Inspired by people’s ability to change and learn, Nena M. Nera has dedicated herself to health care and psychology. She is currently the president and chief executive officer of The “N” Company, through which she offers both one-on-one and group mentoring for healthcare practitioners and other professionals, workshop presentations, education, and public speaking. Ms. Nera founded the health policy consultancy in 2000 with the goal of expanding her reach, and she is thrilled with her ongoing success. She recently conducted a series on communication and spoke on leadership.
One of Ms. Nera’s positions prior to this was senior health policy analyst for Health Canada. The job gave her an opportunity she now considers a professional highlight: working with HIV/AIDS patients abroad. During her time in Geneva, Japan, and Mexico, she trained at renowned world health organizations, studied behavior development, and met a diverse group of health care professionals that helped her look at the world differently. It’s something she will never forget.
Ms. Nera prepared for her endeavors by earning a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Master of Arts in social work administration from the University of Wisconsin. She also completed coursework at the University of the Philippines. To remain connected with her peers and professional community, she joined organizations like Philippines Canada, The International Society of Social Workers, and Toastmasters.
In recognition of her hard work and success, Ms. Nera was honored with a variety of accolades over the years. Notably, she was named a Distinguished Toastmaster and was the recipient of the Outstanding Filipino-Canadian Abroad Award. Ms. Nera considers her greatest achievement, however, to be her large, loving, and supportive family. She and her husband, who have been married 62 years, have four children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Her sons work in the business industry and one of her daughters is a nurse.