Advancing Together Through Collaboration, Purpose, and Possibility
As we move into March, I continue to be inspired by the collective strength, creativity, and purpose that define the ALSN community. This year, we are leaning fully into collaboration, purpose driven leadership, and advancing nursing leadership science through optimism and innovation. Across our community, I see evidence that these values are not just aspirational. They are alive. They are shaping our partnerships, our global engagement, and the new pathways we are building for nurse leaders everywhere.
Our Collaborative Momentum: A Few Highlights
Last month, I shared how our partnerships, both established and emerging, are fueling meaningful progress across ALSN. As we look ahead, here are a few key reminders that reflect the power of our shared work:
- Our partnership with the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) continues to expand governance and leadership opportunities, with two upcoming co-sponsored webinars: Dr. Sue Hassmiller on March 11 and Dr. Oriana Beaudet on May 19. Visit our Live Webinars page for the latest information and to register.
- Our partnership with Galen College of Nursing is moving forward with a Delphi study that will help shape competencies for academic nurse leaders, blending the expertise of ALSN researchers with Galen’s innovative vision.
- Our ALSN International Ambassador Program, uniting 11 Ambassadors across 11 countries, is enriching ALSN with vibrant international perspectives as we prepare for our inaugural ALSN International Virtual Conference May 29, 2026, where each Ambassador will showcase their work to our global community.
At our 2025 ALSN Conference in Atlanta, leaders from ALSN, NOBC, the Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy, and AONL came together with all of you for a powerful collaborative session to identify synergies between each organization’s research priorities. Together, we began shaping a collaborative initiative to advance nursing leadership and governance science and build the momentum needed to move this work forward. This effort is groundbreaking in its shift from siloed approaches to a model of shared strength, one that leverages each organization’s unique contributions to create greater impact across nursing practice, healthcare systems, and communities. A manuscript capturing the session’s insights and outlining next steps is now in its final stages of development, and we look forward to sharing the outcomes and preparing for what comes next—together.
These efforts reflect the heart of our mission: building leadership capacity through shared knowledge, diverse voices, and intentional collaboration.
Looking Ahead with Optimism and Purpose
What gives me the greatest sense of hope is recognizing that our progress is not accidental. It is the result of intentional, purpose driven leadership from every member of our community. This year, as we deepen partnerships, welcome global voices, and innovate new pathways for nurse leaders, we are modeling what leadership can look like when it is anchored in collaboration, fueled by optimism, and guided by a shared mission to advance nursing leadership science.
Thank you for the work you do each day. Thank you for showing up with courage, curiosity, and compassion. And thank you for walking with me, and with each other, as we build a brighter future for our field, our healthcare settings, and our communities.
Together in Leadership,
Heather Nelson-Brantley, PhD, RN, NEA BC, CNE, FAAN
