
About Us
We are a dynamic collective of dedicated volunteers, representing a rich tapestry of diverse ethnic backgrounds. United by a shared purpose, we are committed to empowering internationally educated nurses (IENs) on their journey towards becoming licensed health professionals in Alberta. At IENAA, our doors are open wide, welcoming not only active practitioners but also esteemed retirees. Together, we form a vibrant community, fostering growth and success for IENs across our province.

Our Story
IENAA (Internationally Educated Nurses’ Association of Alberta) began as an idea in 2016, led by five former members of the Board of Directors of the Filipino Nurses Association of Alberta (FNAA): Josette Salgado, Letty Tria, Cecille Ira, Donna Perez-Aguirre, and Adam Mella. The idea emerged following the passing of the late Tessie Oliva—the founder of FNAA—and the subsequent dissolution of the organization.
FNAA had played a meaningful role in supporting internationally educated nurses in Alberta. In partnership with Capital Health in 2007, FNAA helped with the billeting and accommodation, settlement, and community integration of more than 450 Filipino internationally educated nurses (IENs) across the province. As a stakeholder of CARNA and CLPNA, FNAA also contributed to research initiatives exploring the lived experiences of IENs, including the barriers and challenges they faced in their journey to becoming healthcare professionals in Alberta.
In March 2023, the founding group revisited the possibility of reviving FNAA. However, due to restrictive bylaw provisions related to membership, they decided not to move forward. Instead, they built something broader and more inclusive.
Today, IENAA carries forward the same mission and vision—to support internationally educated nurses in Alberta—while expanding membership to IENs from all countries, not limited to one community. With the support of our partner, Changing Together – A Centre for Immigrant Women Association, IENAA finalized its by-laws, officially launched on August 26, 2023, and is now registered as a non-profit organization in Edmonton, Alberta.














