As I step into the role of CEO of WeRPN, I do so first and foremost as a proud Registered Practical Nurse—and as a longtime member of this association.
My connection to WeRPN began when I was an RPN student at George Brown College. I joined because I wanted to be connected to the profession I was entering, and I have remained a member throughout my career. To have the privilege of leading the association that has represented and advocated for RPNs throughout that journey is truly a full-circle moment.
My path to nursing wasn’t a straight one. I initially imagined a career in veterinary medicine, but life had other plans. After some unexpected detours, I returned to school with four young children at home and enrolled in the practical nursing program at George Brown. It remains one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Practical nursing gave me the opportunity to enter patient care and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. More importantly, it gave me a professional identity that has stayed with me throughout every stage of my career.
Over the past two decades, my career has taken me from direct patient care into progressively senior leadership roles across healthcare, pharmaceuticals and digital health. I have had the opportunity to lead large, multidisciplinary teams—including hundreds of RPNs delivering care in communities across Canada—and to work at the intersection of patient care, innovation, technology and system transformation.
RPNs bring tremendous expertise, value and leadership to our healthcare system.
Through all those experiences, one belief has remained constant: RPNs bring tremendous expertise, value and leadership to our healthcare system.
That is one of the reasons I am so excited about what comes next for WeRPN.
I am stepping into this role at an important time for our profession, but I am also fortunate to be building from an incredibly strong foundation. I want to recognize Dianne Martin for her leadership and her extraordinary contribution to WeRPN and to practical nursing in Ontario. Under her leadership, and through the work of our Board, staff and members, this association has become a strong and respected voice for RPNs.
In my first weeks as CEO, I have been equally impressed by the team behind that work. Their expertise, commitment and genuine passion for our members is evident in everything they do—from advocacy and professional development to research, education and member support.
My responsibility now is to build on that foundation while looking boldly toward what comes next.
Healthcare is on the cusp of significant transformation. The needs of patients are evolving, technology is changing how and where care is delivered, and our system needs every healthcare professional working to their full potential. With more than 65,000 RPNs across Ontario, our profession has an important role to play in what comes next. You have my commitment that RPNs will not simply have a seat at the table—we will bring a strong, informed voice to the decisions shaping healthcare and help define the path forward.
I joined WeRPN as a student because I believed there was value in belonging to something bigger than myself. Today, I believe that more strongly than ever.
My commitment to you is simple: I will listen, I will advocate, and I will lead with the same practical, solutions-focused mindset that has guided me throughout my career.
But most importantly, I want you to know that I understand this organization from the perspective that matters most: as a member.
I joined WeRPN as a student because I believed there was value in belonging to something bigger than myself. Today, I believe that more strongly than ever.
I am incredibly proud to be your CEO, and even prouder to be an RPN.
There is important work ahead—and I cannot wait to build the next chapter of WeRPN with you.
With gratitude,
Lori Singh, RPN, MBA, CHE
Chief Executive Officer, WeRPN
