Past Events
History Heading link
In 1998, guided by Dean Joan Shaver, leaders within the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing convened the inaugural Power of Nursing Leadership event to celebrate exceptional nurse leaders in Illinois and the many sectors in which they practice.
Inspired by the leadership of UIC Nursing alumni, the primary goals were to gather influential and emerging nurse leaders in Illinois and spotlight their collective influence and dedication–all while fostering connections, collaborations and community.
The event has grown exponentially and is now the premier gathering of Illinois’ most innovative nurse leaders, as well as leaders from other health professions, health systems, academia, government, industry and the community.
Historical Timeline Heading link
26th Annual-November 3, 2023
Featured Speaker
Anna Quindlen
Bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and social critic
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Beena Peters, DNP, FACHE, FABC
Chief Nursing Executive
Cool County Health System
SAGE Award
Fred Brown, DNP, RN, CENO
Assistant Professor
Rush University College of Nursing
Karen Saban, PhD, RN
Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Scholarly Innovation
Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Advancing Health Equity Award
Regina Conway-Phillips, PhD, RN
Department Chair and Associate Professor
Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Wrenetha Julion, PhD, MS, MPH, RN, CNL, FAAN
Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion and the Michelle & Larry Goodman Endowed Professor of Health Equity
RUSH University
Early Career Leader Award
Megan Byrne, BSN, CRRN
Clinical Shift Coordinator
Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
Katarzyna Golda, MS ’22, BSN ’16, RN, MEDSURG-BC
Administrative Nurse
UI Health
more about 2023 event Heading link
Historical Timeline Heading link
25th Annual-November 4, 2022
Featured Speaker
Shannon N. Zenk, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN
Director, National Institute of Nursing Research
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Susan Swart, EdD, MS ’05, RN, CAE
Executive Director
ANA-Illinois
SAGE Award
Susan Corbridge, PhD ’09, APRN, FAANP, FAAN
Chief Essentials Program Officer
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Janice Phillips, PhD ’93, RN, CENP, FAAN
Director of Nursing Research and Health Equity
RUSH University Medical Center
24th Annual-November 5, 2021
Featured Speaker
Rear Admiral Susan M. Orsega, MSN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN
U.S. Public Health Service Director of Commissioned Corps Headquarters, Office of the Surgeon General
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Kathleen R. Delaney, PhD, APRN, PMH-NO, FAAN
Professor
Department of Community, Systems and Mental Health Nursing
Rush University College Of Nursing
SAGE Award
Deena A. Nardi, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN
Psychotherapist
Cathedral Counseling Center
Lee A. Schmidt, PhD, RN
Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Assistant Dean, PhD Nursing Program
Associate Professor
Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
23rd Annual-November 13, 2020
Featured Speaker
Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN
President
American Nurses Association
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Vicki A. Keough, PhD, ACNP, FAAN
Dean and Professor Emerita
Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
SAGE Award
Kathleen Pavkov, MN, RN
Associate Nurse Executive, Ambulatory Services
Cook County Health
Charles Yingling, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP
Associate Dean for Practice and Community Partnerships and Clinical Associate Professor
University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing
22nd Annual-November 8, 2019
Featured Speaker
Susan Dentzer
Visiting Fellow
Robert J. Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University
Nursing Leadership for Disruptive Times
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Julie L. Creamer, MS, RN
President, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
Senior Vice President, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare
SAGE Award
Lynne T. Braun, PhD, CNP, FAHA, FPCNA, FNLA, FAANP, FAAN
Professor
Rush University Colleges of Nursing and Medicine
Susan A. Clark
President and Lobbyist
Capitol Edge Consulting, LLC
21st Annual-November 30, 2018
Featured Speaker
Suzet McKinney, DrPH, MPH
CEO/Executive Director
Illinois Medical District
Nursing in a Tumultuous World: How Nurses Anchor a Community in Unpredictable Times
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Gloria A. Jacobson, PhD, RN
Professor and Chair, Department of Health Promotion
Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
SAGE Award
Paul Langlois, PhD, APRN, CCRN, CCNS
Master Educator
Cook County Health and Hospitals System
