Dr. Anna Maria Valdez (she/her/ella) is a disabled nurse with over 30 years of experience in clinical practice and nursing education. She serves as Professor of Nursing at Sonoma State University and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Emergency Nursing. A nationally recognized leader, Dr. Valdez is deeply committed to health equity, disability justice, and eliminating racism and other forms of bias and oppression in nursing and healthcare.

She has published and presented widely on topics including emergency nursing, trauma, antiracism, bias, disability, environmental justice, health equity, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Over the course of her career, she has educated thousands of nurses and healthcare professionals on providing inclusive, respectful, and equitable care.

Dr. Valdez was named one of the "30 Nurse Leaders to Follow on Social Media" and is featured in the film Everybody's Work as one of the "fearless" nurses combating racism in healthcare. In 2024, she received the Distinguished Service in Advancing Health Equity Award from DNPs of Color. She is also a Fellow in both the Academy of Emergency Nursing, the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing, and the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing.