She is a registered nurse with more than 25 years of experience including acute care, long-term care, case management, staff development, administration and nursing education both in South Korea and in the U.S. De Gagne holds two master’s degrees in health psychology and nursing education, a post-graduate certificate in health informatics and a DNP. De Gagne holds numerous membership and leadership roles in professional organizations, including the International Council of Nursing, American Nurses Association, Global Korean Nursing Foundation and North Carolina League for Nursing. She is also the founder and executive advisor of the North Carolina Korean Nurses Association.