The Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Advocacy and Engagement Award was established in 2024 to recognize individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to advocacy, community engagement, or outreach within the area of cardiac neurodevelopment, mental health, and/or quality of life leading to improvements in the lives of individuals with pediatric or congenital heart disease and their families. This award is presented annually during the Scientific Sessions of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative.
The selected 2025 award recipient will present their work during CNOC’s 13th Annual Scientific Sessions in Denver, Colorado, September 17-19, 2025. The award recipient will receive complimentary registration for the Scientific Sessions, a $2,000 USD travel stipend, and an engraved award.
2025 Recipient Jess Cowin
Jess Cowin is a devoted advocate, speaker, and author. Born in Chicago, she was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and double outlet right ventricle just two days after birth. Over the years, she underwent multiple open-heart surgeries (at 4 days old, 18 months, 5 years, and again at 13), received a heart transplant at 16, and later a kidney transplant—generously donated by her sister—at 25.
She earned a Master’s degree in Health Communication, and a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Entrepreneurship with a minor in Sales & Leadership. Her academic achievements reflect a determination to gain the skills needed to advocate effectively for the congenital heart defect (CHD) community.
Jess is the immediate past chair of the Community Outreach Committee. She has been an active CNOC member, serving on multiple committees: Steering Committee, Communications 2.0, Planning Committee, Nominations Committee, and Publications Committee.
Jess is a Senior Sponsored Program Administrator – Awards Services, Office of Sponsored Programs, at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
She is focused on raising awareness, furthering research, and supporting families dealing with CHD. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling, viewing her journey as a platform to inspire hope and drive change:
Jess is not afraid to take on new challenges. She is entering her third season of curling and is co-chair of the 2025 Chicago Curling Club’s Opening Bonspiel.
Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Advocacy and Engagement Award nominations for 2026 will be accepted between April 15 and June 17
Criteria for Nomination: A healthcare professional, researcher, advocate, individual with pediatric or congenital heart disease, parent or caregiver, or other member of the pediatric and congenital heart disease community who has made significant contributions to advocacy, community engagement, or outreach within the area of cardiac neurodevelopment and/or psychosocial care, leading to improvements in the lives of individuals affected by pediatric or congenital heart disease.
- Community engagement may refer to engaging communities of patients, families, clinicians, or other key stakeholders to improve the lives of patients and their families.
- Membership in CNOC is not a requirement.
Please submit a Letter of Support that details the nominee’s significant contributions to Sarah Kelly PsyD, CNOC Secretary, by May 15, 2026. For healthcare professionals or researchers, please consider including a CV. Please ensure the nominee’s contact information is included and highlight their top three contributions to the field of cardiac neurodevelopment and any involvement in CNOC. All nominations will be reviewed by the Nominations Committee and Steering Committee, and the award recipient will be notified in June.