Dr. Claire Mallette was presented with an RNFOO Honorary Life Membership in 2024. Claire is a well-recognized and respected nursing leader provincially and nationally. At the time of presentation, Claire was the Director of the Nursing Education Program in the Faculty of Health at York University.
Claire is a longstanding supporter of the RNFOO not only as a committed donor but also as a prime advocate of the Foundation with her students and colleagues. The Nurse Innovator Award (NIA) initiative strengthened her connection to RNFOO. Responding to the invitation to become a Founding Donor, Claire became one of the leads of the Review Teams in the first year, and was then invited to join the Committee. Her contributions to the NIA Committee were extremely valuable. She played a key role in developing and revising the criteria, process and review tools for the two stages of the awards over the five years. She was very instrumental in using her skills in communication technology, information sharing and problem solving to ensure we were on track even during the most difficult parts of Covid pandemic lockdowns. Despite a demanding leadership position at York University, Claire always gave full attention and commitment to the NIA work, bringing to the process her extensive knowledge as a nursing leader with a dynamic and creative “out-of-the-box” thinking approach to solving problems.
Claire’s leadership skills and her commitment to the ongoing development of the nursing profession was also evident in the mentorship she provided to applicants to the NIA award who were not successful. This resulted in nurses who felt encouraged and supported and was a great advertisement for the benefits of the RNFOO.
As a NIA Committee member, Claire was also an active participant in the group that planned the very successful annual NIA receptions.
Dr Claire Mallette’s contributions to the Nursing profession, and the RNFOO are noteworthy, to say the least. Claire always actively participates in initiatives that advance Nurses and the Nursing profession. She is a visionary leader, a committed team player, and valuable leader in the Ontario nursing community. The Foundation is pleased to recognize her with this RNFOO Honorary Life Membership.
