On March 11, 1995, seventeen Indian American Nurses from Dallas area, gathered at the Crosby Recreation Center in Carrolton, Texas. They gathered to hear what Ms. Thresiamma Sebastian, president of the Indian American Nurses Association (IANA), had to offer to them. Ms. Sebastian informed the nurses of the benefits of starting a nurses association under the national chapter. As a result, the Dallas chapter of the IANA was formed with an executive board to head up this organization . The Executive committee included:

            President:                        Mary Abraham, RN, BSN

            Vice President:               Aleykutty Francis, RN, BSN

            Secretary:                       Rosamma George, RN

            Jt. Secretary:                 Annamma Itty, RN

            Treasurer:                      Santha Pillai, RN

            Jt. Treasurer:                 Elsy Philip, RN, BSN

The first committee meeting was held on April 9, 1995. It became evident that is was very difficult to follow the guidelines of the IANA especially those that were set for the financial aspects of the organization. As a result, on April 29th, a general body meeting, consisting of 24 members, was held at the Parkland Memorial Hospital Auditorium. At this meeting an unanimous decision was made to dissolve the Dallas chapter of IANA and create an independent organization. This new organization would be registered as Indian American Nurses Association of North Texas (IANA-NT). Along with establishing a new name, the general body decided to expand the executive team by adding three new executive positions. These new positions were:

            Education Coordinator:    Leelamma Chacko, RN

            Editor:                               Ann Varghese, RN

            Public Relations:               Susan Thambi, RN

The formation of IANA-NT could not have been possible without help from some special advocates. First, Ms. Linda Varghese who created IANA-NT's wonderful emblem. Secondly, Mr. Lal Varghese and Mr. Philip Thomas who helped us establish IANA-NT's nonprofit status. Finally, a special recognition for the first executive board of directors, for establishing the by-laws of this organization. Currently there are board members serving a two-year term, who are committed to the growth and development of this organization. The organization started with seventeen strong-minded women and has now grown to over 250 members.

Leelamma Chacko,

President