Maximize Your Nursing Leadership Potential with NANN and Synova’s Emerging Leader Fellowship (ELF)
NANN and Synova’s neonatal nursing fellowship program provides 5 months of learning and a quality improvement project.
The Emerging Leader Fellowship is a virtual five-month joint program between the National Association of Neonatal Nurses and Synova Associates. Master leadership competencies in nursing through this unique nursing professional development program. Also known as ELF, the Emerging Leadership Fellowship provides neonatal nurses with a unique learning structure devised to maximize their leadership potential. Participants gain the skills to thrive in today’s fast-paced, rapidly evolving healthcare environment. Fellows will complete a quality improvement (QI) mini project to improve outcomes in their healthcare settings and to showcase their leadership growth.
To be eligible to become an Emerging Leader Fellow, you must be a full individual or international NANN member. (If you’re not a member or you’re an e-member, find out how to join NANN as a full member before you apply!)
The Emerging Leader Fellowship Program Overview details the program objectives, expectations, and program structure and schedule. Participants are expected to attend all scheduled meetings.
How to Apply for the Nursing Fellowship from NANN and Synova
Applications for the 2027 fellowship open August 10, 2026.
Applications include
- Several open-ended questions
- A letter of recommendation less than 400 words, as a Word document, with the writer’s name, title, organization, and contact information
- Video response for one question (record this with your phone or computer; professional recording is unnecessary and won’t influence your acceptance).
2027 ELF Program Dates
- August 10, 2026: Applications Open
- November 23, 2026: Application Deadline
- January 12, 2027: Acceptance Notifications Begin
- January 22, 2027: Accepted Applicants Deadline to Confirm Participation
- February 4, 2027: Program Fees Due
- February 24, 2027: Program Begins
Emerging Leader Fellowship Tuition
Program tuition, $1,500 per fellow, must be paid in full before the program begins. The fee covers all program materials, coursework and training. Fellows supply their own computer and internet connection. Needs-based, partial tuition awards are available.
Questions?
If you have questions about the Emerging Leader Fellowship Program, contact Program Director Stephanie Abbu.
2026 Emerging Leader Fellowship Cohort
Jennifer Pepin
Janelle Sonmor
Issac Villarreal
Michelle Kossina
Courtney Windham
Dalacy Jesina
Pamela Tarnowski
Camille Chua
Julie Kuhn
Ashley Castro
Briana Jacobs
Rebecca Hunt
Donna Hopkins
How Do Nurses Benefit from NANN and Synova’s Fellowship Program?
Hear past graduates’ experiences with the Emerging Leader Fellowship from NANN and Synova.