Gail J. Mulrooney, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Diretor of Nursing Services
Advocate Aurora Health Christ Medical Center
20th Annual-November 10, 2017
Featured Speaker
Linda Burnes Bolton, DrPH, MPH, MSN, RN, FAAN
Vice President, Nursing & Chief Nursing Officer
Professor, Medicine
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Calling the Circle: Engaging All Nurses to Improve Health and Healthcare
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Ann Scott Blouin, PhD, RN, FACHE
Executive Vice President, Customer Relations
The Joint Commission
SAGE Award
Cinthia M. La Porte, MSL, BSN, RN
Manager Pediatrics, Pediatric Critical Care and Child Life
Ronald McDonald® Children’s Hospital, Loyola University Medical Center
Rosanna Trahey, MBA, BSN, RNC-NIC
Manager of Clinical Operations, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Advocate Children’s Hospital – Oak Lawn
19th Annual-November 4, 2016
Featured Speaker
Rosemary Gibson, MSc
Senior Advisor
The Hastings Center
The Power in You to Make a Difference
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Margaret Faut Callahan, PhD, CRNA, FNAP, FAAN
Provost, Health Sciences Division
Loyola University Chicago
SAGE Award
Linda Witek Janusek, PhD, RN, FAAN
Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing Endowed Chair for Research and Professor
Loyola University Chicago Niehoff School of Nursing
JoEllen Wilbur, PhD, RN, FAAN
Endowed Independence Foundation Chair in Nursing, Associate Dean for Research and Professor
Rush University College of Nursing
18th Annual-November 6, 2015
Featured Speaker
Joanne Disch, PhD, RN, FAAN
Director, Katharine J. Densford International Center for Nursing Leadership (2000-2012)
President, American Academy of Nursing (2011-2013)
The Power of the Nursing Lens
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Susan M. Swider, PhD, APHN-BC, FAAN
Professor
Rush University College of Nursing
SAGE Award
Carol J. Farran, DNSc, RN, FAAN
Professor and The Nurses Alumni Association Chair in Health and the Aging Process
Rush University College of Nursing
Jacqueline J. Medland, PhD, RN
Regional Vice President, Patient Care Services and Chief Nurse Executive
Presence St. Joseph Medical Center and Present St. Mary’s Hospital
17th Annual-November 6, 2014
Featured Speaker
Angela Barron McBride, PhD, RN, FAAN
Distinguished Professor and University Dean Emerita
Indiana University School of Nursing
21st Century Nursing: The Demand for Leadership
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Michelle Janney, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Senior Vice President and Wood-Prince Family Chief Nurse Executive
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
SAGE Award
Elaine Graf, PhD, RN, NE-BC
Research and Funding Coordinator
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Mariann Piano, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN
Department Head and Professor
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing
16th Annual-November 15, 2013
Featured Speaker
Mary D. Naylor, PhD, RN, FAAN
Marian S. Ware Professor in Gerontology; Director, NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Evidence to Impact – Tackling Care Coordination
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Bernadette Speiser, MSN, CCRN
Nurse Manager, Cardiology Department, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center;
National Cardiology Nurse Consultant, Department of Veteran Affairs
SAGE Award
Jonathan Woods, BSN, RN, NE-BC
Inpatient Children’s Services Manager, Carle Hospital
(Co-winners)
Barbara Berger, PhD, RN, ACRN
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing
Catherine Vincent, PhD, RN
Associate Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing
15th Annual-November 2, 2012
Featured Speaker
Beverly Malone, RN, PhD, FAAN
CEO, National League for Nursing
Leadership: The Power to Care
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Judith Lloyd Storfjell, PhD, RN, FAAN
Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing
SAGE Award
Judi Jennrich, RN, PhD, ACNP
Associate Professor, Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Arlene Michaels Miller, PhD, RN, FAAN
Professor and Chair, Community, Systems, and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing
14th Annual- November 4, 2011
Featured Speaker
David Satcher, MD, PhD
Former U.S. Surgeon General
New Challenges and Opportunities for Nursing in the 21st Century
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Diana Hackbarth, RN, PhD, FAAN
Professor & Program Director, Loyola University Chicago Niehoff School of Nursing
SAGE Award
Lynda K. Slimmer, PhD, RN, MSN
Clinical Associate Professor and Associate Department Head, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing
Wendy Tuzik Micek, PhD, RN
Market Director of Nursing Science and Magnet, Advocate Christ Medical Center/Hope Children’s Hospital
13th Annual – November 19, 2010
Featured Speaker
Ted Kennedy, Jr.
