I am honored to nominate Kendra Connolly for the Nurse Leader Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership, compassion, and unwavering support during one of the most pivotal transitions in my nursing career. After an unexpected and difficult layoff, I was navigating a period filled with uncertainty and self-doubt. It was during this time that Kendra saw potential in me that I was struggling to see in myself.

Despite not having started my new role yet on Bigelow 11, I immediately felt the warmth and strength of Kendra's leadership. She not only welcomed me to the unit but also empowered me to see this new opportunity as a fresh start, filled with promise and growth. Kendra turned what could have been a negative and demoralizing chapter into a truly inspiring one.

Her ability to lead with empathy, recognize individual strengths, and uplift those around her is something that deserves recognition. She leads with both heart and vision, making those who work under her feel valued, motivated, and seen. With her one-year anniversary as Nurse Director approaching this May, I can think of no better time to celebrate Kendra's incredible impact-not just on me, but on our entire team and the culture she continues to build on Bigelow 11. I'm incredibly excited to officially join the best floor - Bigelow 11 - in May and continue growing my nursing career with this amazing team under Kendra's exceptional leadership.
***
It is with great admiration and gratitude that I nominate Kendra Connolly for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Her leadership is not only defined by her professional accomplishments but by the genuine and lasting impact she has on the people around her. Kendra embodies the highest ideals of nursing leadership-empowerment, visibility, passion for excellence, and role modeling - and I have witnessed this firsthand in countless meaningful ways.

Empowerment: Kendra consistently empowers those around her to lead, grow, and thrive. A recent example highlights this beautifully. One of my former colleagues from Ellison 7, who had been serving as a Clinical Nurse Leader, was impacted by the recent layoffs. This nurse reached out to me, worried not only about employment but also about losing insurance coverage. I mentioned the situation to Kendra, and without hesitation, she stepped in to help. Kendra immediately contacted this nurse, arranged a shadow experience on Bigelow 11, and reassured her that her leadership journey was far from over. She made it clear that joining Bigelow 11 would be a step forward, not a step back. Kendra recognized her potential and encouraged her to continue growing. She even shared heartfelt feedback from this nurse's former associate chief nurse, knowing how much it would mean to her. That kind of thoughtfulness and advocacy is what sets Kendra apart. Kendra's empowerment doesn't stop with her own team - she lifts up colleagues throughout the organization. For example, she encouraged me to attend this June's ONL conference in New Hampshire and often nudges me to take on more leadership opportunities with Internal Medicine Associates (IMA) on Wang 6, where I work as an ambulatory nurse. Whether she's sharing CEU opportunities or forwarding professional development programs for me to circulate to my colleagues, Kendra is a constant source of encouragement and opportunity.

Visibility: Kendra's presence is deeply felt across the unit and beyond. Even though I don't work directly under her leadership, I consistently witness how visible and connected she is. Without fail, whenever I'm walking through the hospital with Kendra, she runs into a current or former staff member. The warmth she brings to those interactions and the joy she exudes while introducing them to me speak volumes about her relationships, leadership, and lasting influence. And when I visit her after work, without fail, she's mid-conversation or in the midst of mentoring one of her staff nurses. You can just feel how happy she is to be the Nurse Director of Bigelow 11 - and how happy they are to have her. The energy is different on that unit. It's uplifting, collaborative, and deeply supportive. Even my former Ellison 7 colleague, who shadowed them, felt it instantly. As Kendra told her, "It's the kind of place you have to experience for yourself." And that's why she gave her that opportunity.

Passion for Excellence: Kendra has a deep passion for nursing excellence and professional growth. She is immensely proud that Bigelow 11 is part of the MGH teaching service and actively fosters a learning environment. Her belief in continuous improvement is not only evident in the systems she supports but in the pride she takes in watching her team grow and succeed. She often speaks about the importance of building and sustaining a unit culture that is supportive, diverse, and inclusive. And I'm telling you - if you go to Bigelow 11 now, you will see that culture in action. It radiates through every hallway interaction, every handoff, and every team huddle. Kendra beams with pride when she talks about the team she's built and the number of nurses she has hired since assuming the Nurse Director role in May 2024. But it's not just about filling roles - it's about building a team with shared values, respect, and a passion for patient care. Kendra's love for excellence also shows in how she celebrates others. For example, she was so proud to share with me that she had nominated her mentor and preceptor, Brian Cyr, for the Theresa Gallivan Award-and was so genuinely happy that he won the award. She texted me as soon as she found out and was exuding joy. That's who Kendra is: someone who champions those around her, who lifts others up, and who genuinely wants everyone to succeed. Her joy comes not just from her own accomplishments, but from the success of the people she supports.

Role Model: Kendra is the kind of leader you want to work for - and the kind of leader you want to become. She leads by example in every way, demonstrating professionalism, fairness, integrity, and compassion. She builds trust effortlessly and treats everyone with the utmost respect and care. Kendra is also widely known for taking the time to write letters of recommendation for both current and former staff nurses, advocating for them as they pursue further education or apply for scholarships to support their academic and professional growth. I often smile when she asks me to proofread these letters, because her writing is exceptional. But it's not just her skill with words that stands out-it's the genuine care she pours into each recommendation. This is a testament to her deep commitment to supporting her team's professional development.

Kendra's dedication has inspired me to follow her lead and pay it forward by doing the same for others. As she always says, "People did it for us; we need to do it for them." Kendra doesn't just talk the talk-she embodies the kind of leadership that encourages and empowers others to achieve their fullest potential. From the smallest acts of kindness to her unwavering support during times of transition, Kendra models the kind of leadership that changes lives. She advocates for her team, elevates others, and creates an environment where people are proud to do their best work.