Omicron Delta on the Scene

Omicron Delta Members’ passion and commitment to the nursing profession continues to inspire us all.

We always look forward to the incredible strides our chapter members make and continue to make in the coming years. On this section, we are sharing updates and highlights where our Omicron Delta Members were on the Scene supporting Sigma’s ongoing efforts to empower nursing leaders worldwide!


 

Jay Larrosa, spoke at the AACN NTI Conference in San Diego...

Congratulations and Thank you Jay!

At Sigma's booth during the AACN NTI Conference in San Diego on May 19–20, 2026, attendees participated in mini presentations offered throughout exhibition hours. Sigma interim Chief Nursing Officer Jennifer Bodine, Sigma's United Nations youth representative Amy Staley, and Sigma member and Omicron Delta Chapter Secretary Jay Larrosa were the speakers for the presentations. Jay presented on "Beyond Access, Advancing Health Equity Across the Full Continuum of Care." During the presentation, Jay emphasized that health insurance coverage alone does not guarantee health equity and that inequities exist across every stage of care delivery. He also stressed that nurses' decisions can directly shape patient outcomes and encouraged attendees to advocate for equitable care in their daily practice. Jay called on nurses to consider patients' social drivers of health and other life factors that may affect clinical outcomes. The presentation aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages as well as Sustainable Development Goal 16, Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.


 

29th Annual Sigma SoCal Odyssey Conference (Day Two)

The 29th Annual Sigma SoCal Odyssey Conference was held on October 16th and 17th, 2025, at the Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center in San Diego, CA. This year’s event brought together nursing professionals from across the region for two days of learning, networking, and idea exchange. With the theme “The Heart of Nursing: Compassion in Action,” the conference provided invaluable insights into how compassion and technology are shaping the future of healthcare.

A standout moment on the second day of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Melodie Daniels, PhD, CNS, NPD-BC, Program Manager of Learning Programs at the Center Institute for Nursing and Chair of the Odyssey Planning Committee. Dr. Daniels captivated the audience with her thought-provoking presentation on how AI, automation, and collaborative technologies are transforming nursing practice, education, and communication. Emphasizing that these tools are designed to enhance—not replace—the essential human connection nurses bring to patient care, Dr. Daniels highlighted how innovation can empower nurses to deliver personalized, precision healthcare.

Omicron Delta played a pivotal role in the success of the conference, especially through its leadership in the Research Abstracts Committee. Special thanks to Susan Nunez, Victoria Gallagher-Keena and Julie Vaday for their exceptional work curating and organizing research presentations. Other Omicron Delta Members in attendance at the conference include Susan Engle, Marilyn Klakovich, Jay Larrosa, Angie Strawn and Joni Oak.

The conference provided a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in cutting-edge research and share insights into the ever-evolving field of nursing practice. A heartfelt thank you to all our Omicron Delta members and leaders for their dedication, support and representing our chapter!


 

Sigma's 48th Biennial Convention – A Global Celebration of Nursing Excellence

From November 8-12, 2025, Sigma held its 48th Biennial Convention in Indianapolis, IN. This flagship global event brought together nursing professionals from around the world to celebrate the scope and impact of Sigma and its chapters. Attendees were immersed in an incredible experience of learning, networking, and honoring the contributions of nursing professionals globally.

Highlights of the Event

  • Opening Ceremony: The convention kicked off with a moving flag processional, representing the diverse nations where Sigma members come from. Alongside country flags, the Sigma and United Nations flags were proudly displayed, symbolizing the global unity of nursing professionals.
  • Sigma at Dark: Karaoke Night: The social spirit was alive and well as Omicron Delta co-hosted a fun-filled Karaoke Night with Gamma Kappa. Laughter, music, and camaraderie filled the room, making it an unforgettable evening of celebration.
  • Tour of Sigma Headquarters: Attendees were given a unique opportunity to tour Sigma's headquarters, gaining insight into the organization’s rich history and ongoing impact on the nursing profession.
  • Chapter Key Award Celebration: The prestigious Chapter Key Award was presented during the event, and we are thrilled to announce that our very own Omicron Delta Chapter was a recipient! This is the Chapter's 10th Key Award. The Chapter Key Award recognizes Sigma chapters that excel in areas such as leadership, membership engagement, communication, and philanthropy. The ceremony was led by Sigma Nursing President, Sandra Bibb, and CEO, Lucas Davis.
  • House of Delegates Meeting: A time-honored tradition of Sigma, the House of Delegates meeting plays a crucial role in the organization's governance. During this meeting, Omicron Delta’s Tess Bernardo, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN-BSN, CNE, PCCN (elected to a 2-year term) and Kimberly Velez, MSN, RN (elected to a 4-year term) were installed into the Leadership Succession Committee. Our Chapter Delegates were Sandra Wise and Maria Donnelly. Jay Larrosa also assisted at this important meeting.
  • Call-to-Action – Lead Together: Newly installed Sigma President Liz Westcott presented the 2025-2027 Call-to-Action, Lead Together, encouraging members to unite and lead the future of nursing through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated members and leaders who represented our chapter, Omicron at this extraordinary convention: Tess Bernardo, Benjamin Breboneria, Maria Donnelly, Susan Engle, Angie Strawn, Jay Larrosa, Brenda Miller, Susan Opas, Kim Velez, Nancy Stuever, Karen Phillips and Brenda Miller.