INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Mikayla Ranallo Mikayla’s journey into nursing began with a clear mission to walk alongside people through some of the most vulnerable chapters of their lives. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Marquette University, Mikayla launched her career in Denver as a Bone Marrow Transplant inpatient nurse. It […]

INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Brittany Keenon For Brittany Keenon, nursing began as a tribute to her late aunt, whose journey into the profession lit a spark in her. That early inspiration, paired with a love for science and a desire to help others, led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from […]

INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Nicole O’Connor Nicole O’Connor, DNP, APRN-FPA, CPNP-AC, RN, has dedicated nearly two decades to pediatric nursing, beginning her career at the bedside in the NICU, PICU, and PCICU. Her experiences in these high acuity environments have shaped her into a clinician known for her calm under pressure, collaborative spirit, and […]

INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Courtney Kiolbassa Courtney Kiolbassa’s passion for nursing was born from two life-altering moments in her youth: a severe car accident in 7th grade that left her mother hospitalized for months, and witnessing her grandfather become one of the first patients to receive a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) at Christ […]

INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Ashley Frederick Dr. Ashley Frederick, DNP, RN, CPHQ, CPPS, NE-BC, has dedicated her career to improving healthcare outcomes, patient safety, and nursing leadership across Illinois. Her journey from a high school CNA to a recognized nursing executive and educator is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence and her […]

INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Jennifer Maffucci Jennifer Maffucci’s nursing journey has been defined by her love of learning, her passion for teaching, and her unwavering belief in the power of communication. Since earning her BS in Nursing from Purdue University in 2008, Jennifer has consistently bridged the worlds of clinical practice and nursing education, […]

INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Lexxie Gramke For Lexxie Gramke, nursing is more than a profession, it’s a lifelong mission to uplift others through empathy, education, and expert care. With a career spanning over a decade, Lexxie’s journey reflects a commitment to continual learning, interdisciplinary practice, and the belief that healing happens best when it’s […]

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 […]