Mary Joy Garcia-Dia, DNP, RN, FAAN, FHIMSS, is a nationally recognized author, nursing informatics specialist, and community advocate whose career spans over three decades at the intersection of healthcare innovation, digital transformation, and equity. As a thought leader, she has written extensively on topics including nursing leadership, informatics, resilience, and responsible technology adoption, contributing to foundational texts and peer-reviewed publications that shape the future of nursing practice. A fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, New York Academy of Medicine, and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), Dr. Garcia-Dia holds leadership roles actively engaging in various committees (Information Technology Expert Panel, AI Taskforce, Nursing Education and Networking Taskforce, Nursing Informatics Committee workgroup on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)). Her influence extends across professional nursing organizations such as American Nurses Association (ANA), Philippine Nurses Assocation of America (PNAA), National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA), where she advances initiatives that promote ethical technology integration, inclusive leadership, and culturally responsive care. Dr. Garcia-Dia is widely recognized for her ability to bridge policy, education, and practice, and she actively mentors emerging nurse leaders. Her work exemplifies the power of informatics to drive meaningful change--empowering nurses, improving systems, and addressing disparities through data-driven, patient-centered innovation.
Olga Kagan, PhD, RN, FHIMSS, FAAAAI, FIEL, is a nurse educator, scientist, and entrepreneur, with expertise in nursing informatics. As a co-editor of The Informatics Guide to Healthcare: From Insight to Action, Dr. Kagan brings extensive experience in leveraging technology for improved healthcare outcomes and in driving innovation. She is the founder and president of the nonprofit Food Allergy Nursing Association (FANA) and President-Elect of Society of Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs and Leaders (SONSIEL) where she co-founded the Collaborative Healthcare Innovation, Research & Problem Solving (CHIRPS) group. As a current chair of the New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM)'s Nursing Section, she works toward health equity and improving public health. As an associate professor, Dr. Kagan shares her expertise with students, contributes to textbooks, mentors nurses, and advises health-tech start-ups. A recognized thought leader, she has served on numerous committees and boards for organizations vital to healthcare technology and innovation, such as Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS), American Nurses Association (ANA), and American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). She has received multiple awards for her contributions to nursing leadership, mentorship, and research, and has been featured in media, TV, and online platforms. In 2025, she was a recipient of Nursing Informatics Leadership Changemaker, a Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society (HIMSS)-Alliance for Nursing Informatics (ANI) Partner Award.
