Bridgette M. (Brawner) Rice, PhD, MDiv, APRN, FAAN
“I was created for the express purpose
of helping others.”
~ Dr. Bridgette
HELP * MATE | a helpful companion or partner
My broad-ranging expertise uniquely positions me to meet your diverse needs. I pride myself in being “a woman of many hats” and have experience as a nurse, professor, author, minister, researcher, and executive leader (to name a few hats). Resultantly, I am often told that I am “wise beyond my years”. I would love to help you/your organization reach your full potential by sharing the invaluable pearls of wisdom gained through these ventures.
I bring nearly two decades of experience working with community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, faith-based institutions, and national associations. I am internationally sought after for my comprehensive knowledge, dynamic oratory skills and ability to effect change; see selected career highlights below. Whether it is life or spiritual coaching, career advising, assistance to translate ideas into meaningful projects, or strategies to address workplace toxicity, my executive consulting services will help you accomplish your personal and professional goals.
While my services are open to everyone, I am particularly interested in providing support to promote racial and ethnic minority engagement and retention in health-related fields; especially given the far-reaching effects of structural racism. Moreover, I aim to partner with organizations to improve work environments so that everyone is valued, respected and able to function as their best selves.
Contact me to begin your journey today!
Selected
Career Highlights
- Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing
- Awarded the 2021 Diversity and Equity Award from the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN)
- Led/contributed to 30+ community-engaged research studies on individual (e.g., mental health), social (e.g., social capital) and structural (e.g., racism) factors that influence health outcomes. The findings from this multi-million dollar research enterprise are used to effect change in research, policy and practice
- Served as an inaugural Commissioner (2021-2022) for the American Nurses Association National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing
- Past Chair of the National Advisory Committee for the American Nurses Association/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Minority Fellowship Program (ANA/SAMHSA MFP)
- Mentorship of 100+ transdisciplinary health care professionals across career levels (including 3 international PhD students) in a variety of settings (e.g., direct clinical care, academia)
- Visiting Professorship in mixed methods research in the Department of Biomedicine and Prevention at the University of Tor Vergata in Rome, Italy
- Extensive publication record (80+ publications, cited more than 1,400 times)
- Also published a book to help others on their journey toward wholeness (Finding Healing in Brokenness)
- Delivered 100+ speaking engagements (including a commencement address and numerous scientific presentations)
Selected Education and Professional Activities
- Community Health Language Immersion Practicuum, Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra, Santiago, Dominican Republic, 2002
- BSN, Villanova University, 2003 (minors in Spanish and Psychology)
- MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Nurse (Child and Family Therapy), University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 2005
- Co-Founder and HIV/AIDS Psychosocial Support Coordinator, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church HIV/AIDS Ministry, 2007-2009
- PhD, HIV Prevention/Nursing, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 2009
- Inaugural Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow (currently named Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship for Academic Diversity), University of Pennsylvania, 2009-2012
- Visiting Research Fellow, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA) Research Education Institute for Diverse Scholars (REIDS), Yale University, 2011-2013
- Assistant Professor of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 2012-2018
- Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Healing Inspired Ministries, LLC, 2013
- Special Advisor to the Commissioner, Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services, 2015-2017
- MDiv, Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University, 2017
- Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 2018-2021
- Endowed Professor of Nursing, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, 2021-present
- Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, 2023-present