Conway School of Nursing Hosts Leadership Seminar Featuring Distinguished Nurse Leaders
The Conway School of Nursing welcomed alumni, students, and health care partners to campus for the seconf part of the Conway Leadership Seminar—an evening dedicated to exploring leadership in nursing and preparing the next generation of nurse professionals.
Held in the new Conway School of Nursing building, which opened in Fall 2024, the event featured a panel discussion titled “Career Pathways and Lessons Learned Along the Way.” The panel included four prominent Chief Nursing Officers representing leading health care institutions across the region:
- Dr. Deb Baker, DNP, AG-ACNP, NEA-BC, FAAN, Senior Vice President for Nursing at Johns Hopkins Health System
- Dr. Ariam Yitbarek, DNP, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
- Laura-Anne Cleveland, BSN, RN, MBA-HA, CEN, Chief Nursing Officer at Reston Hospital Center
- Dr. Mary Dixon, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Director for Strategic Partnerships and Professional Programs at Catholic University, and former CNO at UVA Health, Baylor Scott & White Health, and Inova Health System
The event provided Conway nursing students with the opportunity to hear firsthand from nursing executives about the diverse pathways to leadership in health care, challenges faced along the way, and the values and skills that define effective nurse leaders. Panelists emphasized the importance of professionalism, mentorship, adaptability, and lifelong learning.
Students had a rare chance to engage directly with CNOs and explore how leadership is cultivated over time. This seminar reflects our commitment to shaping nurse leaders who are not only clinically excellent, but also mission-driven and prepared to lead with integrity.
Before the panel, guests participated in a networking reception and toured the state-of-the-art facility, which serves as a hub for nursing education, innovation, and interprofessional collaboration in the heart of the nation’s capital.
The Conway Leadership Seminar is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at supporting student leadership development and strengthening ties with the School’s hospital partners. As the nursing profession continues to evolve, Conway remains committed to preparing its graduates to lead with compassion, courage, and competence.