What 26 Years as a Nursing Assistant Taught Me About Leadership

What 26 Years as a Nursing Assistant Taught Me About Leadership

By Illinois State Representative Yolonda Morris, 9th District

Before I ever voted on a bill in Springfield, my coworkers voted for me to represent them.

I was a certified nursing assistant when my coworkers elected me as their union steward. They trusted me to take their concerns to management. I learned that people remember whether you come back with an answer, especially after a difficult conversation.

I got my start in the Health Occupations program at John Marshall High School on Chicago's West Side, where I earned my CNA certification. I spent 26 years in healthcare, eight as a traveling CNA and 18 in skilled nursing. Part of my job was advocating for residents. I brought their concerns to the care team so their wishes could guide decisions about their care.

What I Saw at Home and on the Nursing Floor

I remember riding in the car with my mother when she asked me to roll down the window. She was having a hot flash. Years later, when I started having hot flashes myself, I thought back to that ride and understood what she had been feeling.

On the nursing floor, I worked alongside women who managed menopause symptoms while caring for others. I knew what it was like to show up for a shift after a sleepless night, with people already counting on me. Even among coworkers who knew each other well, menopause rarely came up.

Those experiences helped shape my work in the Illinois House. I championed the Illinois Menopause Equity and Care Act because a woman should be able to talk openly with her healthcare provider about her symptoms and understand her treatment options. She should also be able to ask for a reasonable accommodation at work without fear of discrimination.

The Experience You Bring into the Room Matters

When people ask me how to get involved in public service, my advice is simple: start with something you care about. Learn who makes the decisions, get involved in your community, attend meetings, and never be afraid to ask questions. Your voice and your experiences matter.

Having spent 26 years working in healthcare as a certified nursing assistant, I understand that the people closest to an issue often have the greatest insight into what needs to change. A policy may look good on paper, but those working on the front lines understand how it affects people in their everyday lives. Their perspectives deserve to be heard when decisions are being made.

One of the most valuable lessons I was taught was to always lead with humility. I carry that lesson into my work as a state legislator. Leadership requires listening, understanding different perspectives, and recognizing how our decisions affect the people we serve.

My journey in advocacy began long before I entered the Illinois General Assembly. When my coworkers placed their trust in me to represent them as a union steward, I understood the responsibility that came with their confidence. That same sense of responsibility guides me today as I represent the residents of Illinois' 9th District.

I believe meaningful leadership is not about the position you hold, but the responsibility you accept and the difference you make. Every experience, every challenge, and every opportunity to serve has reinforced my commitment to leading with purpose, integrity, and humility.