Sofia Aragon is the Executive Director for the Washington Center for Nursing, advancing nursing leadership and workforce development for licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and advanced practice nurses. A priority of WCN is collaborating with the Council on Nursing Education in Washington State (CNEWS), an association serving deans and directors of nursing. Joint projects include publishing a Master Plan for Nursing Education and advocacy resulting in legislative investments in nurse educator compensation. As a former governmental affairs director for the Washington State Nurses Association, and city councilmember and mayor for the city of Burien, Washington, Sofia enjoys teaching about the legislative process, policy analysis, and advocacy. As President of the Washington State Association of Nurse Attorneys, she worked with Seattle University Continuing Legal Education and College of Nursing to develop a Nursing and the Law educational series for nurses and practicing attorneys. As a Legislative Externship Site Supervisor for the Seattle University Law School, she precepted law students as part of the state nurses association legislative program. Most recently she served as a pro bono supervisor where she led Health Law Society students in shaping board of nursing regulations. For the University of Washington School of Nursing, she precepts graduate nursing students who are interested in influencing public policy. Sofia earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Washington - Seattle, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Seattle University; and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University - Chicago School of Law. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and has received numerous awards including a State Award for Excellence in Advocacy from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Melissa Sinor is the Alabama Claims Manager and the Healthcare Claims Practice Leader at McGriff, an insurance brokerage firm. In addition to managing a team of nine claims account executives, Melissa maintains a large book of insurance clients in the healthcare and food industries. She assists clients in navigating the claims process and acting as an advocate on behalf of insureds. Prior to joining McGriff, she spent her legal career representing businesses in litigation. As her career progressed, she began focusing on the representation of healthcare clients in medical malpractice actions across Alabama. She also handled general liability claims for healthcare clients. Beyond her work in healthcare, she has represented clients in an array of insurance matters and worker’s compensation claims. Her background brings a greater understanding of the big picture and strategies to help mitigate loss.

Melissa and her husband have two smart little girls, Ella (7) and Sloane (4), who keep them busy.  She is a proud Auburn and Florida State Law graduate.