Keynote Speakers

Hoda Kotb is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and founder of the wellness platform Joy 101. Widely recognized as the former co-anchor of NBC News’ TODAY and co-host of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, Kotb has spent nearly two decades inspiring audiences with stories of hope, courage, and connection.

She began her career at NBC News in 1998, serving as a correspondent for Dateline NBC, where she covered major global events including the war in Iraq, the conflict in Gaza, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina—a deeply personal story for Kotb, who lived in New Orleans for six years. Her reporting has spanned eight Olympic Games and countless human-interest features.

Kotb is the author of nine books, including I’ve Loved You Since Forever, I Really Needed This Today, and Hope is a Rainbow. Her new release, Jump and Find Joy, continues her mission to uplift and empower.

Her accolades include multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and several Gracie Awards recognizing her excellence in broadcast journalism and storytelling. She was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2022. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Kotb lives in New York with her two daughters. Her voice and vision resonate deeply with caregivers and health care professionals, making her a powerful presence at this year’s nursing conference.

Christi Zuber is a nationally recognized leader in health care innovation, design, and education. She serves as Senior Nursing Consultant at Stanford Health Care’s Center for Education, Research and Professional Development, Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford School of Medicine, and CEO of Aspen Labs Network, a consultancy focused on human-centered health care transformation.

Zuber’s pioneering work lies at the intersection of community co-design, multicultural care, and workforce development. At Kaiser Permanente, she co-founded and led a groundbreaking practice that introduced Human-Centered Design as a core methodology in health care delivery—an achievement that earned her a place in the history of design.

Her consulting portfolio includes global organizations such as Amnesty International, Meta, Siemens, the Clinton Foundation, and the Veterans Health Administration, where she has helped shape innovative, people-first solutions. She also mentors emerging nurse leaders through the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship and the UCSF Leadership Institute, fostering the next generation of changemakers in nursing.

Zuber is a passionate advocate for the future of nursing and serves on the American Nurses Association’s Innovation Advisory Board. Her work bridges clinical practice, academic leadership, and entrepreneurial strategy—making her a dynamic voice in health care transformation.

She currently divides her time between Stanford Health Care, Stanford School of Medicine, and Aspen Labs, where she continues to lead efforts that empower nurses and reimagine care delivery.