Illinois Nurses Foundation Celebrates 11th Annual Emerging Nurse Leader Event

The 11th Annual 40 under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader event recognized 40 outstanding nurses in Illinois under 40. Those who receive the recognition are impacting health care delivery and the nursing profession and will undoubtedly shape the future of the profession.

The Emerging Nurse Leaders Planning planning committee began their review of the nominations in April of this year and awardees were notified in June. As seen since the awards first started, there was an abundance of worthy candidates nominated for the 2025 honors.

Nominations were received from patients, friends, family, coworkers, employers, students, etc.  Award recognition recipients reflected leadership success, exemplary leadership qualities, participation in professional associations and community service.

The event was led by INF President Amanda Oliver BSN, RN, CCRN, CPST. The advisory committee team member included Stephanie Mendoza, DNP, MSN, RN, RNC-OB, C-EFM. The planning committee included Sherri Crumley, DNP, RN, CNOR, NE-BC, CSSM, Dan Fraczkowski, MSN, RN-BC, Laura Johnson, DNP, APRN, AGNS-BC, BMTCN, Nate Karch, DNP, RN, PCCN-K, Faye Lewis, MSN, RN, Michael Liwanag, DNP, MBA, RN-BC, NEA-BC, Armando Martinez, MSN, RN, MEDSURGE-BC, CMSRN, NE-BC, CNML, Erika Ohlendorf, MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN, Rocio Sanchez, BSN, RN, PCCN, Jennifer Sandoval, DNP, MSN, RN & Stephanie Zidek, PhD, RN, AGCNS-BC, NEA-BC, NPD-BC.

One of the primary purposes of the 40 Under 40 Award is to engage, support and develop the next generation of Illinois Nurse Leaders. The committee was genuinely moved to have the honor of acknowledging fellow nurses who are known change agents that help shape health care statewide and beyond. Their efforts have served to expand and grow nursing practice as well as to empower our communities. Award recipients were proudly celebrated by members of their own cohort as well as Illinois nursing leaders, and of course their family members.