About the conference

The DNPs of Color 5th Annual Conference is your opportunity to connect, learn, and lead in a community dedicated to advancing diversity in nursing.

Engage with inspiring plenary sessions, dynamic workshops, and groundbreaking poster presentations that spotlight innovations in health equity and leadership. Build meaningful connections with nurse leaders, educators, and advocates during networking sessions, and explore career opportunities at the vibrant vendor showcase. Celebrate excellence at the Allen-Mahoney Scholarship and Award Gala, and take advantage of scholarships and exclusive conference swag. Join us in shaping the future of nursing—register today!

Inspiring Plenary Sessions

Hear from top leaders in research, practice, academia, and advocacy.

Dynamic Keynote Speaker (TBD)

Addressing critical issues shaping the future of nursing.

Interdisciplinary Panels & Workshops

Highlighting innovations in health equity and nursing transformation.

Poster Presentations & Pitch Sessions

Featuring groundbreaking work from nursing professionals.

Networking & Community Building

Connect with fellow nurses, advocates, and allies.

Vibrant Vendor Showcase

Explore resources, partnerships, and career opportunities.

Scholarship Opportunities

Accessible registration fees and financial support available.

Exclusive Conference Swag

Limited giveaways and must-have DOC merch!

Piri Ackerman, PhD, RN, ANEF, FADLN, FAAN

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Piri Ackerman is the associate dean for Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence, as well as a clinical professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis. Dr. Ackerman’s academic interests include nursing pedagogy, student success, and health equity. Throughout her career, Dr. Ackerman has applied her nursing and education background to promote inclusive learning and health equity. Her ongoing interdisciplinary work has been recognized through fellowships in the American Academy of Nurses, the Association for Diversity Nursing Leaders, and the National League for Nursing. In 2023, Ackerman- was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service conferred by the University of Portland.

Speakers

This isn’t just a speaker lineup—it’s a collection of revolutionary voices reshaping nursing and healthcare. From Dr. Danielle McCamey, DNPs of Color founder, to Michelle Nelson, PhD, MS, MBA, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP, FADLN, these leaders refuse to stay silent. You’ll hear from successful nurse entrepreneurs, policy advocates fighting systemic change, mindfulness experts teaching sustainable leadership, and clinical innovators advancing health equity. Each voice brings expertise and the courage to challenge how healthcare has always been done. 

Agenda

Get ready for 4 revolutionary days where “Rest & Resistance” becomes your new leadership superpower. From the groundbreaking “Nursing is Political: No More Silence, No More Waiting” session to “Don’t Try Me: Self-Defense as Sacred Resistance” workshop, this isn’t your typical nursing conference. Experience an entrepreneurial panel with successful nurse business owners, “Rest by Design” energy reclamation sessions, sunrise mindfulness breaks, and the unforgettable Mix & Mingle Pajama Jammy Jam with DJ Harvey Dent. Every session spans clinical excellence to social justice, healing workshops to revolutionary change, designed to honor both your need for restoration and your power to transform healthcare.

Wednesday, October 16, 2025, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m

Mix and Mingle Pajama Jammy Jam

Sponsored by QAE

Latin & Line Dancing Pajama Jammy Jam. Come vibe with us at the ultimate nighttime wind-down, featuring sounds by the legendary DJ Harvey Dent. Rock your best PJs and join us for an evening of music, mocktails, and connection. Rest meets rhythm in this joyful celebration of community and care.

Mix and Mingle Sponsor

Saturday, October 18, 2025, 7:30 p.m.

Mahoney & Allen Award & Scholarship Gala

Gala de la Résistance: Honoring Legacy, Living the Movement
This is a tribute to those who came before us and a call to keep pushing forward.

We invite you to show up in formal attire that reflects your activism, culture, or ancestral pride. Represent the movement that moves you whether that’s racial justice, reproductive rights, climate action, or community healing. Embody an activist, wear your advocacy, or honor your heritage.

A Sista’s touch

CONFERENCE NONPROFIT

Sunday, October 19, 2025, 8:o0 a.m.

Join us for the “Rest, Resist, Run, Rise” 5K – where community service meets community building. A Sista’s Touch, our featured conference nonprofit partner, believes that healing happens through connection, movement, and collective action. This inspiring organization champions wellness, empowerment, and sisterhood for women of color, creating spaces where rest and resistance come together through physical and emotional healing.

During the DOCs 2025 Conference, you can participate in their virtual 5K fundraiser and presentation – because sometimes the most powerful act of resistance is taking care of your body and supporting others who are doing the same. Whether you run, walk, or roll, you’re joining a movement that understands wellness as both personal practice and political action.

The DNPs of Color 4th Annual Conference was truly impactful. The presentations were not only engaging but also incredibly relatable. It felt like home, with speakers who connected with us on a personal level, making the experience both inspiring and influential.

Dr. Stacy Bentil

Nurse Leadership Specialist

Registration

Conference Tickets

Student Member

$500

 

General Member

$600

Student Non-member

$600

Non-member

$700

Gala Tickets

General member - Gala

$175

Non-member - Gala

$250

Hotel

OAKLAND MARRIOTT® CITY CENTER

This year’s conference will be held at the Oakland Marriott City Center, a hub of culture, comfort, and convenience in the heart of Oakland, California. The hotel is connected to the Oakland Convention Center, offering seamless access to our conference activities. Enjoy modern amenities, stylish accommodations, and proximity to Oakland’s vibrant arts and culinary scenes.

SPONSORS

Organizer

Silver Sponsor

Exhibitor

Join us in shaping the future of nursing