39th Annual Meeting
Sallie Tucker-Allen Annual Meeting & Scientific Conference
June 10 - 13, 2026
cancun, mexico
(hilton Cancun)
39th Annual Meeting
Sallie Tucker-Allen Annual Meeting & Scientific Conference
June 10 - 13, 2026
cancun, mexico
(hilton Cancun)
White-sand beaches, turquoise caribbean waters, vibrant nightlife
Join Us in Cancun, Mexico
Join us for the 39th Sallie Tucker-Allen Annual Meeting and Scientific Conference, taking place from June 10-13, 2026, at the Hilton Cancun. This year’s theme, Reclaiming Our Narrative: Letting our Voices be Heard-Transforming Nursing Academia Through Research, Education, and Policy, pays tribute to trailblazers in nursing and champions the advancement of faculty of color across various sectors. Designed to inspire and elevate, this conference will bring together thought leaders, educators, practitioners, and policymakers for a transformative experience.
With a lineup of keynote speakers, specialized workshops, and interactive sessions, this year’s conference offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, networking, and impactful discussions.
Set on a beach along the Caribbean Sea, this upscale all-inclusive resort is 15 km from both Cancun International Airport and the Croco Cun Zoo, and 18 km from the Cancun Country Club. Airy, refined rooms with balconies feature Wi-Fi and flat-screens, plus minifridges and coffeemakers. Some have ocean views and/or direct pool access. Luxe suites add separate living rooms. Meals and drinks are included at 12 restaurants and bars. There's also an outdoor pool, a gym and a kids' club, in addition to 6,500 sq m of event space. Water sports and regular entertainment are available, as are parking, breakfast and airport transfers.
Call for Abstracts
ABNF seeks innovative work that amplifies Black nursing faculty voices while addressing healthcare disparities in minority communities. Submissions should demonstrate transformative impact through original research,
evidence-based educational strategies, culturally responsive pedagogical approaches, health equity interventions, leadership development models, or policy innovations that advance nursing education excellence. Abstract submission deadline
March 1, 2026.
Registration
Registration includes all conference materials, continuing education credit, continental breakfast, and Awards Banquet.
Early-bird Registration Period (January 1st - February 28th)
- Member - $500.00
- Non-member - $625.00
- *Student (unlicensed) - $300.00 (include copy of current school ID)
Pre-Conference Registration Period (March 1st - May 30th)
- Member - $600.00
- Non-member - $725.00
- *Student - $400.00 (include copy of current school ID)
*Student refers pre-license undergraduate/basic education only.
Cancellations: Available through May 27, 2026 (A $100 administrative fee applies).
Refunds: There are no refunds after May 27, 2026.
Conference Keynote Speaker
Catherine Alicia Georges, EdD, RN, FAAN
Dr. Catherine Alicia Georges is Professor and Chairperson Emerita of the Department of Nursing at Lehman College and Professor (adjunct) at Meharry Medical College. She is a leader in academic nursing, health policy development, community engagement, organizational development, and healthy aging. She is committed to assuring social justice and equity for marginalized and vulnerable communities, and increasing diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging in the health care workforce.
Catherine Alicia Georges, EdD, RN, FAAN
Dr. Catherine Alicia Georges is professor and chairperson emerita of the Department of Nursing at Lehman College and Professor (adjunct) at Meharry Medical College. She is a leader in academic nursing, health policy development, community engagement, organizational development, and healthy aging. She is committed to assuring social justice and equity for marginalized and vulnerable communities, and increasing diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging in the health care workforce.
Dr. Georges earned a BSN from Seton Hall University College of Nursing, MA in Nursing from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Vermont. In addition, she is the recipient of three Honorary Doctorates from the College of New Rochelle, A.T. Still University, and Chestnut Hill College.
Dr. Georges served as the national volunteer president of AARP from 2018-2020; the world’s largest consumer organization. She served as the 5th President of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) and is the President of the National Black Nurses Foundation. She is a Lifetime member of NBNA and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She served as Chair of the National Board of Easterseals from 2021-2023. Dr. Georges served as a member of the RAISE National Family Caregiving Advisory Council of the US Department of Health and Human Services. She is a fellow of the NY Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Georges is also a Fulbright Specialist of the U.S. Department of State`s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
In 2019, she was named a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing. In June 2020, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from Seton Hall University. In October 2021, she received the Academy of Nursing Lifetime Legacy Achievement Award. In November 2025, she received the Nell J. Watts Lifetime Achievement award from Sigma theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing.
