13 UTSW nurses join the ‘DFW Great 100’
Across North Texas, nurses are honored each year by the people who understand their work best: their peers. Through the DFW Great 100 Nurses organization, 100 nurses are recognized annually for their leadership, compassion, and community service – all of which advance excellence in the nursing profession.
This year, 13 UT Southwestern nurses are among those honored. While their roles vary, they share a steady focus on providing excellent patient care and supporting one another through the realities of the work.
“Each of these 13 nurses has found their own way into this work, but what stands out is how they continue to grow in it,” said Susan Hernandez, D.N.P., M.B.A., RN, Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive. “To be respected by their peers says a lot about who they are.”
Nurses will be honored at the DFW Great 100 Awards reception on May 18 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
Meet this year’s honorees and learn more about their paths into nursing.
Rhyan Brown, M.S.N., APRN, CPNP-PC
Years as a nurse: 16
Specialty: Pediatric nephrology
Why did you become a nurse? Nursing is a blend of science, advocacy, and intuition. I have been drawn to providing care in this manner to pediatric patients. Nursing is multifaceted, with the opportunity to provide expertise in different areas of health care.
How does it feel becoming a Great 100 Nurse? This is an incredible honor! I am humbled to stand alongside many exceptional nurses who have greatly contributed to the nursing profession.
Thanh Cubria, B.S.N., RN, CMSRN
Years as a nurse: 11
Specialty: Stroke and epilepsy
Why did you become a nurse? My decision to pursue nursing was deeply influenced by medical mission trips with my mother during my teenage years. Witnessing the profound impact of compassionate care firsthand inspired me to follow in her footsteps and dedicate my career to serving others.
How does it feel becoming a Great 100 Nurse? This recognition represents not just my work, but the dedication of the teams I have the privilege of working alongside every day and the continuous support of my family, who make all that I do possible. Nursing is more than a career to me – it is a calling grounded in compassion and commitment. I am proud to be part of a profession that makes a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Virgilio “VJ” Cunanan, B.S.N., RN, TCTCN
Years as a nurse: 36
Specialty: Transplant and cellular therapies
Why did you become a nurse? I have always been drawn to helping people when they are most vulnerable and making them feel safe and supported. I am inspired by how nurses comfort patients and families, and I want to be that kind of steady, reassuring presence. I want a career that is meaningful and respected in the community, and nursing gives me all of that.
How does it feel becoming a Great 100 Nurse? I am so happy and honored to be a part of this special list of DFW nurses.
Adelaine Cunningham, D.N.P., RN, HACP-CMS, CLSSGB
Years as a nurse: 36
Specialty: Magnet program and nursing research
Why did you become a nurse? My father, a physician, was my greatest inspiration. Growing up, I watched him care for his patients with dedication and compassion, and I also saw him provide calm, reassuring support whenever other family members were unwell. His example showed me how powerful health care can be, both professionally and personally. I was drawn to nursing because it combines scientific knowledge with empathy and human connection. I also value the opportunity for lifelong learning and professional growth. Nursing allows me to honor my father’s influence while creating my own impact.
How does it feel becoming a Great 100 Nurse? It is humbling to be recognized for work that comes from a place of care and compassion. I feel inspired and reminded of the many patients, families, and colleagues who have shaped my journey. This recognition encourages me to keep growing in my role and supporting those around me. It is a reminder that every act of kindness and thoughtful contribution truly matters. I am grateful for this recognition and motivated to continue making a difference in the lives I touch.
Rincey Daniel, B.S.N., RN, CMSRN
Years as a nurse: 28
Specialty: Continuing education and professional development
Why did you become a nurse? I chose to become a nurse after seeing the care provided by the nuns at the local hospitals in my hometown. Their selfless service left a lasting impression on me and shaped my desire to serve others with the same sincerity. As I grew in the profession, I came to understand that nursing is truly my calling. I find purpose in listening attentively to patients and their families, holding a hand during moments of fear or uncertainty, offering comfort through a gentle hug, guiding them to a chaplain or other supportive services, and advocating for their needs. I am especially touched when patients ask me to pray with them. It is a privilege to share in those moments when they invite it. The deep sense of fulfillment and peace I experience through these meaningful connections affirms that I am exactly where I am meant to be.
