Iris V. Fernández is a resilient figure, a single mother who navigated the challenges of the 1980s while pursuing a nursing education. Her career path spans from a staff nurse in NYC to key roles in healthcare and nursing informatics.

A Columbia University graduate with a master's in nursing informatics, Iris mentored at premier Magnet™ hospitals for 15 years. Upon retiring in 2020, she pursued her love of writing, amplifying women's voices as a co-author of Latinas 100™ and contributor to Hispanic Stars Rising.

Her debut memoir, PERSEVERANCE: The Bridge to a Latina Mother's Dream, Launched Feb 20, 2024, to rave reviews.

Iris is interested in speaking about re-inventing oneself as a writer, writing her book using SMART goals, and active participation in writing groups.