Keynote Speaker

Andrea Dalzell, MSN-ED, RN, is a passionate registered nurse, active healthcare advocate, disability rights influencer, and a strong survivor. She is known as “the seated nurse.”​

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Ms. Dalzell was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord that causes pain, muscle weakness and paralysis at the age of five. She was using a wheelchair full-time by age 12.

Ms. Dalzell earned a BSN from the City University of New York, College of Staten Island, Staten Island, NY. After graduation, she faced challenges getting hired as a registered nurse in a hospital. After 76 interviews, Andrea Dalzell was finally given the opportunity and was hired as the first registered nurse in a wheelchair in New York state. Ms. Dalzell has been ultimately respected most for her influence and healthcare advocacy for the rights of those with disabilities throughout her journey.