Elis Fernandez Payne

About Elis Fernandez Payne

As a Veteran, Nurse Practitioner, retired Air Force Officer, and former small business franchise owner, my life has been a tapestry of service, leadership, and growth. Across 27 years in uniform, I proudly served in the Army, Army Reserves, and Air Force, culminating my military career at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. My service included national and overseas assignments, including combat zones, where I led with dedication, primarily as a nursing officer.Each chapter of my journey has been rooted in a deep commitment to making a difference. Whether providing compassionate, high-quality care as a healthcare professional or mentoring teams and leading initiatives in high-stakes environments, I have cultivated resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership.Outside of my military and healthcare career, I embraced entrepreneurship as a small business franchise owner and shared my journey through public speaking. These experiences allowed me to connect with diverse audiences, inspire others, and amplify my mission of empowering and uplifting those around me.As I embark on the next exciting phase of life, I remain dedicated to leveraging my skills, experiences, and passions to create meaningful impact. Whether through healthcare, leadership, or new ventures, I am guided by the belief that every experience builds toward a greater purpose.As a Latina, I am deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of Latinos to pursue excellence in their careers and communities. Representation matters, and I hope to be a beacon of encouragement and possibility for others.Personally, I love exploring the world, embracing self-improvement, and diving into passions like reading, hiking, architecture, cooking, history, fashion, and the magic of transformation projects (\"before and after\"). I cherish hearing people’s stories and journeys—they remind me of the shared human experience.Let’s connect—I’m excited to hear your story and explore how we can create impact together!

Experience

1. Course Facilitator

   Rmrkblty

   Oct 2019 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   IamRemarkable is an initiative empowering women and underrepresented groups to speak openly about their accomplishments in the workplace and beyond, thereby breaking modesty norms and glass ceilings. As a facilitator my role involves hosting workshops and being an ambassador for #IamRemarkable within my personal and professional networks. To learn more and join the initiative visit: ​ ​ g.co/IamRemarkable

Education

• USAF Air Command and Staff College

  Organizational Leadership

  2007 — 2008

• USAF Squadron Officer School

  Military Science, Leadership and Operational Art

  1999 — 1999

• Marymount University

  Associate of Science - AS, Nursing Science

  1991 — 1992

• Regis University

  Master of Science (MS), in Nursing: Leadership in Health Care Systems, Minor in Education

  2005 — 2007

• Marymount University

  Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Nursing Science

  1991 — 1994

• Columbia University

  Veteran Transition, FourBlock

  2018 — 2018

• Virginia Commonwealth University

  MS, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Masters of Science in Nursing-Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

  2008 — 2010

Skills

• Nursing
• Nurse Practitioners
• Perioperative Nursing
• Women's Health
• Obstetrics
• Gynecology
• Leadership
• Education
• Air Force
• Army
• Patient Education
• Patient Advocacy
• Acls
• Bls
• Preventive Medicine
• Iv
• Health Education
• Medical/Surgical
• Patient Safety
• Acute Care
• Prevention
• Pals
• Military
• Direct Patient Care
• Readiness
• Chcs
• Healthcare
• Personnel Supervision
• Hospitals
• Emr
• Board Certified
• Inpatient
• Surgery
• Icu
• Phlebotomy
• Pediatrics
• Health Promotion
• Medical Terminology
• Vital Signs
• Combat Lifesaver