It is with immense pride and gratitude that I reflect on the incredible success of ALSN’s inaugural Global Virtual Conference—an historic milestone for our organization and for the field of nursing leadership science. As our first-ever global virtual gathering, this conference marked a bold step forward in embracing our identity as an international community.
With nearly 200 registrants from around the world and strong attendance across both sessions spanning multiple time zones, this event truly brought our global community together in one shared, dynamic space. The energy and engagement throughout were nothing short of inspiring.
We were privileged to learn from two exceptional keynote speakers. Dr. Diana J. Mason challenged us to think beyond traditional boundaries, reminding us that health is inherently global and that nursing leadership must engage across sectors to advance meaningful change. Dr. Sophia Chan reinforced that leadership is a responsibility at every level of nursing, calling us to build resilient systems by empowering nurses across all stages of practice.
We also celebrate the outstanding contributions of our ALSN Global Ambassadors, representing 10 countries, whose presentations highlighted both the diversity and shared purpose of leadership science worldwide. Congratulations as well to our exceptional poster presenters for advancing scholarship and inquiry across our field.
I extend my deepest appreciation to Edmund Walsh, Conference Planning Chair, for his tireless energy, vision, and execution. My sincere thanks also go to the ALSN Membership Committee and to Dr. Mary Dolansky, whose extraordinary leadership made both the Global Ambassador Program and this inaugural conference possible. We are also profoundly grateful to The Ohio State University College of Nursing and Dean Karen Rose for their generous sponsorship.
This conference reinforced a powerful truth: while we experience similar challenges across the globe, when we come together, we unlock new possibilities and solutions we could never achieve alone. It exemplified our values of collaboration, inquiry, and inclusion.
As the saying reminds us, “a rising tide lifts all boats.” When we intentionally elevate one another across borders, we strengthen our profession and improve the health of those we serve. ALSN is a global network—one grounded in the understanding that advancing health care requires a strong, interconnected, and aligned effort worldwide.
Join Us in Person – ALSN 2026 International Conference
I invite you to continue this momentum by joining us in person for the ALSN 2026 International Conference, September 30–October 2, 2026, at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center in Los Angeles, California. This year’s theme, “Strengthening Collaborative Pathways to Shape the Future of Nursing: Leading with Intention and Innovating with Purpose” is especially fitting for the work that the ALSN Board, our committees, our partners, and each of you have been up to this year.
I want to extend a special thank you to Todd Tussing, Director of Programs & Professional Development, Coleen Wilson, Program Planning Committee Chair, and the entire Program Planning Committee, whose dedication and thoughtful work behind the scenes are bringing this conference to life with a truly engaging lineup of pre-conferences, keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and poster presentations to be announced soon.
This conference is ALSN’s unique forum for nurse leaders, educators, and scholars to connect, learn, and shape the future of nursing leadership science together. I encourage each of you to bring a colleague or friend we can welcome into our community. Let’s reconnect and renew our energy through meaningful networking and our shared commitment to holding the door for others—one of the greatest strengths of our conference, year after year.
Together in leadership,
Heather Nelson-Brantley, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, FAAN
President, Association for Leadership Science in Nursing
