Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, in collaboration with Rutgers University School of Nursing educated eight paraprofessionals, who are employees of the hospital, who wished to enter a BS in Nursing program by Fall of 2016. The paraprofessionals chosen were individuals from within the community who showed a strong desire to become a nurse, but did not have the means to complete this degree. Funds were used to provide this diverse cohort of future nursing leaders support for completing pre-requisite course work, and to teach them the skills needed to complete a BS in Nursing degree. Students were also provided financial support, academic tutoring and counseling as they completde their pre-nursing courses at community college or Rutgers University. Through this initiative, the hospital took assertive and strategic measures to both incorporate diversity initiatives among its employees and embrace inclusion as it relates to high-quality patient care.