Arizona Nurses Association

Congratulations to Dr. Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, on being named to TIME’s 2026 TIME100 Health List of the world’s most influential leaders in health.

Recognized in the Titan category, Jennifer was honored for her leadership advancing policies that expand access to care, elevate nurses as essential leaders in healthcare delivery, and remove barriers that prevent nurses, including Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, from practicing to the full extent of their education and training. TIME also cited her work mobilizing national advocacy to protect access to nursing education and strengthen the future nursing workforce.

This recognition reflects The Power of Nurses™ to shape healthcare systems and improve health outcomes worldwide.

Read more in our press release: https://americannurs.es/time100

Meet Jean Cherry, BSN, MBA! 🎉

Jean is new to Arizona and has been a member of AzNA for a year! She's been a nurse for 30 years with experience spanning hospital, research, insurance and retail nursing. Fun fact - she took care of the first heart transplant at a North Carolina hospital!

She currently works as a consultant and a nurse writer. Her first book, "Outside the Box Nursing" was just published in November.

Jean became a nurse to help people manage their health issues and get to their highest capabilities. She says, "It has been a joy to have such amazing opportunities to grow and learn throughout my nursing career." She went back to school and graduated with her MBA at age 50!

When asked about her favorite part of being an AzNA member, she cited collaboration with other nurses and the ability to promote the nursing profession.

Welcome to Arizona, Jean! And thank you for being a member, we appreciate you! ❤️

Full statement can also be viewed here as a PDF:http://www.aznurse.org/resource/resmgr/news_release/2026_fatal_shooting_of_alex_.pdf

Comments and responses can be directed to [email protected].