Danielle Sarik Receives Prestigious 2025 Jeannine Rivet Leadership Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National recognition celebrates pediatric nurse scientist’s innovative leadership and groundbreaking Baby Steps program
SILVER SPRING, MD –
September 4, 2025 – The American Nurses Foundation (ANF) is pleased to announce Danielle Altares Sarik, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC, FAAN, as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Jeannine Rivet National Leadership Award. Sarik is a pediatric nurse practitioner and nurse scientist who developed the successful Baby Steps program which is officially recognized by the American Academy of Nursing with the prestigious Edge Runner designation.
This annual award is sponsored by the Jeannine Rivet National Leadership Fund, a $10,000 fellowship made possible through the generosity of Jeannine Rivet and the United Health Foundation (UHF), the philanthropic arm of UnitedHealth Group. The award will be officially presented in October at the American Nurses Enterprise Celebration Dinner during the annual Magnet & Pathway Conference™ in Atlanta.
Sarik has dedicated her career to advancing pediatric health equity, leading research to support children’s health, and improving patient outcomes through policy and advocacy. She began her career journey during her employment with a global health organization where she focused on health policy and advocacy. After becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner and working in the primary care setting, Sarik witnessed health inequities firsthand, which led her to create the Baby Steps program. Baby Steps is a nurse-led program to improve the transition from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to home. It has already effectively demonstrated significantly improved patient outcomes by decreasing readmissions and urgent care use from the more than 800 patients who have participated in the program, reducing healthcare costs. Sarik has been described by colleagues as a nationally recognized leader who is dedicated to transforming systems of care, and a lifelong learner, dedicated to deep understanding and ongoing professional growth and development.
“I applied for the Jeannine Rivet National Leadership Award because I firmly believe that growth is the foundation of impactful leadership,” said Sarik. “This prestigious recognition provides invaluable resources to pursue further education that will enhance my leadership trajectory. I’m eager to join a network of trailblazing nurses who are advancing the field and reshaping healthcare.”
The Jeannine Rivet National Leadership Award pays tribute to Jeannine Rivet, MPH, RN, FAAN, a retired executive vice president of UnitedHealth Group, for her invaluable impact as a healthcare leader and many community roles. Through a 10-year partnership between the Foundation and UHF, the Jeannine Rivet fellowship is meant to empower, prepare, and promote the next generation of nurse leaders and innovators to explore new professional opportunities.
“I am excited to congratulate Danielle Altares Sarik as this year’s recipient of the renowned Jeannine Rivet Leadership Award and fellowship,” said Graig Eastin, Executive Director of the American Nurses Foundation. “Sarik is a shining example of the spirit of this award and what it truly represents. When nurses turn inspiration into innovation, they create lasting, transformative change—and in doing so, they help solve deep-rooted issues like health inequity. Nurses must be trusted and empowered to lead, and that’s what truly the drives the purpose of this fellowship.”
The Leadership Award was first bestowed in 2018 and is currently in its 7th year.
“The Foundation is sincerely grateful to the United Health Foundation for their partnership and its generosity in sponsoring this award for the professional development of nurses,” added Eastin.
Read more about the Jeannine Rivet Award, past recipients, and the Foundation’s other grants by visiting the Jeannine Rivet Award webpage.
###
About the American Nurses Enterprise
The American Nurses Enterprise champions nurses by harnessing The Power of Nurses™ to drive transformation and innovation across the healthcare landscape. As the unifying force behind three foundational pillars—the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the American Nurses Foundation—the enterprise sets the professional standards that empower nurse-led innovation, advocacy, and research. By uniting these core organizations, the enterprise advances the nursing profession and shapes a healthier future for communities nationwide and around the globe.
About the American Nurses Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Foundation inspires change and innovation by harnessing The Power of Nurses™ through strategic, nurse-led philanthropy. With its 501(c)(3) status, the foundation mobilizes critical resources to fund innovative research and support initiatives that advance nursing practice, education, and leadership. By forging intentional partnerships and providing targeted grants, the foundation empowers nurses to drive change within healthcare systems and communities. This commitment ensures that nurse-led solutions remain at the forefront of efforts to enhance care delivery and patient outcomes.
About the Magnet & Pathway Conference™
The Magnet & Pathway Conference™ is the premier event for nursing excellence, bringing together thousands of nurses, nurse leaders, and healthcare executives from around the world. Hosted annually by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the conference showcases best practices in nursing innovation, quality, and patient care, while celebrating organizations on their journey to Magnet Recognition® and Pathway to Excellence® designation.