Piri Ackerman Wins 2026 Women & Philanthropy Impact Award

Propelled by her dedication to assisting those in need, Kupiri “Piri” Ackerman has made a profound impact on the field of nursing.

As a professor and associate dean for Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, Ackerman contributes to the advancement of healthcare through both her own research and through opening doors for others to pursue nursing. In her time at UC Davis, she has made it a priority to uplift previously unheard voices. 

“I’m inspired by the work of being in service to others,” Ackerman said.

Her remarkable commitment to inclusivity is why she is receiving the 2026 Women & Philanthropy Impact Award. She was presented with the award on Sunday (Oct. 4), during the Wisdom of Women symposium at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.

Women & Philanthropy established the award to recognize a UC Davis faculty or staff member for contributions to the advancement of women, along with exemplary leadership and significant impact on university communities. It comes with a donor-funded $25,000 prize to direct to the UC Davis fund of the winner’s choice. 

The Wisdom of Women symposium is a celebration of leadership, impact and philanthropy. This year’s event — Unstoppable: Power, Investment & the Future of Women’s Professional Sports — was headlined by Olympic gold medalists Brandi Chastain and Candace Parker, with an additional panel of speakers consisting of Golden State Community Foundation Executive Director Ay’Anna Moody, Bay FC Vice President of Guest Experience and Venue Operations Ryann Greenberg, and NorCal Rumble President Heather Vaughan.

Equity put into action

Much of the school’s success in living up to principles of equity and inclusivity can be attributed to the work of Ackerman.

“To move an organization where inclusion, belonging and value are so ingrained in our culture is a huge achievement,” said Stephen J. Cavanagh, dean of the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing. 

Ackerman’s devotion to promoting inclusivity is perhaps best understood by the many nursing students who have received her mentorship over the years.

“She can listen deeply, engage meaningfully and empower others — particularly individuals from historically marginalized communities,” said Aron King, M.S. ’21, Ph.D. ’26, Magnet Program director at Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center, who credits Ackerman’s support with convincing him to pursue a Ph.D. “Her commitment is not performative — it is transformational.”

In 2022, Ackerman established the Summer Health Institute for Nursing Exploration and Success, or SHINES, program for high school and early community college students interested in nursing. The program is focused on helping students understand the practice and encouraging them to seek higher education, whether in nursing or another field.

“We want them to get a sense of the value that they bring to academia and hopefully the health care profession,” Ackerman said.

Looking to continue fostering prospective health care workers for generations to come, Ackerman is directing her impact award prize toward the SHINES program.

“The SHINES program is a work of love,” she said. “This award makes me think that it is having an impact, and that feels really good.”

Broader impact and recognition

With the more than $2.8 million in philanthropic and grant funding she has garnered for the Betty Irene School of Nursing, Ackerman has supported a multitude of programs serving first-generation college students, underrepresented groups and local health equity efforts. She has also authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications on nursing education and equity.

For her accomplishments at UC Davis and beyond, Ackerman has earned several awards, including the 2019 Charles P. Nash Prize, the 2023 UC Davis Chancellor’s Achievement Award for Diversity and Community and an honorary doctorate in public service from the University of Portland.

Like her mentees, Ackerman’s peers attest to her passion for helping others and the substantial change her efforts have brought about in the field of nursing.

“She is a trusted partner, a brilliant educator, and a compassionate leader who brings people together across disciplines and backgrounds to advance equity and belonging in health care and education,” said Hendry Ton, associate vice chancellor for Health Equity by Design for Inclusive Excellence at UC Davis Health.