Washington DC – The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Awards of Excellence.  

Awards of Excellence recipients have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, alongside the specific attributes required for their respective categories. They have shown a strong vision and passion for AWHONN’s mission and the health of women and newborns. These individuals model professional behavior, inspire excellence in others, and foster opportunities for growth, change, and development.  

The Award of Excellence in Leadership is presented to Teresa Horak, MS, RN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, FAWHONN. 

The Award of Excellence in Leadership recognizes individuals who advocate for optimal care of women and newborns through leadership, system change, and policy influence. Honorees integrate AWHONN’s mission, mobilize colleagues, and mentor others to enhance healthcare policies and professional nursing advocacy.   

The Award of Excellence in Education is presented to Diane DiTomasso, PhD, RN, IBCLC, FAWHONN. 

The Award of Excellence in Education honors individuals who significantly contribute to women’s health, obstetric, or neonatal nursing education through scholarly or clinical excellence. Recipients demonstrate innovative teaching, promote professional growth, and enhance evidence-based education at local, national, or international levels.   

The Award of Excellence in Practice is presented to Miranda J. Wahnsiedler, MSN, BS, AGCNS-BC, RNC-OB, C-ONQS. 

The Award of Excellence in Practice celebrates nurses who advance clinical excellence and evidence-based care in women’s health, obstetrics, or newborn care through innovation and leadership. Honorees implement quality improvements, champion change, and contribute to nursing practice through presentations, publications, or multidisciplinary collaboration.   

The Award of Excellence in Research is presented to Denise Côté-Arsenault, PhD, RN, CPCLC, FNAP, FAAN. 

The Award of Excellence in Research recognizes researchers whose funded work has significantly advanced women’s and newborns’ health nursing. Honorees publish in refereed journals, align with AWHONN’s research priorities, and contribute to the field through high-quality scholarship and impactful studies.   

The Award of Excellence in Global Health is presented to Joan Edwards, PhD, RN, CNS. 

New in 2025, the Award of Excellence in Global Health honors individuals dedicated to culturally sensitive, evidence-based maternity care in global or marginalized U.S. communities. Awardees respect cultural traditions, advocate ethically, enhance equitable care, and achieve tangible health impacts through collaborative solutions. 

The Awards of Excellence will be presented to the recipients during the 2025 AWHONN Annual Convention in Orlando. 

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