Dr. O'Brien is an Associate Professor and Director of the FNP Program at Sonoma State University. Dr. O'Brien practiced as a women's health nurse practitioner for 9 years in the field of reproductive endocrinology before going on to earn a PhD at Arizona State University. Since earning her doctorate, she has taught nursing students from pre-licensure to graduate degree-level programs and also worked as nursing research scientist and nurse consultant in evidence-based practice.  Over the last 30 years, she has worked for and with community organizations, academic institutions, and health systems in the belief that we can more effectively address racial and health inequities when we bring together our unique life experiences and expertise. Her clinical practice, research, and teaching have all centered on the social and ecological factors that influence a person's engagement in health promotion and shared decision-making. Dr. O'Brien and her co-author, Dr. Sandra Davis, published a book, Fast Facts about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Nursing: Building Competencies for an Antiracism Practice which was awarded third place in the 2022 AJN Book of the Year Awards in Nursing Education/Continuing Education/Professional Development.   Dr. O'Brien is passionate about social justice and its impact on health disparities, and believes nursing students and nurses play a crucial role in partnering with communities to make positive change.