ECC Nursing Students Named to State Nursing Student Boards

NEWARK, N.J. – More than 60 nursing students from Essex County College recently participated in the 74th Annual New Jersey Nursing Students Convention in Atlantic City, one of the state’s largest gatherings of future nurses.

ECC nursing students joined peers from across the state at the NJ Nursing Students Convention, one of the largest annual gatherings of nursing students in New Jersey.

In total, 63 students from ECC’s Student Nursing Association (SNA) attended the convention alongside faculty and division leadership – one of the college’s largest delegations in recent years.

The convention also marked an important moment for the program. Three Essex County College students will serve on the New Jersey Nursing Students (NJNS) Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term.

Those students include:

  • Jaida Rolon, fundraising director
  • Nallely Martinez, Breakthrough to Nursing director
  • Imanie Cifrant, pending nomination for population and global health director

Six ECC students participated as official House of Delegates representatives during the convention, contributing to statewide discussions and representing the college among nursing programs across New Jersey.

With more than 130 members, ECC’s Student Nursing Association is now among the largest chapters in the state across associate- and bachelor-level programs. In recent years, students have continued to expand their presence beyond New Jersey as well. In 2024, members attended the National Student Nurses’ Association conference in Florida, where their work was published in Imprint, the organization’s national publication.

Dr. Lori York (far right), chair of the Division of Nursing and Health Sciences at Essex County College, joins fellow convention attendees during the NJ Nursing Students Convention in Atlantic City.

Faculty leaders say the continued participation reflects the culture of mentorship within the Division of Nursing and Health Sciences – one that encourages students to lead, serve and grow professionally while still in the classroom.

As these students prepare to step into statewide leadership roles, the college remains committed to supporting opportunities that extend learning beyond campus and into the broader nursing community.