Opportunity & Impact in Nursing Summit
February 12–14, 2026 | Washington, DC
More than 400 nurse leaders, educators, innovators, and partners came together for the 2026 Opportunity & Impact in Nursing Summit to advance pathways, expand access, and drive meaningful action across the nursing profession.
This Summit brought together voices from across healthcare to explore solutions, challenge barriers, and move the profession forward, together.
From powerful storytelling and policy discussions to research, workforce innovation, and leadership development, the conversations didn’t just inspire—they activated change.
This is where purpose met progress.
Experience the Summit
Explore highlights from the 2026 Summit, including key moments, speakers, and behind-the-scenes experiences. View photo gallery.
Want to see what was covered?
VIEW THE FULL AGENDA & SPEAKERS
- Accelerating Impact in an Era of Backlash, A Fireside Chat | Lily Zheng
- Advancing Equality for Internationally Educated Nurses | Edna Cortez
- Advocacy for Nursing as a Professional Degree | Tim Nanof
- Awareness to Action: Closing Care Gaps in Vascular Access | Dr. Stephanie Pitts
- Bias Interrupted: Creating Inclusion for Real and for Good | Joan C. Williams
- Breaking Barriers Through Policy | Dr. Khaliah Fisher-Grace
- Building Equitable Leadership Pathways | Liffy Cherian
- Creating Opportunity and Examining Impact | Dr. McCamey, McMurray, Dr. Valdez
- The Data on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Voter Reactions
- Eliminating Barriers to Nursing Degrees | Dr. Kayla Banks
- Expanding Neurology Access for Rural Veterans Through RN-Led TeleNeurology Headache Education Clinic | Dr. Jill A. Tobin
- Fireside Chat: NAACP White Paper on Health Equity in AI | S. Craig Watkins
- From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Advocacy & Leadership with H.O.P.E. to Shape the Future of Nursing | Dr. Jennifer Moon
- From Ideas to Impact | Dr. Manu Thakral
- From Opportunity to Impact: PNAA’s Evidence-Based Strategies for Expanding Leadership Representation Among Filipino American Nurses | Dr. Marlon Garzo Saria
- The Genesis of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing | Drs. Beard, Fields, Gilles
- A Harlem CRNA Renaissance | Dr. Wallena Gould
- Nurses and the Power of Grassroots Momentum to Advance Advocacy | Dr. Roman, Hill
- A REFUTATION: Live Dramatic Readings and Open Discussions Exploring Health Inequities Today and in 1793 | B. Doerries, A. Howard, E Berryman, F. Faison
- Reimagining Early-Career Engagement | Josephine Agyei, Lauren Lodico, Giselle Gerardi
- Strengthening Legal and Organizational Response Pathways for Healthcare Workers Experiencing Workplace Violence | Dr. Tiffany Covarrubias Lyttle
- The Synergy of Disability Rights, Disability Justice, and Radical Accessibility in Nursing Education and Practice | Dr. Sabrina Jamal‑Eddine
- Taking Action: Restoring Health Databases and Resources for Underserved and Vulnerable Population | Dr. Justin Gill
Join the Conversation & Stay Connected
The impact continues beyond the event, and the work doesn’t stop here. The Opportunity & Impact in Nursing Summit is part of a broader commitment to advancing the profession, strengthening leadership, and creating lasting change across healthcare.
We invite you to share your experience and continue amplifying the voices of nurses.
Use #ThePowerOfNurses to stay connected.
Facebook: American Nurses Association
LinkedIn: American Nurses Association
Instagram: @AmericanNursesOfficial
Stay connected for future opportunities to engage, collaborate, and lead.
Building on the Momentum from 2025
A strong, supported nursing workforce is essential to improving outcomes for all patients and communities. In February 2025, more than 250 nursing leaders, educators, innovators, and changemakers convened at the inaugural Summit to advance representation, expand pathways, and chart a course for meaningful progress.
Through powerful discussions, real-world success stories, and a shared commitment to action, participants moved beyond conversation toward measurable change. The Summit closed with a call to carry this work forward, ensuring every attendee was equipped and inspired to drive impact in their organizations.
This is only the beginning. The work continues, and together we will keep advancing a future where every nurse has access to opportunity, support, and the resources to thrive.
Explore the 2025 photo album to revisit the moments, insights, and collective energy that made the inaugural event unforgettable.
2026 Opportunity & Impact in Nursing Summit
February 12 - 14, 2026
Opportunity & Impact in Nursing Summit Sponsors
The Opportunity & Impact in Nursing Summit is powered by organizations committed to advancing the nursing profession. These partnerships spark change, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the nursing workforce.
American Nurses Enterprise is grateful for the support of the sponsors who have played a critical role in empowering meaningful progress at the 2026 Summit.
LEADERSHIP
PLATINUM
GOLD
BRONZE
American Nurses Foundation Health Equity Awards
Health Equity Researcher Award
Health Equity Educator Award
Health Equity Rising Star Award
Opening Plenary Session
Scholarship Sponsors
Dr. Khalil Demonbreun Dr. Simmy King
FRIEND
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Download the 2026 Opportunity & Impact in Nursing Summit Sponsorship Prospectus to explore partnership and underwriting opportunities that connect your organization with nurse leaders and changemakers shaping the future of the profession. To start a conversation, contact Alicia Cocco at alicia.cocco@ana.org.
*Not all sponsors may be listed due to guidelines around promoting certain sponsor categories in conjunction with continuing education sessions.