Griselle Batista, assistant professor of nursing in Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, has been recognized as a Fellow in the Transcultural Nursing Society (FTNSS), a high honor that recognizes scholars for their leadership in culturally centered healthcare.
Batista will be officially inducted into the society in October and said she is deeply honored to be selected.
“Transcultural nursing and its focus on advancing culturally congruent nursing care aligns with my efforts in working with Hispanic/Latino communities,” Batista said. “This recognition reinforces my commitment to continue to promote, through my teaching, research and mentoring efforts, the value of learning about the cultural influences that impact the health and well-being of the people we serve.”
Suzy Lockwood, associate dean for nursing, said the Department of Nursing proudly applauds Batista on her selection, and that this achievement recognizes her exceptional dedication to the principles and practice of transcultural nursing.
“This recognition celebrates the significant impact of her scholarship, leadership, and service in transcultural nursing,” Lockwood said. “In particular, I have seen this most especially in her mentorship of students and colleagues towards making a meaningful difference for diverse populations.”
Another example of putting culturally centered care at the forefront of her leadership is being a co-adviser in the newly formed student club, Latinos in Scrubs, and bringing students along with her to national conferences like the National Association of Hispanic Nurses.
Monica Estefano, a senior 1 nursing student, was one of two students who attended the annual NAHN conference with Batista and said it was a highlight of her nursing journey.
“She intentionally introduced me to nurses, researchers and even her own mentors, encouraging me to build meaningful connections,” Estefano said. “Because of her encouragement, I left the conference with relationships that continue to inspire me today.”
Meaningful Life Lessons
Estefano was one of Batista’s behavioral health students and recalled her favorite
memory from her class, which was the very first day and first introduction.
“When Dr. Batista introduced herself and shared that she was from Puerto Rico, I immediately called my mom afterward and said, ‘I’m so excited, I have my first Latina Professor at TCU.’ As someone who grew up between Venezuela and Guatemala, seeing someone who shared a similar cultural background made me feel represented in a way I hadn’t experienced before,” Estefano said.
Yes, Batista teaches inside the classroom. But her students say they learn life lessons and things they can apply outside of the classroom, in their personal lives and as a nurse.
Mariana Ramos, a senior 2 nursing student, said a meaningful life lesson she’s learned from Batista is the importance of seeing people as a whole human being, not just the challenges they’ve experienced.
“Dr. Batista consistently reminded us that every person has a story, and approaching others with empathy and openness is essential both in nursing and in everyday life,” Ramos said. “She also taught us the value of maintaining healthy boundaries, understanding how to care deeply while still protecting our own emotional well‑being.”
Ramos said this balance has shaped the way she aspires to show up as a nurse for her patients, to offer compassion without losing herself, and has influenced how she navigates stress outside of the classroom.