasheda is currently pursuing a PhD in Nursing Science focused on improving Black maternal health outcomes and is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Andrea Spates has been a dedicated member of the Alpha Chi Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated since 2013. A graduate of Saint Louis University (BSN, Certificate in Interprofessional Education) and Southern Illinois University (MSN), she has built a career spanning clinical practice in multiple surgical specialties and leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer, Director of Operations, and Nurse Manager. A recent alumna of the Focus Leadership St. Louis Class of 2023–2024, Andrea also serves on the Board of Rosati-Kain Academy, volunteers with Cornerstone Early Learning Center, and is a member of the St. Louis County Restaurant Commission. Passionate about advancing health equity, she believes Chi Eta Phi provides vital opportunities to share knowledge and resources with the community to improve health outcomes and rebuild trust in healthcare.