How does it feel becoming a Great 100 Nurse? I feel truly humbled and deeply grateful for this recognition. I thank God Almighty for his continued guidance and blessings in my life and career. I am also sincerely thankful for the constant support of my family, the encouragement of my co-workers, and the strong leadership and mentorship of my leaders. This recognition belongs not only to me, but to everyone who has trusted and inspired me along the way.
Jerry Hoang, B.S.N., RN, CCRN
Years as a nurse: 13
Specialty: Patient care services
Why did you become a nurse? I grew up watching my parents build a life through discipline and resilience. Those values shaped how I think about responsibility. Nursing felt like a profession in which that level of accountability was real and immediate. At the bedside, your decisions matter in ways that are visible and personal. Over time, I realized that nursing also allows you to protect patients beyond a single room by strengthening teams and building better systems. What has kept me here is that no matter the role, the work still centers on people. When you invest in the nurses and staff who deliver care, you ultimately protect the patients they serve.
How does it feel becoming a Great 100 Nurse? It connects my individual journey to a profession that has shaped who I am. Nursing demands steadiness under pressure, humility in leadership, and accountability. I have had the privilege of working alongside exceptional nurses across many roles – from bedside to operations – and this recognition reflects the collective strength of those teams. For me, it is less about a milestone and more about responsibility. As nurse leaders, we influence environments that affect both caregivers and patients. This honor reinforces my commitment to building systems where nurses feel valued and able to deliver excellent care. I am proud to represent UT Southwestern and the colleagues who make that possible every day.
Letty John, M.S.N., RN
Years as a nurse: 29
Specialty: Geriatric care
Why did you become a nurse? I wanted to be a nurse because my mom was a nurse. I grew up hearing her stories and watching her care for people in our family and community. I saw her deep compassion and drive to help others get well and live well. I even had the chance to help alongside her when people were sick, and that stayed with me.
How does it feel becoming a Great 100 Nurse? I am shocked and overwhelmed, but so honored. My heart is full of gratitude. I am thankful for my parents, family, professors, mentors, supervisors, and colleagues who all poured into me and believed in me along the way. Above all, I am grateful to God.
Sheena John, B.S.N., RN
Years as a nurse: 25
Specialty: Stroke and epilepsy
Why did you become a nurse? I became a nurse because caring for people in their most vulnerable moments has always felt like both a calling and a responsibility. Over the years, my nursing journey has shaped me in ways I never expected. Early on, I focused on learning skills and building confidence in my decisions. As I’ve grown, I’ve realized nursing is just as much about emotional presence as it is about clinical knowledge. Every shift, every patient, and every challenge has pushed me to become stronger and more thoughtful. I have grown from a nurse who wanted to do everything “right” into a nurse who truly understands the power of connection, advocacy, and empathy. My growth has taught me that sometimes it’s not just what you do, but how you make people feel that leaves the lasting impact. That growth is why I continue to show up every day with purpose.
How does it feel becoming a Great 100 Nurse? It is deeply meaningful because it reflects not just the nurse I am today, but the nurse I have grown to become. This honor feels like a celebration of the years spent learning to find my voice, trusting my instincts, and growing through every tough shift. It reminds me of the countless patients and families who trusted me and challenged me to think deeper and the colleagues who helped me grow into a stronger, more confident nurse. Joining the Great 100 feels like standing on the shoulders of every experience that made me better. It is humbling and incredibly empowering. It makes me proud of how far I have come, and excited for how much more I can still become.
Lillian Otieno, B.S.N., RN, CCRN
Years as a nurse: 26
Specialty: Resuscitation, rapid response
Why did you become a nurse? Truthfully, nursing found me, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this noble profession – from a resource-constrained district hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, to Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, and now at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the No. 1 hospital in DFW. Nursing allows me to bring together critical thinking, compassion, and advocacy for my patients and their families during their most challenging and vulnerable moments, providing them hope and comfort. It has given me the opportunity to improve the experience of those I serve while continuing to grow myself. Along the way, nursing has also brought me lifelong friendships.
