Together with the Tennessee Nurses Association and the Tennessee Hospital Association, the Tennessee Action Coalition acknowledges these young nurse leaders:

• Andrea Poynter, Belmont University
• Andrea Sebastian, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing
• Ashley Carter, Nashville State Community College
• Ashley Marston, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Astrid Banegas, CHI Memorial
• Brandi Pruitt, University of Memphis
• Brittan Kilpatrick, Tennessee Department of Health – Hickman County Health Department
• Candice Short, East Tennessee State University 
• Charlotte Isabel, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Chelcie Oseni, Methodist Le Bonheur Community Outreach
• Chelsia Harris, Lipscomb University
• Chelsie Caperton, Southern Tennessee Regional Health System-Lawrenceburg
• Christian Williams, Metro Nashville Public Health Department
• Ernest Maupin, East Tennessee State University
• Gabrielle Jackson, Alma Wellness Associates
• Jacquelyn Dean, Vanderbilt Bedford County Hospital
• Jazmine A. Rankin, Methodist University Hospital
• Jerlliyah (Jay) Dotson, Vanderbilt Medical Center
• Josh Hawkins, The University of Tennessee Medical Center
• Julia Steed, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
• Kaleb (Tanner) Henry, The University of Tennessee Medical Center
• Kathryn Dambrino, Belmont University
• Lauren Moss, Belmont University/Elite Healthcare Alliance
• Marisa Schultz, The University of Tennessee Medical Center
• Mary Leigh Joiner, Regional One Health
• Rachael Wyatt Hodges, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing
• Rebecca R. Kojak, Cookeville Regional Medical Center
• Richelle Graham, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Shelley Lawson, West Tennessee Healthcare – Pathways
• Whitney Owen, The University of Tennessee Medical Center
• Zacnite Vargas, Metro Public Health Department

These individuals are part of an elite group of young Tennessee nurse leaders representing the Three Grand Regions of Tennessee, a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds, frontline clinicians, academicians, and managers.

Selection was based on criteria determined by leaders from the Tennessee Action Coalition, Tennessee Nurses Association, and Tennessee Hospital Association; and includes leadership among peers and others, professional growth and development, contribution to building a culture of health in the community, and commitment as a role model for health. 

The aim of the Tennessee Rising Star Nurse Leader program is to engage and empower young nurses to lead the nursing profession in improving the health of Tennesseans.