INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Chanel Smith
Chanel Smith’s path to nursing was guided by a deeply rooted desire to heal, uplift, and advocate for those often-left unseen in traditional healthcare spaces. From her earliest steps into clinical practice, Chanel knew that nursing was more than a profession it was a calling to serve with compassion and lead with integrity.
Leading Through Every Chapter of Care
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Chanel advanced through a wide range of roles across primary care, urgent care, and palliative care. Each experience sharpened her clinical skills while reinforcing her belief that patients deserve more than a diagnosis they deserve dignity, education, and culturally competent support. She later earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Governors State University, becoming a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with full practice authority in Illinois. Currently, she is pursuing her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification through Chamberlain University to meet the growing mental health needs she sees in her community firsthand. Her continued education reflects her commitment to holistic healing addressing both physical and emotional well-being.
A Vision Rooted in Healing and Innovation
As the founder of Divine Health and Wellness, Chanel is on a mission to reimagine healthcare delivery. Her work blends clinical excellence with spiritual care, ensuring that patients feel seen, heard, and supported. Through her practice, she actively bridges the gap between health equity and personalized wellness especially for underserved populations and women of color.
Empowering the Next Generation
Mentorship is at the core of Chanel’s vision. She is especially passionate about empowering women of color in medicine, guiding aspiring nurses, and modeling what it means to lead with both strength and vulnerability. Chanel’s journey reflects what’s possible when purpose meets perseverance.
Purpose Beyond the Profession
Outside of her clinical roles, Chanel is a fierce advocate for mental health, a proud dog mom to two pit bulls, and a firm believer in the power of divine timing. Every step every challenge has fueled her mission to be a healer, a teacher, and a disruptor for good.
The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly celebrates Chanel Smith as a 2025 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader for her dedication to empowering the next generation, innovative healing research, nursing education, and leadership.
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