Conference Leadership Speaker
Karethy (Kay) Edwards, DrPH, FNP-BC, FAAN
Dr. Karethy Ed the CEO of Caring-based Consultants in Grant Writing and Nursing Education and professor emerita at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). With 48 years of distinguished service in academic nursing, she has held roles spanning from instructor to tenured professor, co‑founder of the Center for Cultural Diversity and Healthcare Excellence at the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing, professor and associate dean for academic programs at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at FAU, the John F. Wymer Endowed Professor in Nursing, and the inaugural CEO of the FAU Northwest Community Health Alliance Community Health Center, a College of Nursing managed Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike designated by the Health Research Services Administration.
Karethy (Kay) Edwards, DrPH, FNP-BC, FAAN
Dr. Karethy Edwards is the CEO of Caring-based Consultants in Grant Writing and Nursing Education and professor emerita at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). With 48 years of distinguished service in academic nursing, she has held roles spanning from instructor to tenured professor, co‑founder of the Center for Cultural Diversity and Healthcare Excellence at the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing, professor and associate dean for academic programs at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at FAU, the John F. Wymer Endowed Professor in Nursing, and the inaugural CEO of the FAU Northwest Community Health Alliance Community Health Center, a College of Nursing managed Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike designated by the Health Research Services Administration.
Dr. Edwards’ clinical practice, teaching, and service are grounded in her foundational belief that nursing is a discipline rooted in caring. This philosophy shapes her approach to education, practice, and scholarship, which center on advancing health equity and social justice. Guided by this commitment, she has secured more than $17 million in external funding to reduce health disparities and strengthen health and education outcomes.
A respected national leader, Dr. Edwards is a charter member and past president of the Association of Black Nursing Faculty (ABNF), and current president of the Association of Black Nursing Faculty Foundation. She has served on the American Nurses Association and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Minority Fellowship Program Advisory Board, the Ann Boykin Institute for the Advancement of Caring in Nursing Advisory Board, and as co-editor of the Journal of Cultural Diversity, an Interdisciplinary Journal. Her leadership has been recognized through a fellowship in Cultural Competency Leadership sponsored by the Health Research & Educational Trust of the American Hospital Association, a W.K. Kellogg Interprofessional Fellowship in Bioethics, and induction as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.
Her numerous honors include the ABNF Lifetime Achievement Award in Nursing Education and Research, the AMOCO Excellence in Teaching Award (University of Oklahoma), the DAISY Award (FAU), the Fran and Earl Ziegler Outstanding Leader in an Academic Setting Award, induction into the Nurses Hall of Fame (University of Texas Medical Branch), and recognition as an Indigenous Nurse Leader by the International Indigenous Nurse Researchers.
Conference Speaker
Catherine Alicia Georges, EdD, RN, FAAN
Dr. Catherine Alicia Georges is professor and chairperson emerita of the Department of Nursing at Lehman College and Professor (adjunct) at Meharry Medical College. She is a leader in academic nursing, health policy development, community engagement, organizational development, and healthy aging. She is committed to assuring social justice and equity for marginalized and vulnerable communities, and increasing diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging in the health care workforce.
Catherine Alicia Georges, EdD, RN, FAAN
Dr. Catherine Alicia Georges is professor and chairperson emerita of the Department of Nursing at Lehman College and Professor (adjunct) at Meharry Medical College. She is a leader in academic nursing, health policy development, community engagement, organizational development, and healthy aging. She is committed to assuring social justice and equity for marginalized and vulnerable communities, and increasing diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging in the health care workforce.
Dr. Georges earned a BSN from Seton Hall University College of Nursing, MA in Nursing from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Vermont. In addition, she is the recipient of three Honorary Doctorates from the College of New Rochelle, A.T. Still University, and Chestnut Hill College.
Dr. Georges served as the national volunteer president of AARP from 2018-2020; the world’s largest consumer organization. She served as the 5th President of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) and is the President of the National Black Nurses Foundation. She is a Lifetime member of NBNA and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She served as Chair of the National Board of Easterseals from 2021-2023. Dr. Georges served as a member of the RAISE National Family Caregiving Advisory Council of the US Department of Health and Human Services. She is a fellow of the NY Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Georges is also a Fulbright Specialist of the U.S. Department of State`s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
In 2019, she was named a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing. In June 2020, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from Seton Hall University. In October 2021, she received the Academy of Nursing Lifetime Legacy Achievement Award. In November 2025, she received the Nell J. Watts Lifetime Achievement award from Sigma theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing.
Conference Leadership Speaker
Karethy (Kay) Edwards, DrPH, FNP-BC, FAAN
Dr. Karethy Edwards the CEO of Caring-based Consultants in Grant Writing and Nursing Education and professor emerita at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). With 48 years of distinguished service in academic nursing, she has held roles spanning from instructor to tenured professor, co‑founder of the Center for Cultural Diversity and Healthcare Excellence at the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing, professor and associate dean for academic programs at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at FAU, the John F. Wymer Endowed Professor in Nursing, and the inaugural CEO of the FAU Northwest Community Health Alliance Community Health Center, a College of Nursing managed Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike designated by the Health Research Services Administration.