Healthcare Attorney
Healthcare Reform in the Context of Chronic Illness
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Paula A. Hindle, MSN, MBA, RN
VP of Healthcare Services & Chief Nurse Executive, Loyola University Health System
SAGE Award
Maria A. Connolly, PhD, CNE, APN/CNS, FCCM, ANEF
Professor & Director of Research and Grantsmanship, University of St. Francis College of Nursing
Ruth M. Kleinpell, PhD, RN, FAAN, FCCM
Professor, Rush University College of Nursing
Director, Center for Clinical Research and Scholarship, Rush University Medical Center
12th Annual – October 23, 2009
Featured Speaker
Tray Dunaway, MD, FACS, CHCO
Dotsultant
Connecting the Dots of Healthcare
Honorary Chair
Jan Schakowsky
U.S. Representative for Illinois – 9th District
Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award
Beverly J. McElmurry, EdD, RN, FAAN
Professor & Associate Dean, Global Health Leadership, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing
11th Annual – October 24, 2008
Featured Speaker
John Edward Hasse, PhD
Curator of American Music, Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History
Leadership Lessons from the Jazz Masters
Honorary Chairs
Ray McCaskey
CEO, Health Care Service Corporation
Patricia Hemingway Hall
President & COO, Health Care Service Corporation
Illinois Nurse Leader Award Winner
Sheila A. Haas, PhD, RN, FAAN
Professor & Former Dean, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago
10th Annual – October 26, 2007
Featured Speaker
Meagan Johnson
Motivational Speaker
ZAP THE GAP – Solving the Multi-Generational Puzzle
Honorary Chairs
Dick Durbin
United States Senator from Illinois
Ann Lurie
President, Lurie Investments
President, The Ann and Robert H. Lurie Family Foundation
Illinois Nurse Leader Award Winner
Marjorie Beyers, PhD, FN, FAAN
Retired Executive Director, American Organization of Nurse Executives
9th Annual – October 27, 2006
Featured Speaker
Lowell Catlett PhD
Regent’s Professor, New Mexico State University
Healthcare’s New Horizons
Honorary Chair
The Honorable Lynn Martin
Former U.S. Secretary of Labor
Ilinois Nurse Leader Winner
Kathryn Christiansen, BSN, MA, DNSc, FAAN
Regional Director for Patient Care, Rush Oak Park Hospital
SAGE Award Winners
Bernadette Biskup, MS, BS
COO, University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago
Margaret E. Faut-Callahan, PhD
Professor & Department.Chair, Adult Health Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing
Meg Gulanick, PhD, APRN, FAAN, FAHA
Professor, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago
Leanne Hullett, RN
Dean, Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Laurie Quinn, PhD, MS, BSN, RN
Associate Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing
8th Annual – October 28, 2005
Featured Speaker
Yolanda King
Lecturer & daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Excellence through Diversity
Honorary Chair
Theresa Gutierrez
News Reporter, Channel 7- ABC Chicago
Illinois Nurse Leader Winner
Cynthia Barnes-Boyd PhD, FAAN
Assistant Dean of Community Health & Director UIC Great Cities Neighborhoods Initiative,
University of Illinois at Chicago
SAGE Award Winners
Kathleen Gainor Andreoli, DSN, RN, FAAN
Rush University College of Nursing
Margaret Beaman, PhD, RN
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Carol Dittambl
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
Marjorie Maurer, RN, MSN, NEA-BC
Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital
Margaret (Peg) Stafford, MSN, RN, FAAN
Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago
7th Annual – October 22, 2004
Featured Speaker
Linda Ellerbee
Journalist
The Nurses That Shape Health Care
Honorary Chair
Barack Obama
Illinois State Senator & Democratic Candidate for the United States Senate
Illinois Nurse Leader Winner
Laura Leigh Ferrio, RN, MSN, MBS, CRRN
VP of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Executive, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
SAGE Award Winners
