Home
News

2023 WSNA Recognition Awards 

WSNA gave awards to 10 people in Washington state for their exemplary work in advancing the nursing profession.

This story was published in the Fall 2023 issue of The Washington Nurse.

April Sims - Community Partner Award

The granddaughter of Louisiana sharecroppers and the daughter of a single mother, April Sims has seen the power of unions to change lives.

Doug Brant - Marguerite Cobb Public Health/Community Health Nurse Award

May we all carry forward, in our nursing profession, the love, professionalism and dedication that Doug Brant practiced.

Jacob Garcia - Joanna Boatman Staff Nurse Leadership Award

Jacob Garcia's roots in activism are deep. He grew up with a grandmother who helped organize migrant workers in California alongside Cesar Chavez.

Dawn Marick - Honorary Recognition Award

Dawn Marick has done so much for nurses and patients in southwest Washington.

Vee Sutherlin - Honorary Recognition Award

Vee Sutherlin has truly served the profession of nursing in bedside nursing, education and leadership.

Lynnette Vehrs - American Nurses Association Honorary Membership Pin

Lynnette Vehrs has worked tirelessly to advance the nursing profession in Washington state and beyond.

Sally Budack - Excellence in Practice Award

Sally Budack is committed to improving nursing practices and patient safety. If she is not answering your texts, she is out riding her motorcycle.

Albert Munanga - Leadership and Management Award

Albert Munanga is a servant-based leader who empowers nursing colleagues and non-nursing professionals at all career stages.

Christina Nyirati - Nurse Educator Award

Christina Nyirati has shaped the nursing program’s emphasis on cultural inclusivity with particular sensitivity to the Native communities from which it draws many of its students.

Monica McLemore - Nurse Researcher Award

Monica McLemore is a change agent and leading the nation in how to conduct equitable nursing research.