2026 Opportunity & Impact in Nursing Summit

February 12–14, 2026 | Washington, DC

Join us at the 2026 Opportunity & Impact in Nursing Summit, where nurses and healthcare leaders come together to expand opportunity, strengthen pathways, and drive real action across the nursing profession.

This Summit is where purpose meets progress—where we unite to remove barriers, amplify key voices, and advance fairness and representation through strategies that support a strong and sustainable nursing workforce.

Together, we will accelerate action, strengthen a resilient workforce, and deepen the cross-sector collaboration needed to create lasting impact. Secure your seat now. 

View the Agenda:

Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Theme: Leading by Removing Barriers and Building Pathways

• WELLS Act: Women Expansion for Learning and Labor Safety Act Discussion
  Featuring Mercedes Wells, Jasmine Turner (NBC12 Richmond), and Lucinda Canty, MD
• American Nurses Foundation Health Equity Awards Ceremony
  Honoring excellence across education, leadership, research, and practice
• Musical Performance and Storytelling
  By Tad Worku, RN, Emergency Department Nurse and Musician

Friday, February 13, 2026 | 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Theme: Converting Momentum to Measurable Impact

• Video and Fireside Chat
  With Corenza Townsend, LPN, Chief Administrative Officer, Norton West Louisville Hospital
• Special Equity Global Impact Award Presentation
• Author Conversation
  Lily Zheng, Author of Deconstructing DEI and soon-to-be-released book titled FAIR
  Book signing to follow
• ANA 130th Anniversary and U.S. 250th Birthday Commemorative Session
  Live dramatic presentation of A REFUTATION by Theater of War Productions, performed by acclaimed actors Frankie Faison (The Wire, Coming to America, The Rookie), Bill Camp (Presumed Innocent, 12 Years a Slave, The Queen’s Gambit), and Eric Berryman (Atlanta, A Complete Unknown, Godfather of Harlem). The performance will be followed by a panel discussion featuring:
  • • Alicia Georges, PhD, RN, FAAN
    • Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN
    • Debra Toney, PhD, RN, FAAN
    • Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN
    • Margo Brooks Carthon, PhD, RN, FAAN
• Research Presentation
  Chrissie McHenry, Managing Principal, Raben
  Research on new language for equity efforts

Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Theme: Call to Action: The Time Is Now

• Author Conversation
  Joan C. Williams, JD, Author of Bias Interrupted
  Book signing to follow
• Concurrent Sessions
  A series of Reimagine, Enlighten, Disrupt (RED) Talks, featuring TED-style presentations from nursing leaders across education, leadership, research, and practice
• Vision for the Future
  Delivered by Jennifer Moon, RDML, RN, Chief Nurse, U.S. Public Health Service

Adjournment

REGISTER NOW

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.

 

2025 Equity in Nursing Summit

February 26 - 28, 2025

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Photos courtesy of Indrias Kassaye, Communications Manager, Nursing Programs, American Nurses Association