Ginger Barthel, RN FACHE
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Ann Minnick, PhD, RN
Rush University College of Nursing
Sandra W. Reifsteck, MS, RN, CNAA
Carle Clinic, Champaign
6th Annual – October 17, 2003
Featured Speaker
Bernie Siegel, MD
Motivational Speaker
Spotlight on Healers
Honorary Chairs
Danny K. Davis
U.S. Representative for Illinois – 7th District
Deanna Lites
Health Reporter
Channel 5 – NBC Chicago
Illinois Nurse Leader Winner
Darcie Brazel, RN, MS
VP of Operations & Chief Nursing Executive
Advocate Christ Medical Center
SAGE Award Winners
Dr. Roberta Fruth, RN, MS, PhD, FAAN
Consultant
Gloria Henderson, MSN, RN
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing
Donna King, BSN, MBA, RN, NE-BC, FACHE
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
Susan Nick, PhD, RN
Weiss Memorial Hospital
Diane Dudas Sheehan, CNP
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Mary Uscian, RN, MS
Tri-County Community Health Center
Northern Illinois University School of Nursing
5th Annual – October 11, 2002
Featured Speaker
Maya Angelou
Poet, Author, Actor, Educator, Playwright, Activist, Producer
Powering Our Spirit
Illinois Nurse Leader Winner
Mary Ann McDermott, RN, MSN, EdD, FAAN
Professor, Department of Health Promotion, Primary Care, Health Systems, and Dietetics
Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago
SAGE Award Winners
Christine Budzinsky
St. Alexius Medical Center
Karyn Holm, PhD., RN., FAA
Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago
Mary Reed, MS, BSN, RN, CPHA
Mercer County Health Department
4th Annual – October 19, 2001
Featured Speaker
Gail R. Wilensky, PhD
Senior Fellow, Project HOPE
Taking the Lead: Policy, Politics and Healthcare
Honorary Chair
Margaret Corbett Daley
First Lady of Chicago
Illinois Nurse Leader Winner
Kathy Reno, MBA, BSN, RN
Executive VP & COO, Northwest Community Healthcare
SAGE Award Winners
Anne Zimmerman, RN
Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago
Jane Llewellyn, RN, DNSc
Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center
Felissa Lashley, RN
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
3rd Annual – October 22, 2000
Featured Speaker
Stuart H. Altman, PhD
Economist & Health Policy Expert, Brandeis University
Advancing Health Care: Trends Beyond Tomorrow
Honorary Chairs
Corinne Wood
Lieutenant Governor of Illinois
Eric Crowell
President & CEO, Trinity Regional Health System
Illinois Nurse Leader Winner
Cheryl Crowley Shraeder RN, PhD, FAAN
Head of Outcomes/Performance, Carle Coordinated Care Services
SAGE Award Winners
Julia Lane, PhD, RN
Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago
Laverne Knight Hansen
Cook County Hospital
Virginia Ohlson, PhD, RN, FAAN
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing
2nd Annual – October 15, 1999
Featured Speakers
Martin J. Hatlie and Constance M. Crowley Ganser
Reducing Health Care Risk: Innovating Failsafe Systems
Honorary Chairs
John Edward Porter
U.S. Congressman for Illinois – 10th District
Richard Risk
President & CEO, Advocate Health Care
Carmen Velasquez
Executive Director, Alivio Medical Center
Illinois Nurse Leader Winner
Judith Hicks, RN, MSN
President, CM Healthcare Resources
Nursing Innovators Award Winners
Bonnie Leinart, MSN, RN
Trinity Regional Health System
Margaret Faut-Callahan, DNSc, CRNA, FAAN
Rush University College of Nursing
Kathleen Simon, RN
Unicom Corporation
Jean Lytle, PhD
Deicke Center for Nursing Education, Elmhurst College
Inaugural Power of Nursing Leadership Event – November 17, 1998
Featured Speaker
Susan D. Horn, PhD
Institute for Clinical Outcomes Research
Seeking Optimal Healthcare Value; The Power of Outcomes Research
Honorary Chairs
Kathleen Murray
Executive VP & CEO, Northwestern Memorial Corporation
Mary Lou Kearns
Kane County Coroner & Democratic Candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois
Illinois Nurse Leader Winner
Sister Sheila Lyne, RSM
Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health