CORRYTON, TN, September 28, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Leela Marie Velez, MSN, RN, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Velez currently serves as a registered nurse at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a position she has held since 2023. In this role, she manages chronic diseases for Veterans in a primary care setting, coordinates patient care and services, and educates Veterans on medications, their purposes, and adherence. She also explains disease processes and potential complications, guides Veterans in managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, promotes lifestyle changes and healthy behaviors, and supports informed self-management by monitoring patient understanding. Her approach is shaped by her commitment to celebrating victories, both large and small. For example, Ms. Velez takes pride in helping patients improve their health metrics, such as guiding individuals with high A1C levels to healthier ranges through education and support. She emphasizes medication adherence and recognizes that even seemingly minor actions can profoundly affect patient outcomes.

From 2016 to 2023, Ms. Velez was a registered nurse at the University of Tennessee (UT) Medical Center. During her tenure, she gained substantial clinical expertise in emergency and trauma care, as well as behavioral health nursing. Her responsibilities included direct patient care and leadership roles within the department. She became known for precepting students from local colleges and new employees, sharing her passion for education and effective communication with future nurses. Her work at UT Medical Center included supporting patients experiencing mental health crises and advocating for individualized care approaches, building on her extensive experience addressing mental health challenges in behavioral health settings.

Ms. Velez is an active member of the Emergency Nurses Association, reflecting her commitment to professional development and networking in nursing. She values collaboration with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, an experience further enriched by her recent graduation from the VA Leadership Institute. The program brings together emerging leaders from various disciplines across medical centers, fostering dynamic discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and the development of effective leadership skills. Her successful completion of the institute further demonstrates her commitment to professional growth and leadership within healthcare.

She began her academic journey with an Associate of Science in General Studies from Walters State Community College in Morristown, TN, in 2012. She continued her education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from South College in Knoxville, TN, in 2016. Most recently, she completed a Master of Science in Nursing Education at Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, UT, in 2026. These achievements have provided Ms. Velez with a strong clinical background and advanced skills in education and leadership.

In addition to her multiple degrees, Ms. Velez holds several certifications that enhance her practice: she is a registered nurse, a certified phlebotomy technician, a certified EKG technician, and has completed crisis intervention training. She is also a recognized Stop the Bleed trainer and has completed Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt training. In 2025, she earned a certification in communicating nonverbally through LinkedIn Learning. These credentials reflect her dedication to continual learning and improving patient care.

Ms. Velez's family support has been instrumental throughout her journey. Her perseverance and drive for self-improvement motivate her not only to grow personally but also to serve as a positive role model for her nieces and nephew. Early uncertainty about her career path led Ms. Velez to explore multiple majors during college before she discovered her calling as an advocate for others in healthcare. This realization shaped her decision to pursue nursing.

Beyond her professional commitments, Ms. Velez has participated in three medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic focused on primary care, women's health, and eye surgeries through the International Medical Alliance of Tennessee. Her contributions have extended access to essential healthcare services abroad while broadening her perspective on global health needs.

Recognition for excellence includes the On The Spot Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 2025 and the Charlene Award that same year.

Born in Newport, Ms. Velez grew up in East Tennessee, where she developed an appreciation for lifelong learning despite regional educational challenges. Personal experiences with Graves' disease and thyroid storms, resulting in total thyroid removal, deepened her empathy for patients navigating complex medical information and reinforced her commitment to clear communication tailored to individual backgrounds and needs.

Looking ahead, Ms. Velez plans to finalize the requirements for Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification and pursue additional educational opportunities. She envisions establishing a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing healthcare education or services as part of her long-term aspirations.

Family remains central to Ms. Velez's life. She has been married to her husband, an electrical engineer, for thirteen years. She maintains close relationships with her siblings, nieces, and nephew, cherishing time spent together during vacations, weekends, and family dinners. Outside of work, Ms. Velez enjoys spending time with her two dogs and making the most of the outdoors. She particularly enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time at the beach, as well as exploring new destinations and discovering new places to eat. These activities provide opportunities to relax, experience new surroundings, and create meaningful memories with family and loved ones.

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