INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Ashley Black

For Ashley Black, nursing was not part of her original plan. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology and plans to become a Physician Assistant (PA), Ashley was preparing for PA programs when a volunteer opportunity at La Rabida Children’s Hospital changed everything. While volunteering, Ashley was inspired by the incredible nurses she worked alongside and quickly realized the depth of the nursing profession its opportunities, impact, and the unique role nurses play in patient care. “I had no idea what nurses were capable of,” she recalls. “But working alongside them, I saw their compassion, expertise, and versatility firsthand, and I knew I wanted to be part of this world.” Ashley shifted her career path, applied to accelerated nursing programs, and was accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

From CNA to Nurse Practitioner

While pursuing her BSN, Ashley worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at La Rabida Children’s Hospital, serving in the Emergency Treatment Room and Outpatient Clinic. After graduating, she transitioned to the inpatient unit as a Registered Nurse, where she discovered her passion for caring for medically complex children. Determined to expand her impact, Ashley returned to UIC for her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and began her career as a Nurse Practitioner at La Rabida’s Technology Dependent Clinic (TDC). In this role, she provides primary care and pulmonology services for underserved children who rely on tracheostomy tubes, ventilators, and gastrostomy tubes.

Dedicated to Children, Locally and Globally

Ashley’s passion extends beyond her clinic. She has volunteered at Camp Riley, a camp designed to empower children with medical diagnoses to gain independence and confidence. She also traveled to Haiti, providing free medical care to underserved communities near the Village of Gramothe. “I’m forever grateful to the nurses at La Rabida who inspired me to change my career path,” Ashley reflects. “This hospital and the people here shaped my passion for caring for children with complex medical needs, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly celebrates Ashley Black as a 2025 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader for her commitment to medically complex children, dedication to underserved populations, and leadership in pediatric nursing.

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