#United States #Phoenix #ENA #Emergency Nurses Association #20 Under 40

Celebrating Exceptional Nursing at ENA's 20 Under 40 Class of 2026

The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) has unveiled its 20 Under 40 Class of 2026, honoring a remarkable group of young professionals who have significantly impacted the field of nursing. This year's honorees reflect a rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences, showcasing the diverse capabilities and innovative spirit present in today's nursing community. The recognition highlights not only clinical excellence but also dedication to advocacy and leadership in emergency and forensic nursing.

Among the distinguished recipients is a nurse manager from Pennsylvania, recognized for developing an advanced AI triage tool, revolutionizing the way patients are assessed in emergency situations. Another noteworthy honoree is a forensic nurse dedicated to enhancing holistic care for survivors of sexual assault, reflecting a compassionate approach to currently pressing healthcare needs. Additionally, a rural nurse has been acknowledged for her efforts to improve access to care in underserved communities, demonstrating the profound impact that nursing has on society at large.

Dustin Bass, President of ENA, expressed his admiration for the honorees, stating, "Each year when I read the 20 Under 40 profiles, I am impressed by the ways these nurses are already leading and inspiring others in their workplaces, their communities, and beyond. For each of them, 'nurse' is much more than a job. They are already shaping the future of their profession through innovation, advocacy, and service. Their work is marked by a determination and passion for applying their expertise toward something greater."

The selection process for this prestigious honor involves nominations from peers and self-nominations, where applicants must provide details of their professional achievements, volunteerism, innovative solutions to challenges they face, and their vision for future impact. This year marks the sixth cohort of the 20 Under 40 initiative, which has grown to be a well-recognized benchmark in the nursing profession.

This year's class features a truly diverse group, with honorees hailing from three different countries and eleven states across the USA. The talents and accomplishments of these individuals underscore the potential that exists within the nursing profession to drive change and improve healthcare outcomes. The selected nurses will be spotlighted in the upcoming October issue of ENA Connection, the organization's official magazine, fostering a sense of pride and community among emergency nursing professionals.

The honorees, who have been selected by a panel consisting of ENA members and staff after a thorough review of numerous applications, include:

• - Larissa Allen, PhD, RN, CEN, TCRN, SANE-A, SANE-P, Pennsylvania
• - Aldrin Ian Alpe, MAN, MRes, RN, CPHQ, FISQua, UAE
• - Taylor Barrett, MBA, BS, RN, Arizona
• - Mekel Bergschneider, MSN, RN, CEN, NE-BC, North Carolina
• - Parker Brigance, DNP, MBA, MHA, RN, CEN, CCRN, Florida
• - Alfred Dahbi, PhD, DNS, MSN, BSN, RN, CHSE, UAE
• - Caterina Fus, BSN, RN, CEN, Rhode Island
• - Brooke Johnson, MSN, RN, CNML, Ohio
• - Jana M. Kling, MSN, RN, CEN, Louisiana
• - Emily Kraft, BSN, RN, CFRN, TCRN, CEN, Ohio
• - Kayla Lott, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, ENP-C, CEN, Alabama
• - Walter Sergio Lugari, MSHS, RN, FKP-NP, APN, Germany
• - Jessica Massey, MSN, BSN, RN, CEN, North Carolina
• - Santana N. Olvera, BSN, RN, NREMT, CEN, CTRN, Texas
• - Jennifer Pederson, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC, Minnesota
• - Samantha Poe, MSN, RN, CEN, CNML, North Carolina
• - Rachel Porter, MBA, BSN, RN, CEN, EMT-B, Texas
• - Paolo Roca, MSN, RN, PHN, CNE, PMH-BC, NE-BC, California
• - Samuel Snell, MSN, RN, CEN, CPPS, CPHQ, LSSBB, California
• - Adam Wilson, MSN, RN, Alabama

The announcement of the honorees took place during the ENA General Assembly, just prior to the Emergency Nursing 2026 education and networking conference, scheduled from September 28 to October 1. Demonstrating the program's credibility, it recently received a Gold National Award for a Group Recognition Program from the American Society of Business Publication Editors' annual AZBEE awards.

About the Emergency Nurses Association

Founded in 1970, the ENA is the leading professional association representing emergency nursing across the globe. With a commitment to safety, education, and healthcare innovation, the ENA serves its 40,000 members by developing standards and guidelines, advocating for policy changes, and ensuring high-quality emergency care for all patients. Further information about the ENA's initiatives and educational resources can be found on their official website: www.ena.org.