The Filipino Nursing Diaspora (FiND) Network proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of Filipino nurse leaders who have been selected as members of the 2026 Class of Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)—one of the highest and most prestigious honors in the nursing profession.
Announced on June 25, 2026, by the American Academy of Nursing, the Class of 2026 recognizes an extraordinary group of nurse leaders from across the United States and around the world whose contributions are transforming healthcare through leadership, research, education, innovation, policy, and advocacy. These distinguished professionals will be formally inducted during the Academy’s Health Policy Conference in Washington, DC, this October.
Among this year’s honorees are eleven outstanding Filipino nurses whose work continues to advance the nursing profession and improve health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities worldwide.
The 2026 FAAN inductees include:
- Nelson J. Aquino – Boston Children’s Hospital (PNA New England)
- Raquel Bertiz – National League for Nursing (PNA Metropolitan DC)
- Benjamin Joel L. Breboneria – Almoosa College of Health Sciences & Almoosa Education
- Brigitte S. Cypress – Rutgers University School of Nursing-Camden
- Dino Doliente III – Philippine Nurses Association of America & Generations Healthcare, Inc.
- Pablito Roberto Gahol – Philippine Nurses Association of America
- Maria Reila Molina – Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
- Rayne Soriano – Kaiser Permanente Northern California
- Mila D. Sprouse – Providence North Puget Sound Health System & Providence Regional Medical Center
- Jandryle Trondillo – Maria Mallaband Care Group
- Patria Villacorta-Manalaysay – Pacific Nursing Service Organization Inc.
Their induction into the American Academy of Nursing is a recognition of exceptional accomplishment and influence in the profession. Fellows are selected through a rigorous and highly competitive process that evaluates sustained contributions to nursing and healthcare at national and international levels. Membership in the Academy signifies recognition by peers for extraordinary leadership and impact.
Collectively, these Filipino nurse leaders represent diverse fields of practice, including clinical care, nursing education, health administration, policy development, workforce leadership, research, and professional advocacy. Their achievements demonstrate the breadth and depth of Filipino nursing contributions across healthcare systems around the world.
For the global Filipino nursing community, this recognition carries special significance. It reflects decades of commitment by Filipino nurses to excellence, compassion, service, and innovation. From bedside care and academia to executive leadership and policy influence, Filipino nurses have consistently demonstrated their ability to lead and create meaningful change in healthcare organizations and communities.
“The recognition of eleven Filipino nurses as Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing in a single year is truly remarkable,” said Dr. Jerome Babate, Executive Director of the Filipino Nursing Diaspora (FiND) Network. “Their induction reflects the growing influence of Filipino nurses in shaping healthcare, education, research, and policy at the highest levels. Their success belongs not only to them but also to the broader Filipino nursing community that continues to serve with excellence and compassion across the globe.”
He further noted that the achievement serves as an inspiration for future generations of nurse leaders. “These distinguished nurse leaders have demonstrated excellence across clinical practice, education, research, administration, advocacy, and health policy. We hope their accomplishments will encourage more Filipino nurses to pursue leadership, scholarship, innovation, and service, while continuing to elevate the reputation of Filipino nurses worldwide.”
The growing presence of Filipino nurses among the ranks of FAAN Fellows highlights the increasing influence of the Filipino nursing diaspora in shaping the future of healthcare. Their accomplishments serve as powerful examples for emerging nurse leaders and reinforce the important role that nurses play in advancing health equity, improving patient outcomes, and strengthening healthcare systems.
The Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network joins colleagues, professional organizations, academic institutions, and healthcare communities worldwide in celebrating this historic achievement. Their success brings immense pride not only to their respective organizations but also to the broader Filipino community across the globe.
Congratulations to the 2026 Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing. Your leadership, scholarship, innovation, advocacy, and service continue to inspire the next generation of nurses and showcase the enduring excellence of Filipino nurses on the world stage.
