Opportunity & Impact in Nursing Summit

February 12–14, 2026 | Washington, DC

Join us at the 2026 Opportunity & Impact in Nursing Summit, hosted by the American Nurses Enterprise, where nurse leaders, innovators, and industry partners come together to expand opportunity, advance 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 strengthen the nursing workforce.

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

Agenda:

This year’s Summit features a dynamic mix of high-impact plenaries, fireside chats, author discussions, policy and workforce conversations, and interactive learning sessions, along with meaningful opportunities to connect across education, practice, and leadership.

You’ll engage with timely topics, real-world case examples, and emerging strategies that support professional growth at every stage, from early-career nurses to experienced leaders shaping system-level change.

*Attendees can earn up to 10 ANCC contact hours through eligible concurrent sessions, covering care, academic and clinical innovation, rural and underserved populations, and nursing-led solutions improving outcomes across diverse care settings.

Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Pre-summit Meeting: Advancing Access, Opportunity, and Collaboration in Nursing Education

An optional pre-summit convening hosted by Howard University College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences on February 12, from 1–4 p.m. This session brings nursing and healthcare leaders, educators, and partners together for cross-sector dialogue focused on workforce readiness, leadership pathways, and collaboration across education and practice. Separate registration is required. For more information about this event, please contact: tiffany.simmons1@howard.edu.

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

• When the Road became the Delivery Room: a Maternal Health Impact Story
  A powerful fireside chat with Mercedes Wells, Dr. Lucinda Canty, and Dr. Ann Kurth exploring maternal health, systemic barriers, and policy solutions to advance safe and equitable care, with special remarks from Representative Robin Kelly.
  
  
• 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.

• From absence to access: Corenza Townsend and the power of community investment
  Fireside chat with Corenza Townsend, LPN, Chief Administrative Officer at Norton West Louisville Hospital
  
  
• Spotlight Session: Special Equity Global Impact Award 
  Presented by Dr. Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, President, ANA  honoring Agnes Nambozo, Nurse, Sironko Town, Uganda
• The Data on DEI and Voter Reactions
  Research presentation on new language for equity efforts by Chrissie McHenry, Managing Principal, Rabenon
  
  
• Policy Impact on Equity in Nursing: Advocacy for Nursing as a Professional Degree
  A policy update and discussion with nursing leaders

   

• NAACP White Paper on Health Equity in AI 
  A research presentation by Craig Watkins 

• A REFUTATION: Live Dramatic Readings and Open Discussions Exploring Health Inequities Today and in 1793
  Live performance 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 exploring health inequities today, and in 1793 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
    
    
• Turning Workforce Investment into Impact: MFP/ANA and the Future of Behavioral Health Nursing
  This panel features fellows from the American Nurses Association Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), a SAMHSA-funded initiative strengthening the behavioral health nursing workforce. Together, panelists will highlight practical strategies that reduce barriers, reach those at highest risk, and drive meaningful impact.
  
  
• American Nurses Association (ANA) Updates and Ask ANA Fireside Chat
  
  
• Fireside Chat & Author Conversation
  Lily Zheng, Author of Deconstructing DEI and the forthcoming bookFAIR
  Book signing to follow
  
  
• Heart to Heart: Reflections and Resilience Moment  
  Smaller group discussions led by Dr. Kenya Beard

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

• Concurrent Sessions
  A series of sessions from nursing leaders across education, leadership, research, and practice designed to challenge assumptions and spark new ways of thinking. 
  
  
• Author Conversation
  Joan C. Williams, JD, author of Bias Interrupted
  Book signing to follow
  
  
• From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Advocacy & Leadership with H.O.P.E. to Shape the Future of Nursing
  Rear Admiral Jennifer Moon, Chief Nursing Officer and Assistant Surgeon General, introduces the H.O.P.E. Framework as a practical leadership approach grounded in connection, access, and purpose, equipping participants with actionable insights to lead with intention, resilience, and hope.
  
  

REGISTER NOW

CNE Disclosures:
* Participants may earn 6.25 ANCC contact hours by attending all eligible sessions on Friday, February 13, 2026, and completing the required evaluation.
Participants may earn 3.75 ANCC contact hours by attending all eligible sessions on Saturday, February 14, 2026, and completing the required evaluation.
Evaluation must be completed by March 27, 2026. No partial credit will be awarded. The amount of ANCC Contact Hours listed is subject to change without notice. The American Nurses Association is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

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