August 2026 Honoree
Maureen Lawler, MSN, MHA, CEN
Maureen Lawler exemplifies nursing excellence through her service, unity, and innovation that extend far beyond the walls of the Emergency Department. Her leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to humanity inspire those around her to serve with purpose, empathy, and courage.
As a founding and active board member of Great Commission Outreach, a nonprofit established in 2016 by a small group of physicians, Maureen has played a vital role in transforming the rural community of La Pila, Guatemala, a village of roughly 1,200 residents. Great Commission Outreach’s mission is to provide sustainable healthcare and education in areas with little or no access to medical services. The clinic built in La Pila operates entirely through donations and volunteer work, with Maureen herself traveling there multiple times each year to serve.
Under her guidance, the organization has developed a comprehensive care model that includes maintaining the clinic, organizing quarterly medical missions, and offering ongoing health education to empower the local population. The results have been remarkable. Rates of childhood malnutrition have dropped from nearly 100 percent to about 20 percent, while hypertension control and medication accessibility have improved dramatically through consistent screening and treatment.
One powerful example of this impact is the story of Freddy, a three-month-old infant brought to the clinic severely malnourished and weighing less than ten pounds. His mother, struggling to feed two children while living in deep poverty, was losing hope. Maureen and the team intervened immediately, providing Freddy with Incaparina, a fortified milk supplement, and teaching his mother how to prepare it safely. Over the following weeks, Freddy began to thrive, gaining weight, responding to voices, and smiling. On his first birthday, Maureen reflected that Freddy’s survival was a testament to the mission and the life-saving power of compassion in action. Stories like Freddy’s represent the lasting impact of Maureen’s dedication and the hope she brings to families in La Pila.
Beyond clinical care, Maureen is equally passionate about education as a tool for empowerment. Through her advocacy and mentorship, La Pila celebrated its first high school graduate, a milestone symbolizing opportunity, independence, and generational progress.
Within her hospital, Maureen leads with humility and strength. She has inspired several Emergency Department nurses to join outreach missions, encouraging them to experience the transformative power of service firsthand. In her leadership role, she established the Charge Nurse Leadership Group, a mentorship initiative that builds confidence, accountability, and teamwork. By fostering open communication, encouraging trust, and teaching essential leadership and relationship skills, Maureen has cultivated a workplace grounded in respect, integrity, and compassion.
Maureen’s innovative approach bridges global outreach and sustainable health systems. She helped design a recurring care model that ensures every mission builds upon the last through continuity, local engagement, and education. Her focus on prevention through nutrition programs, maternal health support, and chronic disease management empowers the community toward self-sufficiency and long-term wellness.
Through her compassion, collaboration, and vision, Maureen Lawler embodies the legacy of the DAISY Award, proving that meaningful change begins when one nurse leads with courage, justice, and love.
As a founding and active board member of Great Commission Outreach, a nonprofit established in 2016 by a small group of physicians, Maureen has played a vital role in transforming the rural community of La Pila, Guatemala, a village of roughly 1,200 residents. Great Commission Outreach’s mission is to provide sustainable healthcare and education in areas with little or no access to medical services. The clinic built in La Pila operates entirely through donations and volunteer work, with Maureen herself traveling there multiple times each year to serve.
Under her guidance, the organization has developed a comprehensive care model that includes maintaining the clinic, organizing quarterly medical missions, and offering ongoing health education to empower the local population. The results have been remarkable. Rates of childhood malnutrition have dropped from nearly 100 percent to about 20 percent, while hypertension control and medication accessibility have improved dramatically through consistent screening and treatment.
One powerful example of this impact is the story of Freddy, a three-month-old infant brought to the clinic severely malnourished and weighing less than ten pounds. His mother, struggling to feed two children while living in deep poverty, was losing hope. Maureen and the team intervened immediately, providing Freddy with Incaparina, a fortified milk supplement, and teaching his mother how to prepare it safely. Over the following weeks, Freddy began to thrive, gaining weight, responding to voices, and smiling. On his first birthday, Maureen reflected that Freddy’s survival was a testament to the mission and the life-saving power of compassion in action. Stories like Freddy’s represent the lasting impact of Maureen’s dedication and the hope she brings to families in La Pila.
Beyond clinical care, Maureen is equally passionate about education as a tool for empowerment. Through her advocacy and mentorship, La Pila celebrated its first high school graduate, a milestone symbolizing opportunity, independence, and generational progress.
Within her hospital, Maureen leads with humility and strength. She has inspired several Emergency Department nurses to join outreach missions, encouraging them to experience the transformative power of service firsthand. In her leadership role, she established the Charge Nurse Leadership Group, a mentorship initiative that builds confidence, accountability, and teamwork. By fostering open communication, encouraging trust, and teaching essential leadership and relationship skills, Maureen has cultivated a workplace grounded in respect, integrity, and compassion.
Maureen’s innovative approach bridges global outreach and sustainable health systems. She helped design a recurring care model that ensures every mission builds upon the last through continuity, local engagement, and education. Her focus on prevention through nutrition programs, maternal health support, and chronic disease management empowers the community toward self-sufficiency and long-term wellness.
Through her compassion, collaboration, and vision, Maureen Lawler embodies the legacy of the DAISY Award, proving that meaningful change begins when one nurse leads with courage, justice, and love.
Thank you, Maureen, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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