Changing the Landscape
of Nursing
To inspire and equip the next generation of healthcare leaders by promoting the nursing profession as an inclusive and rewarding career choice for middle and high school students.
Who We Are
The Minority Pre-Nursing Institute (MPI) is a non-profit precollegiate mentorship program that is designed to introduce middle school and high school students to the field of nursing and provide them with foundational knowledge and experiences that will support academic success in diploma, associate degree, and baccalaureate-prepared nursing programs.
Meet Our Instructors
Tamara Moon, MSN, Rn
President/Founder,
Minority Pre-Nursing Institute
In addition to serving as President, Tamara Moon is a passionate and dedicated nursing educator with 16 years of nursing education and clinical experience. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Walden University. She has developed and implemented innovative curriculum and teaching strategies to engage learners and facilitate their professional growth. She is dedicated to shaping the next generation of compassionate and competent nursing students who are prepared to meet the evolving challenges of healthcare.
Kelly Starver DNP, MS, BSN, RN
Program Director,
Minority Pre-Nursing Institute
Kelly Starver DNP, MS, BSN, RN, is a former Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. As a former Nurse Manager at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Dr. Starver gained an extensive background in behavioral health. She is a proficient nurse with a passion for advancing healthcare by recognizing the social determinants of health and their effects on health outcomes, as well as the lack of adequate coverage and access to providers. She is determined to increase the number of students of color in nursing schools by identifying systemic and disadvantageous challenges with institutions. Dr. Starver embodies the highest standards of leadership and expertise.
Dawna Bivins CRNP, MSN
Program Director,
Minority Pre-Nursing Institute
Dawna Bivins, CRNP, MSN is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in family medicine. She currently works in occupational medicine as a nurse practitioner. She has worked in various community health centers where she has provided comprehensive care and as Adjunct Faculty for Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a strong believer that diversity and inclusion are needed in all aspects of healthcare. She works and develops wellness campaigns to assist employees with effective health, maintenance, and behavioral health techniques. She also volunteers and mentors youth to develop healthy wellness and lifestyle choices through outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
Program Overview
Our curriculum equips first-year nursing students with basic nursing concepts, critical thinking skills, and clinical skills.
2 Cohorts
1 day/2 hours a day
Dynamic curriculum
Hospital or College shadowing hours
Career day
Pinning ceremony
.jpg)
