GNSA Visionary Leader Award

This annual award recognizes rising stars among graduate nursing students who have the potential to make a significant impact in health care. Award recipients exemplify leadership that is innovative, transformative, and visionary. One recipient will be selected for the following types of graduate programs – master’s, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhD. Award recipients will be announced during Nurses Week with a formal award presentation at the GNSA annual conference.

Applications for the 2026 Visionary Leader Award are now closed. Award recipients will be announced on Nurses Week.

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Applicants for this award should demonstrate visionary leadership that is innovative, transformative, or visionary. Details on each of these elements are included below.

What makes a visionary leader?

  • Innovative
    • Develop or implement a novel idea, approach, or solution
    • Revive, advance, or reimagine an initiative that was previously stalled or underdeveloped
    • Address a meaningful gap in education, practice, or research
  • Transformative
    • Bring people together for an important cause
    • Inspire collaboration around a shared goal
    • Positively influence systems
  • Visionary
    • Anticipate future needs or challenges in healthcare
    • Articulate a clear vision for change in a specific area of healthcare or for a specific population
    • Take early steps toward leading change through research, practice, or advocacy

GNSA members must submit an application for this award. Deans, directors, and faculty are welcome to nominate students for consideration of this award.

  • Personal Statement: Applicants should submit a personal statement (no more than 1,500 words) addressing the following elements:
    • A leadership experience that demonstrates innovative, transformative, or visionary leadership including the impact of that experience
    • Research or EBP interests
    • Overall career goals and plans to contribute to the profession
    • A vision for future contributions in the community or workplace
  • CV or Resume: Detailing academic achievements, leadership roles, and professional experience
  • Letter of Recommendation: One high-impact letter from a faculty member, nursing leader, or nursing professional that speaks to the applicant’s leadership potential, impact, and vision
  • Unofficial Transcript: Demonstrating good standing as a graduate nursing student.

A selection committee consisting of the GNSA Leadership Council will review all complete nominations received and select award finalists.

Criteria for evaluation of applications includes:

  • Leadership: Evidence of innovative, transformative, or visionary leadership including initiative and capacity to bring people together and collaborate
  • Community Impact: Demonstrate contributions that positively affect communities, patient populations, workplaces, or healthcare systems.
  • Mentorship: Engaging in mentoring activities with a demonstrated commitment to developing future nursing leaders.
  • Research or EBP Excellence: Research or practice-based work that advances knowledge, improves care, or informs policy.

  • Selected award recipients will be notified and announced during Nurses Week/Month. An Announcement will be shared in the GNSA Bulletin, on GNSA social media, and via press release.
  • There will be an in-person official presentation of the award at GNSA Annual Conference.
  • The award includes a “symbol” of appreciation and a $1,000 check.

  • March: Application Launched
  • April 19: Deadline for submissions
  • April 27: Notifications to selected recipients
  • May 6: Press release announcing recipients


Contact

Please direct any questions related to this awards program to Marta Okoniewski, Director of Student Engagement (Jonas Scholarship Grant) at mokoniewski@aacnnursing.org.