Illinois Nursing Foundation recognizes Loyola faculty, alumni as emerging leaders

Two Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing faculty and two alumni joined the Illinois Nursing Foundation (INF) 2020 list of 40 under 40 Emerging Nursing Leaders in Illinois. Each year, the INF recognizes 40 nursing leaders who are influencing health care and shaping the future of the nursing profession. Loyola Nursing’s Assistant Professor Thao Griffith, PhD, RN, and Instructor Amy Kiefer, MSN, RN, are among this year’s recipients.  

The INF also recognized Loyola alumni Hiba Abbas (BSN '18) and Maura Conlon (BSN '17). Abbas is currenlty pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Health while working with underserved populations as a clinical research nurse at ACCESS Community Health Network. She credits her Loyola mentors, Assistant Dean of Bachelor of Science in Nursing Jorgia Connor, PhD, RN, and Associate Professor Ann Solari-Twadell, PhD, RN, MPA, FAAN, for inspiring her to reach her full potential. “Their guidance during my time at Loyola led me to a nursing specialty that I love,” says Abbas. “I hope to one day follow in both of their footsteps to teach the next generation of nurses.” 

Griffith, Kiefer, Abbas, and Conlon will join the 36 other award recipients for a virtual celebration on September 17, 2020.