Mark Anthony Gravoso is an RN at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Toronto General Hospital. He believes nursing is where leadership meets compassion. It’s a way to live one’s values, serve others and lead with purpose.
As an internationally educated nurse (IEN) who immigrated to Canada in 2017, he has experienced the barriers of credential recognition, system navigation and professional integration. These challenges fuelled his passion for advocacy and political action.
As president of the Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association (IFCNA), Mark has been a powerful voice for IENs facing immigration challenges, championing policy reform, building community support, and driving systemic change. He has raised national awareness through media engagement and high-level advocacy, including a roundtable with Ontario Labour Minister David Piccini and his fellow MPPs and MPs. Through this advocacy, he calls for urgent action for credential recognition, immigration-related RN retention, and elimination of systemic barriers.
This award recognizes his unwavering dedication to equity and his tireless work to create lasting and meaningful change for IENs across Canada.
The Leadership Award in Political Action is presented to the RN or NP who acts as a change agent, resource and mentor through political action. This individual is actively involved in discussions with MPPs/MPs, other decision-makers, and media that benefit the health of individuals or communities.
