Welcome

Kathy Baker, Virginia Nurses Association President
Lindsey J. Cardwell, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CEO, Virginia Nurses Association & Foundation

A Message from Virginia’s Gubernatorial Candidates

Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears
Representative Abigail Spanberger

Hear from 2025 Virginia Gubernatorial Candidates Winsome Earle-Sears and Abigail Spanberger.

**While VNA does not endorse political candidates of any kind, both gubernatorial candidates are invited to speak to Virginia’s nurses and nursing students and share their vision for nursing and healthcare in Virginia.**

Advocacy, Activism, and the Power of the Vote

Ashley Apple, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CEN 

Nursing has always been rooted in advocacy and activism and today, nurses have more power than ever to drive change. This session will explore how nurses can engage meaningfully in legislative advocacy, community action, and voter participation to shape healthcare policy and advance the profession. Learn how to build relationships with elected officials, influence policy, and mobilize your voice through the vote. The Virginia Nurses Association will share key resources to support your advocacy efforts and inspire civic engagement at all levels of practice.

Emily Couric Keynote Address | Shaping Tomorrow Today: Politics and Policy in Virginia 2025

Dr. Stephen J. Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs & Director, Center for Leadership and Media Studies, University of Mary Washington

Virginia's 2025 elections contain some of the most pivotal contests in Virginia's history. The lawmakers who take office next January will face an immense policy agenda, including the commonwealth's precarious health care system to grave economic uncertainty and everything in between. Dr. Farnsworth will break down the challenges and opportunities facing Virginia at this crucial moment.

The Political Climate and Understanding its Impact on Virginia Policy

Andrew T. Lamar, Principal, Lamar Consulting 

Join VNA Lobbyist Andrew Lamar for an insider’s perspective on how Virginia’s political environment is setting the stage for elections, budget negotiations, and future healthcare legislation. Gain a deeper understanding of the key issues at play and how they impact nursing and healthcare so you can more effectively advocate for the policies that matter most.

Lunch Break

Advocacy Impact of Nurses Nationwide to Statewide

• Samuel Hewitt, Director of Congressional and Political Advocacy for the American Nurses Association
  
• Zina Gontscharow, Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs for the American Nurses Association
  
• Robyn Matthews-Peacher, Director of State Government Affairs for the American Nurses Association

Hot Topics in Nursing

Ashley Apple, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CEN, VNA Commissioner on Government Relations and Invited Guests

This session offers a timely discussion on the top legislative and regulatory priorities impacting nurses across Virginia. Each year, the Virginia Nurses Association collaborates with specialty nursing organizations to shape Nursing’s Public Policy Platform. Learn more about the key issues for 2026, including the development of Virginia’s Nursing Workforce Center, the Clinical Instructor Academy, school nurse advocacy, and efforts to protect nurses from medical error prosecution. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged in nursing advocacy. 

Breaking the Silence: Addressing Workplace Violence Against Nurses Through Legal and Community Partnership 

• Mackenzie Babichenko, Hanover Commonwealth Attorney
• Shannon Taylor, Henrico Commonwealth Attorney 

Workplace violence is not an acceptable part of the nursing profession yet it remains a persistent threat. This live panel discussion with the Commonwealth’s Attorneys from Henrico and Hanover counties will examine the reality of workplace violence faced by healthcare workers, particularly nurses, and how a shift in culture, communication, and legal response can create safer environments. 

The attorneys will share how local prosecutors and law enforcement can serve as allies to nurses through transparent processes for reporting incidents, prosecuting offenders, and offering victim support services. This session will also highlight strategies for fostering trust between nurses, healthcare organizations, and the criminal justice system, including what nurses can do when they feel unsupported. 

Join us as we work to dismantle the normalization of violence in healthcare and build a united front to support and protect those who care for our communities. 

Closing: A Call to Action

Lindsey J. Cardwell, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CEO, Virginia Nurses Association & Foundation

Nursing Continuing Professional Development Disclosures

• The Virginia Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 
• Participants in the 2025 Legislative Summit can earn up to 7.5 contact hours. Credit will be awarded commensurate with participation in the program with the completion of an evaluation. 
• All conference content will be recorded and available to conference registrants to complete and be awarded nursing contact hours through March 31, 2026.

Questions?

Event Questions
Please direct any questions related to VNA's Legislative Summit event to VNA's Director of Professional Development Ashley Henry at ahenry@virginianurses.org.

Advocacy & Policy Questions
Please direct any advocacy and policy questions to VNA's Communications & Advocacy Manager Elle Buck at ebuck@virginianurses.org.