American Nurses Foundation and the United Health Foundation Award Carli Zegers the Jeannine Rivet National Leadership Fellowship
SILVER SPRING, MD – Carli A. Zegers, Ph.D., APRN, FNP-BC, is the 2020 recipient of a $10,000 fellowship made possible by the Jeannine Rivet National Leadership Fund. The annual fellowship was established by the American Nurses Foundation through a gift from the United Health Foundation to support emerging nurse leaders to integrate their health expertise into civic and professional opportunities.
The fellowship honors retired Executive Vice President of UnitedHealth Group Jeannine Rivet, RN, MPH, FAAN, for her trailblazing contributions to health care and business. It aims to inspire more nurses to increase their nursing knowledge to help make the health care system work better for everyone.
Dr. Zegers will use this grant to pursue multiple leadership development programs.
“I have learned a lot and have come a long way from where I started as a leader; however, I know more work is needed,” said Dr. Zegers. “I appreciate all of my past experiences and believe this award and opportunity are necessary to further develop into a stronger leader and better advocate.”
An accomplished and rising nurse leader, Dr. Zegers founded the Nebraska Chapter for the National Association of Hispanic Nurses in 2015. Her work in policy and advocacy has provided her with the opportunity to be an American Academy of Nursing Jonas Policy Scholar. She is motivated to continue to support the advancement of others, promote diversity and fight for equality and inclusion. Dr. Zegers is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, School of Nursing and Health Studies, and a nurse practitioner in the Emergency Department at Truman Medical Center.
“Carli represents the future of nursing and its potential to create meaningful change,” said American Nurses Foundation Executive Director Kate Judge. “There’s still much work to do to increase diversity in the nursing profession and we are all witnessing the nation confront inequalities within health care and society. Carli’s work to found the National Association of Hispanic Nurses chapter of Nebraska, to raise critical health policy and social justice issues on Capitol Hill, and to be a servant leader motivates us to roll up our sleeves and do the work.”
“We are so pleased with the selection of Dr. Zegers and her ongoing efforts to advance equality and inclusion in the nursing profession,” said United Health Foundation President Tracy Malone. “Through the Jeannine Rivet National Leadership Fund, we are honored to support rising nurse leaders who will continue to transform and improve health care.”
The Jeannine Rivet National Leadership Fund will provide an annual $10,000 fellowship for 10 years. The Fund further underscores a commitment on behalf of the American Nurses Foundation and the United Health Foundation to help increase nurses’ contributions to health care and the organizations and communities in which they lead and serve.
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About the United Health Foundation
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is a diversified health care company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and helping to make the health system work better for everyone. UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services through two distinct platforms: UnitedHealthcare, which provides health care coverage and benefits services; and Optum, which provides information and technology-enabled health services. For more information, visit UnitedHealth Group at www.unitedhealthgroup.com or follow @UnitedHealthGrp on Twitter.
About the American Nurses Foundation
The American Nurses Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association (ANA), with the mission to transform the nation’s health through the power of nursing. The Foundation supports research, education, and scholarships, which improve health, wellness, and patient care. For more information visit www.nursingworld.org/foundation.