Dr. Jacqueline Cassagnol, PhD, MSN, RN, PMC
Dr. Jacqueline Cassagnol, PhD, MSN, RN, PMC is an award-winning nurse scientist, accomplished administrator, professor, and global health leader. She earned her PhD in Nursing from Pace University, a Master of Science in Nursing Administration, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education from Mercy College.
Dr. Cassagnol is the founder and president of Worldwide Community First Responder (WCFR), Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering health education, first aid, and disaster-preparedness training to underserved communities worldwide. Inspired by her frontline work during the 2010 Haiti earthquake, she has since led initiatives and presented her work locally, nationally, and internationally — including conferences in China, South Africa, and Ireland — showcasing innovative approaches to disaster preparedness and health equity.
She currently serves as a Clinical Associate Professor at Pace University and as Vice President of the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Upsilon Chapter at New York University. Beyond academia, Dr. Cassagnol has been deeply engaged in civic and professional leadership through roles with the Greater Nanuet Chamber of Commerce, Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce, Rockland CERT, Leadership Rockland, Haitian American Nurses Association (HANA), Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Alpha Eta Honor Society, and STTI Honor Society of Nursing.
Her distinguished contributions have earned wide recognition, including the Jefferson National Award for Public Service (often called the “Nobel Prize for Public Service”), the New York Yankees Healthcare Hero Award, and the Good Housekeeping Magazine Hometown Hero feature. Additional honors include the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year, Caribbean American Healthcare Award, Hudson Valley Hero, induction into the Mercy College Alumni Hall of Fame, and most recently, being honored by the Nyack Center for Black History Month. In 2025, she was also selected by Harvard Medical School to participate in its Global Healthcare Leaders Program.
Through her research, teaching, and global service, Dr. Cassagnol continues to advance disaster preparedness, nursing leadership, and health system resilience. She remains committed to empowering communities, shaping the next generation of nurses, and driving meaningful change at the intersection of health, equity, and leadership.