Empowering Nursing Excellence: How Liberation Capital Can Elevate Innovative Ideas

Authors

• Rachel L. DiFazio, Boston Children's Hospital
• Sheridan Miyamoto, Pennsylvania State University
• Stephanie Gilbertson-White, University of Iowa Collge of Nursing
• Dora L. Clayton-Jones, Marquette UniversityFollow
• Kamila A. Alexander, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
• Erica Liebermann, University of Rhode Island College of Nursing
• Forgive Avorgbedor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Nursing
• Heather Nelson-Brantley, University of Alabama - Birmingham
• Luz G. Huntington-Moskos, University of Louisville School of Nursing
• Michelle L. Litchman, University of Utah College of Nursing
• Maya N. Clark-Cutaia, Hunter Bellevue School of Nursing
• Kristen R. Choi, University of California Los Angels School of Nursing
• Lenette M. Jones, University of Michigan School of Nursing
• Heather M. Young, University of California - Davis

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2026

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Nursing Outlook

Source ISSN

0029-6554

Abstract

The concept of liberation capital is explored in the context of the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders and Innovators, a program designed to address gaps in health care by empowering nurse scientists and leaders. The fellowship, funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, supports nurses in developing innovative projects, fostering leadership, and advancing healthcare systems through flexible funding and support structures. Inspired by Gordon Moore’s pioneering approach in technology, liberation capital in nursing represents an investment that removes institutional constraints, unlocking creativity and systems impact. Philanthropy’s role in nursing remains underdeveloped, with only a small fraction of healthcare philanthropy directed toward nursing leadership and innovation. Liberation capital shifts traditional support approaches toward sustainable nurse-led initiatives focusing on social justice. By reframing philanthropic investments, liberation capital has the potential to drive transformative change in nursing and healthcare systems.

Comments

Accepted version. Nursing Outlook, Vol. 73, No. 6S (2026): 1-18. DOI. © 2026 Elsevier. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

DiFazio, Rachel L.; Miyamoto, Sheridan; Gilbertson-White, Stephanie; Clayton-Jones, Dora L.; Alexander, Kamila A.; Liebermann, Erica; Avorgbedor, Forgive; Nelson-Brantley, Heather; Huntington-Moskos, Luz G.; Litchman, Michelle L.; Clark-Cutaia, Maya N.; Choi, Kristen R.; Jones, Lenette M.; and Young, Heather M., "Empowering Nursing Excellence: How Liberation Capital Can Elevate Innovative Ideas" (2026). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 1113.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/1113