AWHONN MN Section is a growing community of nurses interested in the issues of women and newborns. Please browse our site to find out more about us, what we do, and available resources to promote the health of women and newborns.

On June 21, 2025, Becky Gams, MS, APRN, C-EFM, WHNP-BC, FAWHONN (right), was inducted into the 3^rd class of AWHONN Fellows. She is the second MN Section AWHONN Fellow as Nanette Vogel, MS, RNC-OB, C-EFM, NPD-BC, FAWHONN (left) was inducted into the 2^nd class of AWHONN Fellows in 2024. 

The designation as a Fellow of The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (FAWHONN) recognizes nurse leaders who have made substantive and sustained contributions to the health of women and newborns beyond expectations of their role. AWHONN Fellows have demonstrated outstanding contributions to clinical practice, research, education, advocacy, or policy at the regional, national, or global level that is reflective of AWHONN’s mission and vision. Becoming an AWHONN Fellow demonstrates your commitment to the profession and to the highest standards of nursing care in the specialty of women’s health, obstetric or neonatal nursing.

If you are interested in becoming an AWHONN Fellow, more information is available here: https://www.awhonn.org/become-an-awhonn-fellow/. 

As AWHONN continues to evolve, we are reminded of our commitment to support the nurses who strive to provide culturally proficient and gender-affirming care for all women, transgender people, non-binary people, birthing people, and newborns regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, language, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, carceral state, dis/ability, citizenship, immigration status, income, or health insurance status. As an organization, we are adopting the following principles to guide us further toward our mission and vision.

Guiding Principals

• Accountability. AWHONN holds itself accountable to its members, patients, and communities to actively drive and participate in actions that disrupt and dismantle antiquated, oppressive, and non-scientific practices, ideologies, or beliefs that interfere with the provision of accessible and equitable care.  
• Belonging. AWHONN is intentional about creating safe environments where all members feel they are seen, valued, and belong. When members feel they belong, they achieve greater professional success, personal satisfaction, and a lifelong commitment to nursing.  
• Culture. AWHONN supports and advocates for a collective fundamental shift in the culture of nursing to address America’s health care crisis by committing to the professional growth and advancement of nursing. This includes eliminating barriers to recruiting (horizontal and vertical violence, burnout, moral injury, etc.) and retaining a well-prepared and representative nursing workforce.

We look forward to continuing to build a community based on these principles for generations to come.

Visit our Related Resources page for additional websites, links, and educational events. 

Minnesota Section Website Questions? Contact Becky Gams