Karethy (Kay) Edwards, DrPH, FNP-BC, FAAN
Dr. Karethy Edwards is the CEO of Caring-based Consultants in Grant Writing and Nursing Education and professor emerita at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). With 48 years of distinguished service in academic nursing, she has held roles spanning from instructor to tenured professor, co‑founder of the Center for Cultural Diversity and Healthcare Excellence at the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing, professor and associate dean for academic programs at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at FAU, the John F. Wymer Endowed Professor in Nursing, and the inaugural CEO of the FAU Northwest Community Health Alliance Community Health Center, a College of Nursing managed Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike designated by the Health Research Services Administration.
Dr. Edwards’ clinical practice, teaching, and service are grounded in her foundational belief that nursing is a discipline rooted in caring. This philosophy shapes her approach to education, practice, and scholarship, which center on advancing health equity and social justice. Guided by this commitment, she has secured more than $17 million in external funding to reduce health disparities and strengthen health and education outcomes.
A respected national leader, Dr. Edwards is a charter member and past president of the Association of Black Nursing Faculty (ABNF), and current president of the Association of Black Nursing Faculty Foundation. She has served on the American Nurses Association and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Minority Fellowship Program Advisory Board, the Ann Boykin Institute for the Advancement of Caring in Nursing Advisory Board, and as co-editor of the Journal of Cultural Diversity, an Interdisciplinary Journal. Her leadership has been recognized through a fellowship in Cultural Competency Leadership sponsored by the Health Research & Educational Trust of the American Hospital Association, a W.K. Kellogg Interprofessional Fellowship in Bioethics, and induction as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.
Her numerous honors include the ABNF Lifetime Achievement Award in Nursing Education and Research, the AMOCO Excellence in Teaching Award (University of Oklahoma), the DAISY Award (FAU), the Fran and Earl Ziegler Outstanding Leader in an Academic Setting Award, induction into the Nurses Hall of Fame (University of Texas Medical Branch), and recognition as an Indigenous Nurse Leader by the International Indigenous Nurse Researchers.
Where Coastal Luxury Meets Effortless Comfort
Experience the Hilton Cancun All-Inclusive Escape
The Hilton Cancun All-Inclusive Resort offers an elevated experience for conference attendees, blending comfort, convenience, and coastal tranquility in a beautifully modern setting. Nestled along a pristine beachfront, the resort features contemporary rooms with stunning ocean or mangrove views, unlimited dining and beverage options, multiple pools, curated daily activities, and vibrant nightly entertainment. Guests can stay active at the fitness center, unwind at the spa, or simply relax by the water, all while enjoying complimentary Wi-Fi for Hilton Honors members and easy access to on-site amenities that support both productivity and leisure throughout their stay.
- Registration requirements
- Cutoff date May 6, 2026 (no exceptions)
- Guests are responsible for own reservations
- Valid credit card required
- Non-refundable deposit for the first night
- Remaining balance of stay will be charged to credit card 45 days PRIOR to arrival
- June 7, 8, 9 early arrivals (reserved on first come, first serve)
- June 13, 14 late departures (reserved on first come, first serve)
- Permitted Occupancy:
- 1 King bed guest rooms: 3 guests (2 adults/1 child or 3 adults)
- 2 Queen bed guest rooms: 4 guests (2 adults/2 children or 4 adults)
- Additional guest rate: $200.00 per night
- Children policy (additional rate): 0-4, comp; 5-12, $75 night/per child; >12, adult pricing
- Welcome drink and fresh towel on arrival
- Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks at any of the six Resort Restaurants
- Unlimited premium Resort selection of drinks and cocktails (at selected restaurants/bars)
- Access to activities at the Kid’s & Teen’s Club
- Unlimited sweets at the Ice Cream Shop & Sweet Corner
- Access to Family and Chill Pool and Beach Service
- Standard Wi-Fi throughout the Resort (including in Conference center) for Hilton Honors members
- Variety of daytime resort activities and live nightly entertainment
- Access to fitness center
Tropical Incentives DMC presents an exceptional destination management package for the Association of Black Nursing Faculty's 39th Sallie Tucker-Allen Annual Meeting and Scientific Conference in Cancun, Mexico. With over 39 years of expertise serving Mexico and the Dominican Republic, we offer comprehensive services including premium transportation with $5 million liability insurance, exclusive Caribbean experiences like catamaran reef snorkeling at the world's second-largest barrier reef and jungle speedboat tours, championship golf at Jack Nicklaus's Riviera Cancun Golf Club, and award-winning support from our bilingual team trusted by leading organizations like American Express and Maritz. View the complete PDF for detailed pricing, full itineraries, extensive hotel listings in Zone 1 Cancun, Marina Maroma brunch station menus, and customizable options to create an unforgettable professional development experience for ABNF conference attendees.
