INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Giovanna Zito
Giovanna Zito’s nursing career has been shaped by a passion for empowering nurses and transforming the systems in which they work. After earning her BSN from Loyola University Chicago and MSN-CNL from Rush University, Giovanna began her career in inpatient care at Rush before discovering her true calling: ambulatory nursing and system level leadership. “I realized I didn’t just want to care for patients,” Giovanna shares. “I wanted to build programs and pathways that help nurses lead, grow, and innovate.”
From Surgical Oncology to System Leadership
During her years in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Giovanna made a lasting impact by:
• Launching screening programs and public health outreach initiatives
• Helping create a comprehensive survivorship guide
• Facilitating tumor board coordination to strengthen multidisciplinary care
In 2024, after undergoing surgery herself for a suspected head and neck cancer, Giovanna gained a deeply personal perspective on the vital role of nurses in healing and support. These experiences ultimately led her to nursing professional development, where she now serves as Nursing Professional Development Specialist for the Western Region of Rush Medical Group.
Elevating Nurses as Leaders
In her current role, Giovanna leads strategic initiatives to:
• Strengthen clinical practice and professional development
• Bridge gaps in advancement opportunities
• Create sustainable career pathways for nurses
She is passionate about dismantling barriers and encouraging nurses to lead projects, submit abstracts, attend conferences, and engage in professional governance to elevate their voices. “This recognition reaffirms my commitment to ensuring nurses aren’t just at the table,” Giovanna says. “They’re leading the conversations that shape the future of healthcare.”
The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly celebrates Giovanna Zito as a 2025 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader for her dedication to advancing nursing development, building opportunities for growth, and amplifying the role of nurses as leaders.
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