How does it feel becoming a Great 100 Nurse? I am incredibly grateful to represent this profession that means so much to me. This recognition is a testament not just to my own journey, but to the phenomenal mentors, leaders, and teams who have shaped my practice from nursing school to my current role at UT Southwestern. Additionally, I feel immensely thankful for my family and circle of friends who walk this journey with me. I sincerely appreciate those who spent their valuable time nominating me. This honor motivates me to keep growing in my practice and supporting the people and teams around me as I continue to grow within this noble profession.
Brenda Pope, M.S.N.-Ed., RN, NPD-BC
Years as a nurse: 42
Specialty: Clinical education and professional development
Why did you become a nurse? Nursing has always been my God-given calling. When I was 6 years old, I lost my mother to cancer. Experiencing such a tremendous loss at a young age shaped the direction of my life. From that moment forward, I knew I wanted to become a nurse. I wanted to care for patients and support families during their most vulnerable times – helping them heal both physically and emotionally. Over the past four decades, my career has grown in ways I never imagined, and it has truly been an honor to serve in this profession.
How does it feel becoming a Great 100 Nurse? It’s incredibly humbling. To be nominated and chosen by my peers makes this recognition even more meaningful. I am deeply proud and grateful to join such an extraordinary group of talented and compassionate nursing professionals.
Aurora Relampagos, B.S.N., RN, OCN
Years as a nurse: 35
Specialty: Oncology
Why did you become a nurse? Growing up sickly, I spent much of my time in the care of nurses. I admired their white uniforms and caps, but what stayed with me most was the comfort they gave during vulnerable moments. At home, my mom was my first and best nurse. Her care and small comforts made me feel safe, and I have carried that with me ever since. Nursing allows me to offer that same presence to others: to listen without judgment, comfort without rushing, and advocate for those who may feel unheard. To me, being a nurse is about creating a safe space where patients feel seen and respected. Making even a small difference on someone’s hardest day is what drives me every day.
How does it feel becoming a Great 100 Nurse? I am still in disbelief, but deeply honored, for this milestone in my nursing career. Being recognized among such an esteemed group of nurses and leaders is truly humbling. I am very grateful to my family, mentors, and the incredible colleagues I have the privilege of working alongside at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Their support and guidance have shaped my journey and continue to inspire me every day. I feel truly fortunate to be part of such an exceptional community.
Fiker Zeray, M.S.N., APRN, CPNP-PC
Years as a nurse: 34
Specialty: Pediatric infectious diseases, foster care
Why did you become a nurse? I have always enjoyed science, and during volunteer work at a nursing home through a psychology class, I got my first glimpse into nursing. What stood out to me was how nurses care for the whole person, both physically and emotionally. Nursing felt like the perfect blend of my interest in science and my desire to help others. I was also fortunate to receive scholarships, which made pursuing this path possible.
How does it feel becoming a Great 100 Nurse? To be included among such an inspiring group of professionals is deeply meaningful to me. I am incredibly grateful to my patients and families who place their trust in me and allow me to care for their children. I would also like to express my appreciation to my team. Their constant support and encouragement make it possible for me to grow both personally and professionally.
Yingzi Zhang, Ph.D., RN
Years as a nurse: 16
Specialty: Magnet program and nursing research
Why did you become a nurse? I have witnessed several of my relatives suffer from cancer, and through those experiences I came to understand how crucial compassionate treatment and skilled nursing care are to a patient’s well-being. Seeing the difference that nurses made during such difficult times had a deep impact on me. I chose to pursue nursing because I believe that nursing care is one of the most important components of healing by supporting not only the patient’s physical needs, but also their emotional needs, dignity, and hope throughout their journey.
How does it feel becoming a Great 100 Nurse? It is a great honor to be selected as one of the Great 100 Nurses in recognition of my nursing research. This achievement reflects my focus on improving patient care through scientific inquiry and innovation. Being acknowledged in this way motivates me to continue contributing to the nursing profession and to use research as a tool to strengthen the quality of the care I provide.