New fellowships launch Betty Irene Moore’s vision to national prominence

Betty Irene Moore’s vision to change health care continues to evolve. From improving delivery systems to educating future clinicians and providers, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation works to make health care better for everyone.

“Having met Mrs. Moore and spending time with her to understand her vision for nursing, I have such a deep resonance with what she wants to improve in health care,” explains Professor Heather M. Young.

In July, her spirit took flight in new form as 11 mid-career nurse leaders became the inaugural fellows of the Betty Irene Moore Fellowships for Nurse Leaders and Innovators. Bringing diversity of perspective and great potential to advance the nursing profession, cohort members are affiliated with major public and private universities across the country, focus on populations across the lifespan and their projects aim to address issues in prevention, health care delivery and education.

“In the next generation, we need to find those leaders who will advance our systems, academic institutions, programs and policies,” says Young, who serves as national pro- gram director. “Bringing together a group of fellows over the coming years and equipping them with new skills and insights will position them to make a real difference.”

Launched through a $37.5 million gift from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the program honors Mrs. Moore’s commitment to nurses as leaders to improve the quality of health care. It also comes at a time when the number of nurse leaders nearing retirement is both increasing and impending.

Mentors play a major role here. By tapping into the expertise of local mentors, chosen by the fellows, and national mentors, recommended by the program pairs, fellows benefit from advice and support to advance along their career trajectory.

“By having more than one mentor, fellows have the opportunity to gain different perspectives and approaches that can be tailored to their needs,” adds Elena O. Siegel, associate director for the program. “That was a very valuable approach for me early in my career when Heather was my local mentor and others from across the country supported me as well.”

This program creates the next generation of nurse leaders by seeding and nurturing leadership and innovation among scholars across the country, expanding the impact of the School of Nursing.

For Young, it’s another opportunity to bring Betty Irene Moore’s vision to new heights.

“I’m so honored to be able to convene that community of promising individuals from across the nation who can advance Mrs. Moore’s vision.”