AANHPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Patrick & Nina’s Nursing Journey

As part of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration, we’re proud to spotlight the inspiring journey of Patrick Simon Soria and Nina Angelie Lio-Soria—two Filipino American nurses whose commitment to care, advocacy, and leadership exemplify the heart of the profession. Their story is not only about nursing—it’s about heritage, identity, and creating meaningful change in healthcare and beyond.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your journey to becoming a nurse?

Patrick: Becoming a nurse was never just a job—it was part of my family’s legacy. On my dad’s side, healthcare runs deep. I was surrounded by people who found purpose in caring for others, and that shaped my path. What drew me in was the human connection—being there for someone during their most vulnerable moments.

My journey has taken me from bedside nursing to global health leadership. I’ve led COVID-19 surge protocols in low-resource settings, contributed to healthcare advancements in the Philippines, and helped shape policies here in Minnesota to improve access for AANHPI communities. Nursing even led me to the love of my life—so yes, I’d absolutely do it all over again.

Nina: My aunt, a longtime nurse, was my inspiration. I saw how she connected with patients, how fulfilled she was, and that left a deep impression. It wasn’t just me—many of my cousins and even her own kids followed her lead. Her passion created a ripple effect, and I’m proud to be part of that wave. Nursing has challenged and shaped me in the best ways. If I had to choose again, I wouldn’t hesitate.

Q: How has your cultural background influenced your path or approach to care?

Patrick & Nina: Our Filipino heritage plays a huge role in how we approach nursing. Values like malasakit—deep empathy and concern—aren’t just ideas; they’re part of our daily lives. We’ve carried that into every patient interaction.

Being Filipino American has also made us acutely aware of how cultural sensitivity impacts care. We’ve seen how misunderstandings, language gaps, and lack of representation can create real barriers in healthcare. That’s why we advocate for more inclusive, equitable care—especially for underserved communities.

Q: Were there any challenges you faced—or strengths you bring—because of your heritage?

Absolutely. One of the biggest challenges early in our careers was being underestimated. There’s a stereotype that AANHPI professionals are passive or less assertive. We sometimes had to work twice as hard to prove our leadership and expertise.

But our heritage has also given us powerful strengths—compassion, resilience, adaptability, and an intuitive grasp of cultural nuance. These aren’t just soft skills; they’re what help us build trust, connect with patients, and lead teams effectively. Nursing with heart isn’t a strategy—it’s who we are.

Q: What advice would you give to other AANHPI individuals considering nursing?

You belong in this profession. Your voice, your story, your culture—they all matter.

You’ll bring empathy, cultural insight, and resilience to the table. Yes, you may face challenges. But don’t let that quiet your voice. Find mentors. Be a mentor. Show up with pride in your heritage.

About the Authors

Patrick Simon S. Soria, DNP, MHA, MAN, RN, CGNC
Nina Angelie Lio-Soria, BSN, RN