Jonalyn Wallace 

Jonalyn is an experienced, passionate, and recently retired nurse executive. She has over 40 years of work experience, most recently with Kaiser Permanente (KP) Northern California (NCAL) based in Oakland, CA. A native Oregonian, Jonalyn and her husband, Paul, returned to Oregon last year after nearly 20 years in Northern California. 

As Regional Director for Community Health and Workforce of the Future, she led innovative and award-winning academic practice partnership programs for KP NCAL’s Nurse Scholars Academy and championed inter-professional student best practice standards across the region. She led the expansion of clinical immersion experiences aimed at individuals interested in careers in the health professions; KP NCALS’s celebrated Youth Career Day; Caring Science and “Joy and Meaning” Leadership programs; and Caritas Coach and HeartMath trainer programs to shape curricula, theory-guided practice, and essential resiliency skills for educators, leaders, practitioners, and students. As members of the Nurse Scholars Academy, she and her team supported and amplified the organization's mission and strategy for Community Benefit and focused on development of a more diverse, better prepared future nursing workforce. 
 
Jonalyn earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions (USF SONHP) and an MSN, with a focus on Integrative Health Practices from Dominican University of California. She received a baccalaureate degree in nursing from the University of Portland. Jonalyn is an adjunct professor at USF SONHP, a Caritas Coach, HeartMath Trainer, certified co-active coach, and holds certifications in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP), Co-Active Coaching (CPCC) and Professional Development. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International and former board member of USF’s Beta Gamma Chapter. 
 
She enjoys writing and is published on the ‘education to practice’ gap in nursing, including strategies and tactics to support a more effective transition to practice. During her time with KP NCAL Jonalyn enjoyed participating in numerous advisory boards, councils, and committees, including focus on building partnerships, implementation of the IOM Future of Nursing Report recommendations and initiatives associated with the Betty Irene Moore Foundation. 
 
She appreciates holistic approaches to better prepare scholars for their academic and professional journeys. This includes creating opportunities for scholars through strategic partnerships, philanthropy, and program development. 
 
 

Michelle Hedegard

 

Michelle Hedegard is a Filipino American originally from Northwest Arkansas. She attended the University of Mississippi as an art major by way of a violin music scholarship. Her professional career is highlighted by founding a highly successful marketing and creative agency, co-founding the state's first female roller derby league, and serving as the art director at the Walton Arts Center, a nonprofit corporation that brings performing artists and entertainers worldwide to Northwest Arkansas to connect and engage people through inspiring arts experiences. 
 
After moving to Portland in 2016, Michelle began her career at the Oregon Convention Center as the Assistant Director of Marketing, leading visual design, marketing, and communication efforts. In 2020, Michelle took on the role of the organization's Equity & Belonging Program Manager. In this role, and as part of the Senior Leadership Team, she works to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and organizational culture. 
 
Michelle is an ardent advocate for equitable and inclusive workplaces and brings transformative change to organizations by helping foster cultures of belonging, trust, and well-being where everyone can thrive. 
 
Michelle develops impactful programs and initiatives that empower team members and advance organizational goals. She provides training and coaching to executives, managers, and team members and sets up the right metrics and data collection pipelines to measure positive progress. With over 20 years of experience in brand strategy, visual design, strategic communications, program development, and change management, she has a proven track record of delivering effective solutions that fulfill strategic business objectives while championing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. 
 
Michelle lives with her husband, Jay, and their dog Hoho in Portland. Together they enjoy creating music and hosting a podcast. 

Kierra Woekel

 

Born and raised in Oregon, Kierra graduated from Oregon State University in 2012 with a BS in Apparel Design and Merchandising Management. 
 
Kierra is known for her enthusiasm, creativity, and ability to bring people together. A world traveler (16 countries and counting), she loves building intercultural relationships and appreciates different perspectives and ways of life. 
 
Highly interpersonal and a natural networker/connector, Kierra is also known for her outreach and ability to form collaborative partnerships, succeeding at building authentic, trusting connections with diverse community organizations and professional associations in various fields. 
 
Kierra has over ten years of experience in development, community outreach, communications, and social justice advancement. She most recently worked at Trillium Family Services as the Community Engagement and Donor Relations Director. In September, Kierra began a sabbatical to reset and reevaluate her career path. She is now in the process of applying to positions within the Corporate Social Responsibility field. 
 
Kierra looks forward to bringing her skill set to advance the good work of ARCS, expand her network and be a part of a strong, supportive group of women.