Alumni

Mercedes Brown
A Lifelong Commitment to Nursing, Mentorship, and Community

Mercedes Brown’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to healthcare and mentorship. Born in Harmons, Jamaica, she was raised by her grandmother before making the bold move to Calgary as an international student at Mount Royal College. This leap set the stage for a career defined by leadership, compassion, and community impact.

Elevating Healthcare Through Expertise and Dedication

Mercedes was part of the third cohort of the Conjoint Nursing program between Mount Royal College and the University of Calgary from 1995–1999. After graduating, she further specialized in Texas before returning to complete her Master’s in Nursing at the University of Calgary in 2011. It was then, with more free time, that she discovered the Harry G. Schaefer Mentorship Program at MRU, beginning her long-standing commitment to mentorship.

Over the years, Mercedes has worked in various roles, including clinical nurse, educator, enterostomal therapy nurse, unit manager, and site manager. Today, as a Nurse Clinician in the Pre-Admission Clinic at the Peter Lougheed Centre, she ensures surgical patients receive the best possible care while mentoring and supporting her team. She finds fulfillment in taking on the role of teacher, coach, and advocate, striving to make healthcare a more compassionate space for all.

A Mentor Who Leads by Example

Beyond her work in healthcare, Mercedes is passionate about guiding the next generation, mentoring through Mount Royal’s Harry G. Schaefer Mentorship Program and the Black Mentorship Program at MRU Career Services. She believes in leading with integrity, high standards, and genuine care for others—qualities that have made her an invaluable mentor in the nursing community.
Her impact is profound, shaping mentees’ confidence and career trajectories. Cynthia Wang, one of Mercedes’ mentees, shared:

"Through your mentorship, I gained confidence in myself and my future as a nurse."

Her impact on mentorship extends beyond MRU. She also mentors young people through the University of Calgary’s Black Mentorship Program and her church community, recognizing the power of representation in shaping future leaders. Mercedes encourages those she mentors to remain professional, a value she believes paves the way for success.

Mercedes recalls a pivotal moment early in her career when she worked as an operating room (OR) booking clerk. Her manager, Cheryl Olson, brought her to multiple meetings to highlight how her role affected other departments, making her feel valued and recognized. That experience reinforced the importance of uplifting others and ensuring that every contribution is seen and appreciated.

Her philosophy is simple yet powerful:

Strengthening the Alumni Community

Mercedes' impact extends far beyond the hospital walls. As Vice President of the Mount Royal University Alumni Association and Vice-Chair of the Alumni Council, she plays a key role in fostering connections among alumni and supporting the next generation of graduates. Her contributions were recognized in 2014 when she received an Alumni Achievement Award for her professional excellence and community service.

Her deep connection to MRU stems from her experience as an international student, where she found a strong sense of belonging. "MRU felt like a community where I was able to learn Canadian culture. The small class sizes allowed me to build relationships with teachers and classmates, some of whom became my co-workers, friends, and mentors."

These connections became lifelong friendships, mentorships, and professional partnerships. Her journey has come full circle, from student to mentor, and MRU remains a place she calls home.

Building a Legacy Beyond Healthcare

Mercedes’ dedication to community building is evident in everything she does. In 2017, she led a project to build a park at her daughter’s school, Saddleridge School, creating a space for children and families to connect. This initiative is just one example of her commitment to creating positive, lasting change in the lives of others.

Her resilience has been tested throughout her career, but she carries a lesson she learned the hard way: "Never compromise your morals or values for anybody else. When in conflict, it’s easy to question yourself. However, you must recognize whether altering your values is for self-growth or simply to fit a perception others have of you."

A Life Rooted in Joy and Service

For Mercedes, joy is found in both solitude and service. She cherishes time in nature but also finds deep fulfillment in helping others. In 2019, when asked why she nurses, she wrote:

"Nursing is a servant profession in which I am honored to serve."

Her unwavering commitment to giving back stems from her own experiences—knowing what it’s like to struggle and recognizing the angels who supported her along the way. Now, she aims to be that angel for others.

What Defines Mercedes?

Mercedes’ humility speaks volumes—she prefers to show rather than tell. Inspired by a classroom exercise, she was asked to illustrate a concept or philosophy that represented her. She chose the sun— a ray of sunshine that radiates warmth, encourages growth, and guides others.

She believes in the idea of “take what you need and leave what you don’t”, recognizing that each person’s journey is unique. Inspired by Michelle Obama, Mercedes filters out the noise, staying true to her path. She finds joy in watching others soar—and she protects that joy fiercely.

Whether at the bedside, in mentorship, or through community service, she exemplifies the power of leadership driven by heart. Her story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the belief that giving back can transform lives.