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Keynote Address: The Well Leader: Culturally-Informed Mental Health Practices for Community Cafes

In high-stakes, community-centered work, leaders often shoulder the emotional and operational weight of those they serve. This engaging and thought-provoking session explores how mental health and well-being are essential—not optional—for effective leadership in community cafés and similar grassroots organizations.

Led by Dr. Griselle Batista, PhD, RN, CTN-A—an expert in psychiatric-mental health and transcultural nursing—this talk introduces culturally-informed strategies to support mental wellness for leaders working in diverse, often underserved communities. Participants will gain insights into how cultural beliefs influence stress, burnout, and resilience, and leave with practical tools to foster psychological safety, promote balance, and lead from a place of wellness.

Whether you're navigating community trauma, compassion fatigue, or simply trying to sustain your own mental health in a mission-driven space, this session offers a refreshing and research-based perspective tailored for those on the front lines of care and community transformation.


LOCATION:
Taste Community Restaurant
200 North Cooper Street, #150
Arlington, TX 76011
www.tasteproject.org


ABOUT Dr. Griselle Batista
Dr. Griselle Batista is an Assistant Professor at Texas Christian University's Harris College of Nursing, specializing in psychiatric-mental health nursing and transcultural nursing. Her research focuses on culturally congruent community interventions that promote mental health and prevent suicide among Hispanic/Latino populations, particularly Puerto Ricans.

Education and Credentials:

  • PhD in Nursing with a concentration in Transcultural Nursing from Duquesne University

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing from the University of Miami

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Puerto Rico

  • Certified Transcultural Nurse-Advanced (CTN-A)

Research and Publications:

Dr. Batista's scholarly work includes ethnonursing studies and integrative reviews. Notable publications include:

  • Batista, G., Zoucha, R., Colbert, A., & Duarté-Vélez, Y. (2024). Understanding cultural values and beliefs of Puerto Ricans regarding suicide and suicide prevention: An ethnonursing study. Journal of Transcultural Nursing. Advance online publication.

  • Estrada, G. B., Zoucha, R., & Duarté-Vélez, Y. (2019). Cultural factors influencing suicidal ideation and behaviors in Puerto Ricans: An integrative review. In C. E. Kasper & R. Zoucha (Eds.), Annual Review of Nursing Research (Vol. 37, pp. 261-299). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.

Professional Affiliations and Service:

Dr. Batista is actively involved in several professional organizations:

  • American Nurses Association

  • American Psychiatric Nurses Association

  • National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)

  • Transcultural Nursing Society

Her service to NAHN includes:

  • Board Member, Dallas Chapter (2014–2016, 2018–2020, 2022–present)

  • Member, 50th Anniversary Committee (2022–present)

  • Co-Chair, Puerto Rico Ad-Hoc Committee (2021–2023)

Awards and Recognition:

Dr. Batista's contributions to nursing have been recognized through:nursingleadershipscience.org.

  • Alumna status in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association (2017–2022)

  • Fellow of the Month, SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program (May 2021)

  • Minority Nurse Faculty Scholarship, Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future–American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2017–2019)

Earlier Event: June 21
Opening Remarks
Later Event: June 21
Workshops: Session 1