Nurse Mona's Story
My purpose
"Mentoring and inspiring future nurses to shape a stronger, more inclusive healthcare world."
Mona Clayton is a distinguished registered nurse, author, and visionary leader with over 25 years of experience transforming healthcare and mentoring the next generation of nursing professionals. As the Founder and Executive Director of The Nurses Pub, she has built a global platform dedicated to empowering aspiring nurses—especially those from underrepresented communities—with the guidance, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Mona’s mission is bold and clear: to recruit, mentor, and support 100,000 future nurses, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and leadership to innovate and shape the future of healthcare. Through programs like the groundbreaking Speed Huddle™ mentorship model, she connects students with professional mentors in dynamic, supportive
environments, impacting learners across the United States, Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, and beyond.
Her educational journey reflects her commitment to excellence and leadership. Mona holds an Associate of Science in Nursing from Los Angeles Southwest College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University. She graduated from Pepperdine University’s Key Executive MBA Program in December 2025, further strengthening her ability to lead transformative healthcare and nonprofit initiatives.
A single mother who overcame the challenges of nursing school in South Central Los Angeles, Mona draws inspiration from her own journey to empower others. In 2018, she founded The Nurses Pub to bridge gaps in nursing representation, offering mentorship, scholarships, and professional development to students who might otherwise face barriers to a healthcare career.
Mona is also an accomplished author of From Student to Nurse: Surviving the Journey and has received prestigious honors, including the Los Angeles County Nurse of the Year Award and the Mayor’s Recognition Award. Her work has been featured in Black Enterprise Magazine, Minority Nurse Magazine, and other leading publications.
Driven by a lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and community development, Mona continues to inspire, mentor, and equip the next generation of healthcare leaders, ensuring that the future of nursing is diverse, empowered, and impactful.