Simmons University Board of Trustees member, Millicent Gorham '76, '11HD, has been named this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Leadership Award from the American Academy of Nursing.
“I am most grateful that the Academy has recognized me as an outstanding leader,” says Gorham. “This award is in honor of all of the amazing nurse leaders who have poured into me and in honor of all of the wonderful young nurses and leaders who keep me inspired.”
This award, created in 2015, has only been awarded once to recognize an Honorary Fellow for exemplary, committed service to the Academy, and perseverance as a champion for the profession and its impact on improving health. The Academy honored Gorham on her remarkable career at the helm of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), where she has used her policy experience to support advancements in health equity through nursing leadership.
Gorham has dedicated herself to improving the public’s health and well-being since the beginnings of her career through her work on Capitol Hill, the Congressional Black Caucus Health BrainTrust, and the National Rural Health Association. For the past 25 years, she has served as the Executive Director of NBNA, where her advocacy on behalf of Black nurses and the nursing profession across this country has been truly extraordinary.
Under Gorham’s leadership, NBNA has expanded its influence through an increase in membership and scholarship awards. Her authentic leadership has been vital as she guides NBNA through the current pandemic, all while supporting communities impacted by the virus across the country.
The Outstanding Leadership Award will be presented to Millicent Gorham at the virtual 2020 Transforming Health, Driving Policy Conference on October 29th - 31st.