Media Contact:

Adjoa Kyerematen
Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications
National Minority Quality Forum
akyerematen@nmqf.org | (202) 220-8505

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Minority Quality Forum Announces 2026 “40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health” Application Deadline and Annual Health Leadership Summit Dates

Washington, DC — The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is now accepting applications for its prestigious 2026 “40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health” recognition, honoring rising leaders who are driving innovation, impact, and equity across healthcare, public health, research, policy, and community engagement. Applications for the 2026 cohort are due by February 13, 2026.

The selected honorees will be formally recognized during the NMQF 2026 Annual Health Leadership Summit, taking place on April 27–28, 2026 at the Conrad Hotel in Washington, D.C. Each year, the NMQF Annual Health Leadership Summit convenes national leaders from healthcare delivery, biomedical research, government, advocacy, community-based organizations, and industry to confront the most urgent challenges facing underserved communities and to advance actionable, equity-centered solutions.

The 2026 Summit will feature:

• High-level plenaries on emerging public health and health equity priorities
• Panels and fireside conversations with national experts and policymakers
• Breakout sessions focused on translating data and research into improved patient outcomes
• Special programming highlighting NMQF initiatives, community partnerships, and next-generation leadership, including the 40 Under 40 honorees

The NMQF 40 Under 40 program elevates early- and mid-career professionals whose work is reshaping systems, advancing minority health outcomes, and strengthening trust between communities and institutions. Honorees join a growing national network of leaders committed to equity-driven change. Colleagues and partners are encouraged to apply or nominate qualified leaders and to save the Summit dates.

For more information about the 40 Under 40 application process or the 2026 Annual Health Leadership Summit, please visit www.nmqf.org.

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About National Minority Quality Forum

Founded in 1998, National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is a United States-based, health care research, education and advocacy organization whose mission is to reduce patient risk and advance health equity by assuring optimal care for all. The mission is to reduce patient risk of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, disabilities, and death, while also promoting high-quality, long lives, particularly for the most vulnerable. NMQF utilizes data and research to support and mobilize healthcare organizations, leaders, policymakers, and patients in advocating for optimal care for every individual, especially those in minoritized communities. For more information, please visit http://www.nmqf.org.