The Canadian College of Health Leaders is proud to announce that Tiziana Rivera, CHE, Executive Vice President of Quality, Research, and Chief Nursing Executive at William Osler Health System, has been named recipient of the 2025 Nursing Leadership Award.

Tiziana has shown unwavering dedication to significantly improving patient safety culture, quality initiatives, and nursing education at Osler. Her strategic leadership has been instrumental in the organization’s success, including earning Accreditation with Exemplary Standing and a remarkable 14% improvement in patient safety culture over three years.
Tiziana’s transformative impact extends beyond Osler, influencing the broader healthcare landscape both regionally and nationally. Her visionary leadership has driven the creation of groundbreaking initiatives like the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation and the Academic Practice Partnership Model, which connects Humber College, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the University of Toronto. These initiatives not only advance nursing education but also foster collaboration between healthcare providers and academic institutions, shaping the future of nursing practice. Additionally, her efforts in advancing Osler to a Best Practice Spotlight Organization status through the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario further exemplify her commitment to improving patient care and nursing practice at every level.
Throughout her career, Tiziana Rivera has demonstrated a unique ability to balance innovation with practicality, creating systems that enhance healthcare delivery while ensuring staff growth and safety. Her leadership in promoting a “Just Culture” and introducing initiatives like the Good Catch Award fosters psychological safety, empowering staff to engage in continuous quality improvement. Tiziana’s contributions are also recognized on a national level, where she serves as an Accreditation Canada Surveyor and a mentor to future nursing leaders. This award celebrates her profound impact on nursing leadership, her commitment to excellence, and her continuous efforts to inspire and elevate those around her.The Nursing Leadership Award builds on the themes of patient centered care and leadership, and honours those who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence in these areas.
This award is sponsored by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). CNA is a powerhouse nursing organization leading the development of health policy across Canada. Representing Canada’s 466,000 regulated nurses, across all 13 provinces and territories, they are the only focal point for the profession on the national stage — and have been since 1908.
This award is part of our CCHL National Awards Program and will be presented at the Honouring Health Leadership event on June 15, 2025.
For further information and/or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Christian Coulombe
Vice-President, Marketing & Membership
Canadian College of Health Leaders
613-235-7219, ext. 213
ccoulombe@cchl-ccls.ca