Speaker announced for MSSU's Willcoxon Innovation in Health Sciences Summit

(From Missouri Southern State University)

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) announced that Mary Joy Garcia-Dia, DNP, RN, FAAN, FHIMSS, a nationally recognized leader in nursing informatics, digital transformation, global workforce ethics, and health equity, will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Willcoxon Innovation in Health Sciences Summit on March 27, 2026. In alignment with MSSU’s expanded statewide mission in health and life sciences, immersive learning experiences, and global education, the summit will explore emerging technologies, groundbreaking research, and trends shaping the future of health and life sciences.

Garcia-Dia is the program director for Nursing Informatics at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where she leads enterprise-wide digital innovation within the Institute for Nursing Excellence and Innovation. Her experience spans clinical practice, health information technology, and executive leadership roles across major health systems, including Mount Sinai Health System, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Bellevue Hospital Center.

Her national leadership includes participation in the AARP Public Policy Institute’s CARE Act Roundtable and previous service on the National Advisory Council on Research for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Health.

Dr. Garcia-Dia is an adjunct associate professor and course developer for the Nursing Informatics MSN program at the City University of New York School of Professional Studies. She also serves as an adjunct assistant professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University and as adjunct faculty and clinical preceptor at the New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Saint La Salle College of Nursing, a master’s degree in nursing informatics from New York University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Case Western Reserve University, where she received the Director’s Award for Outstanding DNP Graduate. She completed the Minority Nurse Leadership Program at Rutgers University College of Nursing and is a graduate of the Coldiron Senior Nurse Executive Fellowship at Case Western Reserve University, where her scholarly project focused on ethical international nurse recruitment and global labor migration.

About MSSU's Willcoxon Innovation in Health Sciences Summit

The Willcoxon Innovation in Health Sciences Summit will feature Dr. Garcia-Dia’s keynote address, a panel discussion, and interactive breakout sessions designed to support collaboration among health professionals, educators, students, and community members. Topics will include artificial intelligence, healthcare, wearable technologies, rural health challenges, and institution-driven innovation. Attendees will also have opportunities to meet with Willcoxon Scholars presenting current research.