Daphny Peneza, MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, FAORN

Daphny Peneza, MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, FAORN, is a leader in perioperative nursing recognized for her contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare. Throughout her nursing career, she has been steadfast in building strong teams from grassroots to global levels.

Her professional practice is centered on collaboration, innovative education, and transformational leadership. Daphny has enriched nursing practice by serving on the Diversity Panel of the Tennessee Nurses Association. As the Perioperative Services Manager at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, she has spearheaded numerous DEI initiatives, such as career mentorship programs for high school students, enhancing the professional development of minority nurses, and improving patient outcomes through personalized care.

As President of the AORN Greater Houston Chapter and Chair of the Nurse Educators Specialty Assembly during COVID-19, Daphny led innovative education using a virtual educational platform. She developed the first DEI Conference for an AORN chapter.

In other leadership roles, Daphny is President of Vanderbilt School of Nursing’s DNP Diversity Affinity Group, where she helps optimize support for diverse nurse leaders. Her innovative approach and unwavering commitment to DEI make her a deserving recipient of the AORN DEI Initiative of the Year Award.