Mary Eliza Mahoney

Biography

Mary Eliza Mahoney made history as the first African American licensed nurse in the United States, graduating from the New England Hospital for Women and Children’s training program in 1879. She devoted her life to compassionate care and to advancing professional standards for nurses of all backgrounds.

Always in service to others, she helped found the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses and worked tirelessly for access to equal opportunities in nursing. Her quiet courage and advocacy helped shape a more inclusive future for healthcare.