Latwana Ellis Bynum
Latwana Ellis Bynum is a dedicated nurse leader, educator, and advocate currently serving as the Practical Nursing Department Chair at Mildred Elley College in the Albany, New York Metropolitan Area. A registered nurse since 2011, she began her career at the Veterans Administration, where she gained experience in medical-surgical and mental health nursing. Early in her career, she developed a strong passion for behavioral health and patient advocacy—interests that would shape her professional journey and commitment to improving healthcare systems and outcomes.
Throughout her career, Bynum has worked across diverse healthcare and administrative settings, including roles with UnitedHealthcare as a Behavioral Health Care Advocate and with the New York State Justice Center, where she reviewed behavioral health cases. She also served as a registered nurse at Saratoga Hospital, further strengthening her clinical expertise. In 2023, she transitioned into nurse education, a move that aligned with her early academic interests in education. As a leader in nursing education, she oversees LPN programs and clinical coordination, playing a key role in significantly improving student success, including increasing NCLEX pass rates from 67% to 82% within a year through collaboration, innovation, and data-driven strategies.
Driven by a philosophy rooted in advocacy, empowerment, and collaboration, Bynum believes that nursing extends far beyond clinical tasks—it is about uplifting patients and shaping stronger communities. Her leadership emphasizes developing confident, compassionate nurses who are prepared to make meaningful change. In addition to her academic and clinical work, she has contributed to her community through service on the Human Rights Commission in Albany and active involvement in professional organizations. With a focus on mental health, nursing leadership, and education, Bynum continues to inspire the next generation of nurses while redefining the role of nursing in society.
• Registered Nurse - New York State
• Business management intensive training
• Campaign management training
• Western Governors University - BS
• Excellence in Patient Safety - Stratton VA Medical Center (November 2013)
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
• American Nurse Association - General member
• NAACP
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a mindset that views failure as a valuable part of growth rather than something negative. I focus on persistence, adaptability, and defining success on my own terms, rather than by external standards. By treating setbacks as learning opportunities and staying aligned with my own values and boundaries, I remain motivated and continue progressing toward my goals.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my grandmother, who taught me the importance of integrity, respect, and being a woman of my word. She showed me that success is not defined by money or connections, but by character and how you carry yourself. Her sacrifices and the values she instilled in me continue to guide my path, and I carry her legacy with me in everything I do.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to do it afraid. There will be moments when doubt and fear feel overwhelming, and when rejection seems like the only outcome, but a “no” is often just redirection toward something better. Keep moving forward, continue to adjust, and trust that you will find where you belong. Even in moments of uncertainty, pursue your goals with determination, because anything is possible.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in nursing today is ensuring safe patient-to-nurse ratios while expanding access to quality education for aspiring nurses. At the same time, this presents a powerful opportunity to advocate for both the profession and future generations of nurses. There is a growing need for compassion, dedication, and strong mentorship, particularly for students who may not come from traditional medical backgrounds. By empowering and supporting these individuals, we can cultivate confident nurses who are prepared to advocate for their patients and drive meaningful change across diverse healthcare settings.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, service, integrity, and leading by example. My family keeps me grounded and motivated, and everything I do is centered around creating a meaningful legacy for them and honoring my grandmother’s sacrifices. I am deeply committed to giving back through community involvement and supporting young women, while also demonstrating to my daughters that it is possible to nurture a family and pursue ambitious goals. Being a role model for them—showing strength, compassion, and determination—is one of my greatest accomplishments and continues to drive everything I do.
Locations
Mildred Elley
Niskayuna, NY 12309