Dr. Hadidi’s keen ability to recognize unique strengths in others thus gave me the courage and confidence I needed. She saw through my fears, understood my goals, believed in my potential, inspired me to believe deeply in myself, and then tirelessly accommodated my life circumstances to make my goals a reality. Her generous mentorship has enabled me to attain the career of my dreams, rather than pausing my professional plans for another decade.

As the University of Minnesota’s CNS Program Director, Dr. Hadidi is always looking for opportunities to advance the profession and to foster her students’ growth. She is one of the strongest advocates for the profession in the nation, and arguably globally, given her commitment to defining and upholding professional competencies via co-authoring the CNS Statement on Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice and Education. This invaluable document helps set role expectations for her students and for anyone who may work with a CNS. She thus excels at both teaching and embodying this profession.

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What sets Dr. Hadidi apart is her genuine interest in not only the success, but also the well-being of her students. She is understanding and compassionate when students face various challenges. She goes above and beyond to help students navigate these setbacks with grace and integrity, building students’ confidence and resilience. It is no surprise that her students remain connected with her and seek her advice well beyond graduation.

I believe what stands out in a good mentor is their ability to serve as a role model. Dr. Hadidi’s passion for teaching and mentoring, her enthusiasm for students’ professional success and personal well-being, and her patience and continuous encouragement are what build a student’s confidence and resilience. Dr. Hadidi’s mentorship has deeply impacted and shaped my growth as a scholar and a professional. I can think of no one more deserving of the DAISY Award than her.