On September 12, 2026, The Institute for Health and Social Equity will mark its 10th Anniversary Gratitude Gala at the University of Maryland, College Park. At the heart of the evening are five extraordinary leaders whose careers reflect what The Institute stands for — advancing equity through health and education, and opening doors of opportunity for the next generation.
We are proud to introduce our 2026 honorees.
The Founders Award
Honoring a leader whose career embodies the values on which The Institute was built.
Aisha K. Brooks, DNP, MPH, RN, FADLN, FAAN
Dr. Aisha K. Brooks is a public health nurse strategist and the Founder and CEO of VitalVoice Nursing. Over three decades of service, she has advanced equity, strengthened public health systems, and championed nursing leadership where change is most needed. Dr. Brooks culminated her active duty career at the rank of Rear Admiral after serving as the 12th Chief Nurse Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service and principal advisor to the U.S. Surgeon General, leading the federal nursing workforce across the government’s health agencies and representing American nursing at the World Health Assembly and the International Council of Nurses.
A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the Academy of Diverse Leaders in Nursing, she is a recipient of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award and the Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medal. A proud graduate of Hampton University, Dr. Brooks has invested throughout her career in mentoring the next generation of health leaders — the same generation The Institute exists to support.
The Laureate Award
Honoring a lifetime of advocacy, service, and impact in the fields we champion.
Vivienne Pierce McDaniel, DNP, MSN, RN, FADLN, FNAP
Dr. Vivienne Pierce McDaniel is a nationally recognized nurse leader, health equity advocate, and policy champion with more than two decades of experience across clinical practice, executive leadership, nursing education, and legislative advocacy. She chairs the National Black Nurses Association Health Policy Committee — coordinating the annual Black Nurses Day on Capitol Hill — and serves as Program Director of the Eddie Bernice Johnson Health Equity Policy Scholars Institute, which she founded with the support of a Pfizer Community Forward Health Equity grant through NBNA.
A Fellow of the Academy of Diverse Leaders in Nursing and a Distinguished Public Policy Fellow of the National Academy of Practice, Dr. McDaniel is the recipient of the 2026 American Nurses Association Mary Mahoney Award and a prolific keynote speaker, published author, and board member. The Laureate Award recognizes a lifetime of advocacy — and it is our privilege to celebrate hers.
The Cornerstone Award
Honoring the steady leadership that has helped build and sustain The Institute’s work.
Petita Rentz, MS
Petita Rentz is a Professor in the School of Health Sciences at the College of Southern Maryland. A Certified Personal Trainer with more than 25 years of experience, she has served the fitness and wellness community at some of the country’s most notable institutions, including the Pentagon’s Welfare, Recreation, and Morale program for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the White House Athletic Center under the Obama Administration.
Professor Rentz holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion and a Bachelor of Science in Recreation from the University of Florida. She serves as Board Secretary of The Institute for Health and Social Equity, where her steady stewardship has strengthened the organization’s governance and mission — the very qualities the Cornerstone Award was created to honor.
The Vanguard Award
Honoring an educator cultivating the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers.
Samantha Spytek, M.Ed.
Samantha Spytek is a secondary physics educator at the Academies of Loudoun in Loudoun County Public Schools, Virginia, where she teaches AP Physics C and integrated science courses. A recipient of the 2022 PhysTEC Local Physics Teacher of the Year award and a multi-year Phoenix Service Award honoree — recognition nominated by her own students — she sponsors the Science National Honor Society and has developed regional science and engineering fair outreach for younger learners.
A Virginia Tech Physics Valedictorian, she holds an M.Ed. in Secondary Science Education from Virginia Tech and was an Education Policy Fellow with the Institute for Educational Leadership. Ms. Spytek has mentored students through the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars program, including summer academies at NASA Langley. Her We Are All Curious equity initiative reflects the deeper current of her work: making sure every student sees themselves in the story of science.
The Catalyst Award
Honoring a leader whose work sparks pathways of opportunity for students in STEM.
Christine “Chrissy” Thompson, M.Ed.
Christine Thompson is the Senior Director of Teaching & Learning at Girls Who Code, where she leads the design and strategy of educational experiences that help students develop the skills, confidence, and sense of belonging to thrive in STEM. Her work focuses on creating equitable, engaging learning opportunities that expand access to computer science education and prepare the next generation of innovators and changemakers.
Chrissy began her career as a first-grade teacher in a Title I elementary school serving a large English language learner community, and later became a K-5 STEM teacher — experiences that shaped her deep commitment to educational equity. She serves on the Board of Directors for the National Science Teaching Association, helping advance excellence and equity in science education nationwide.
Join Us in Honoring Them
The 10th Anniversary Gratitude Gala is a black-tie evening celebrating a decade of The Institute’s work and the leaders carrying that work forward. Scholarship recipients will also be honored in person that night.
September 12, 2026
Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center, University of Maryland, College Park
Doors open 5:45 PM · Program begins 6:00 PM
The Institute for Health and Social Equity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.