ABNF CONFERENCE AWARDS LIST
ABNF Awards Committee is seeking to honor those nurses who contribute to the mission and goals of the Association of Black Nursing Faculty, Inc, who carry on the traditions of revered past honorees, and who exemplify the distinguishing criteria of the awards.
ABNF Awards will be presented at the 2026 Annual Meeting and Scientific Conference to be held June 10 - 13, 2026.
See the official ABNF Conference Awards list below and submit your nomination by April 1, 2026.
Gloria J. McNeal Policy Innovation & Leadership Award
The Gloria J. McNeal Policy Innovation & Leadership Award honors an ABNF member who demonstrates exceptional leadership and impactful advocacy on behalf of a vulnerable or under‑resourced population in one or more of the following ways:
- Demonstrating the use of evidence to advance policy change through publications, policy briefs, testimony before local, state, or national boards, or legislative bodies
- Collaborating with community organizations, coalitions, or grassroots groups to drive policy impact
- Creating or co-creating new organizational policies that address the needs of vulnerable, under‑resourced populations, students, and or faculty members; or
- Influencing public opinion, legislative priorities, or regulatory action through effective advocacy.
Excellence in Innovation in Teaching Award
The Excellence in Innovation in Teaching Award is given to an ABNF member who demonstrates creativity and innovative teaching strategies that promote academic success and student achievement; demonstrates compassion and respect for students and creates a culture that encourages student expression of ideas; acts as an exemplary role model, exhibits professional values and standards and demonstrates evidence-based teaching/learning and integration of theory and evidence-based practice. The awardee must have taught full-time for at least 2 consecutive years. Two letters of support with an example of the faculty member’s teaching innovation and the impact of the innovation are required for the nomination.
Excellence in Community Service and Engagement
This award recognizes an ABNF faculty member who demonstrates leadership in community service and has had a sustained impact on improving the well-being of underserved populations. Two letters of support with examples of the member’s community service and engagement including an example of and the impact of the member’s community service and engagement are required for the nomination.
*The New Publisher Award
This award is given to an ABNF member and new author who has had at least 2 manuscripts published in refereed journals during the preceding year which address the health care needs of African American clients, families and communities or African American faculty members and students. One letter of recommendation and access to the journal articles are required.
*The New Researcher Award
This award is given to a member who has received external funding for research that includes African American populations, families, faculty members or students.
The Johnella Banks Member Achievement Award
This award is given for distinguished achievements in multiple areas during the preceding year. Must provide, notable biographical information with regard to published articles, exact amount of grant funding, the funding number and agency, with specific examples of scholarly awards and recognition. One letter of recommendation is required.
*ABNF Honorary Membership
This award is given to individuals who have made substantial contributions to nursing who are no longer teaching. Two letters of support with exemplars of the evidence to support the nomination are required.
*The Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Education
This award is given to those who have made a significant contribution to nursing education. The recipient is not required to be a member of ABNF. Two letters of support with exemplars of the evidence to support the nomination are required.
*The Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Research Award
This award is given to those who have made a significant contribution to nursing research through extramurally funded research and dissemination of results in referred publications. The recipient is not required to be a member of ABNF. Two letters of support with exemplars of the evidence to support the nomination are required
*The Living Legend Award
The Living Legend Award is awarded to an ABNF member or members in honor of their extraordinary contributions to the nursing profession, sustained over the course of their careers. Two letters of support with exemplars of the evidence to support the nomination are required.
Excellence in Academic Leadership
This award is given to an ABNF member who: demonstrates a high level of initiative; responsibility and resourcefulness to address challenges confronting the school or college of nursing; develops trust and credibility through open, respectful communication with faculty, students, staff and key stakeholders; invests time and effort in developing others to grow professionally; champions change effectively through formal or informal leadership; driven by a need to produce sustainable results; demonstrates worker like diligence in achieving positive outcomes; guided by values of fairness and doing the right thing for students, faculty and staff; and demonstrates a record of accomplishment in achieving awards for excellence. Two letters of support with exemplary evidence to support the nomination are required.
Excellence in Mentoring Faculty or Students
The Excellence in Mentoring Award recognizes the value of quality mentoring relationships and the impact they have on professional development and career advancement in nursing related to research, teaching, and administration. Two letters of support with exemplary evidence to support the nomination are required.
Scholarship, Internship, and Award Applications