Carmen D. Mendez, MSN, RN, OCN

I have been a cancer care nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) for over 20 years. As a perioperative nurse liaison, I support patients and their families during surgery. I offer compassion, support, and clear information during this important time in their care journey.

Advocacy is central to who I am as a nurse, a mother, and a community member. Supporting the whole person is essential to healing, and I strive to bring empathy, respect, and empowerment into everything I do.

I proudly serve as the LGBTQI+ Nurse Navigator. An LGBTQI+ Nurse Navigator is a healthcare professional who supports and guides LGBTQI+ patients through their cancer care journey, ensuring they receive respectful, inclusive, and personalized care. I actively support the LGBTQI+ community and promote inclusivity, equity, community engagement, and a culture of respect both in the workplace and beyond.

Outside of work, I am a passionate champion for my daughter and for others in the autism community. I find joy in singing and the performing arts. I sing in a choir and enjoy music and theatre.