UC Davis nursing school fellowship brings national nurse leaders to Washington, D.C.

For the first time since launching in 2020, the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders and Innovators held its annual convocation in Washington, D.C. The California-based program brought together nearly 60 nurse fellows from across the country for a week of learning, connection and big ideas.

Hosted by the national program office at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, the convocation focused on helping nurses grow as leaders in both health care and public policy. With support from faculty, national advisers and guest speakers, fellows explored how to lead during uncertain times and how to use their voices to shape the future of care.

Bringing voices together

This year’s event stood out not just because of its location, but because of who participated. For two days, the fellowship collaborated with the Hillman Scholars and grantees of The Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation. Together, more than 150 nurses, educators and innovators shared ideas on building community partnerships, navigating policy challenges and finding creative solutions when resources are tight.

This shared experience fosters meaningful connections, inspires bold thinking and strengthens our collective ability to advance nursing leadership and innovation in challenging times.—Heather M. Young, Fellowship National Program Director

The power of storytelling

A major highlight of the week was the strategic communications training. Fellows from the 2023 cohort pitched their projects in two-minute “news stories” to a panel of journalists, receiving real-time feedback on how to connect with broader audiences. Newer fellows shared one-minute overviews of their research, practicing how to make their message clear and compelling.

Schola Matovu, a 2024 fellow from the University of Utah, said the experience helped her see how storytelling and policy go hand in hand. “It affirmed the power of nursing voices to shape public narratives and influence change.”

Convocation also included a discussion on how nurses can serve on boards and lead outside of traditional roles. Martha Dawson, a Fellowship National Advisory Council member, told attendees, “It’s all about service, reaching out to others, and having an impact.”

A fellowship with national reach

Backed by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the fellowship provides funding and mentorship to early- and mid-career nurses across the U.S. Each fellow receives up to $450,000 for research, plus support for their home institution.

Though the program is based in California, its impact is clearly national. Fellows are tackling everything from dementia care and community health to equity-focused innovation. And they are sharing those efforts on big stages like this one.

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As 2022 fellow Alvin Jeffery from Vanderbilt said, “This convocation filled me with hope. Surrounded by so many brilliant, compassionate nurse leaders, I believe we can help move the arc of justice forward.”