
Elevating Workforce Excellence Through Strategic Development | AHA Affinity Forum
AHA Affinity Forum is brought to our members in collaboration with StaffGarden by Ascend Learning

Interactive Virtual Panel Discussion with Hospital Leaders and Health Care Workforce Industry Experts
Join the AHA and StaffGarden by Ascend Learning for a 3-part series of interactive virtual panel discussions on key aspects of workforce development. Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of clinical affairs and workforce, will host industry experts and hospital leaders as they provide insights on enhancing healthcare workforce excellence through competency, role advancement, and how to build effective data-driven strategies.
Each session will last 60 minutes to allow time for the panel discussion and interaction with attendees. Submit your questions ahead of time to contribute to the discussion and address issues that are unique to your organization or role.
Event Begins: Tue, Sep 9, 2025 | 10:00 AM CT
Delve into the transformative power of competency-based onboarding and development in enhancing clinical judgment skills across health care organizations.
Event Begins: Mon, Oct 6, 2025 | 12:00 PM CT
Explore how health systems are retaining top talent long-term with significant engagement through digitized clinical ladder programs and a comprehensive approach to development.
Event Begins: Wed, Nov 19, 2025 | 11:30 AM CT
Discover what’s possible when you engage a data-driven approach to workforce development enabled through innovation and centralized, organization-wide insights.
Virtual Panel Hosts

Elisa Arespacochaga
Vice President of Clinical Affairs and Workforce
American Hospital Association

Larissa Africa, MBA, RN, CENP, FAONL, FAAN
Vice President, Healthcare Workforce Solutions
StaffGarden by Ascend Learning

Jenna Lloyd Fisher, DNP, MSMIT, APRN, NEA-BC, FACHE
Vice President, Clinical Excellence
StaffGarden by Ascend Learning
AHA Affinity Forum is brought to our members in collaboration with StaffGarden by Ascend Learning
As experts in healthcare workforce development, StaffGarden by Ascend Learning makes it easy for nurse leaders to empower their workforces to thrive and achieve clinical standards of excellence. Our comprehensive solutions provide 360° data-driven intelligence unlocking efficiencies, advancing clinical careers and amplifying workforce engagement.