Yvette Conyers

Assistant Professor of Nursing and President-RBNA

St. John Fisher College and Rochester Black Nurses Association Inc

Years in current role: 3

What was your biggest success in 2021?

I think my biggest success that others may say that isn’t a success is turning 40. I think this milestone birthday was so much more than a number. I took time in 2021 to really explore who I was and life’s meaning. I started researching the meaning to my name Yvette, which is Yew or the archer. Understanding the history of archery from Africa caused me to want to know more about my ancestors. I am in the beginning process of discovery, but 2021 was the start of it all.

What are your expectations for 2022?

My expectations for 2022 are continued growth in my professional and personal life. I am expecting relationship building with individuals across multiple organizations including healthcare, community, academia and practice. I am expecting more opportunities to act on my calling of service to others including the nursing professions and underserved communities. I am expecting healing for the Rochester community and more collaboration among groups, all for the greater good.

What is your biggest takeaway from dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic?

I think the biggest takeaway from the COVID-19 pandemic is that it exposed many inequities that I thought we had. I saw many folks come together that had never done so before to create more equitable conditions for many communities of color. With this, we saw some improvements, but have a lot more to do. Realizing that many still think of issues as “their” vs “our” problem is a problem, yet I remain hopeful!

What is your favorite thing about the Rochester community?

My favorite thing about Rochester is the food scene and festivals when we are able to partake. The public market is a great location for visitors and locals with the opportunity to purchase just about anything. Rochester is home and for me, majority of my family is here which is also why I enjoy it. Rochester also has some amazing locally owned shops and I enjoy supporting local and Black owned.

If time were no issue, what would you do to help the community that you aren’t already doing?

I think at this point in my life, if time was not an issue, I would be walking the streets, building relationships with people and hearing their story. This would allow me to work on developing programs, finding funding that supports their needs vs what I think they want. I think in many ways, the community I serve is helping me, helping me to stay true to who I am and never forget where whence I come.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 100 list for 2022. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.