INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Jasmin Ford

For Jasmin Ford, nursing has always been rooted in a simple yet powerful mission: to help people feel seen, safe, and whole. Her path has been winding but purposeful, with each role: bedside nurse, nursing professor, hospital administrator, school board candidate, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with Full Practice Authority shaping her vision for how nurses can lead with both head and heart. Jasmin earned her degree in Community Health from the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana before returning to the University of Illinois in Chicago for her nursing degree and Master of Science in Nursing. Since becoming a registered nurse in 2014, she’s built a career focused on healing through connection, compassion, and accessibility.

Championing Mental Health for Children, Families, and Communities

Jasmin’s calling is mental health particularly working with children and families impacted by trauma, systemic gaps, and unmet needs. She is passionate about making care accessible in underserved communities and helping people transition from surviving to thriving. Through her work with Sirabanna Wellness Group, Jasmin leads initiatives to raise mental health awareness and expand access to care in her community. Whether she’s seeing patients, speaking at schools or NAMI conferences, mentoring future nurses, or brainstorming policy solutions, Jasmin’s mission remains constant: to build safer, more compassionate systems.

Leading With Head and Heart

Outside of her professional roles, Jasmin is Caleb’s mom, an auntie, a daughter, a sister, and a friend identity that inspire her to show up fully for both her loved ones and the communities she serves. “I’ve made peace with the winding road of my career,” Jasmin reflects. “Now, I see it as preparation for the leadership I’m stepping into. I’m honored to be part of the 40 Under 40 cohort and proud to represent nurses who lead with authenticity and purpose.”

The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly celebrates Jasmin Ford as a 2025 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader for her dedication to mental health, advocacy, and building systems that help people heal and thrive.

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