Jacob Garcia — Joanna Boatman Staff Nurse Leadership Award

Established in 1995 in recognition of significant contributions by WSNA leader and former president Joanna Boatman. Presented to an individual who promotes professional development and advancement of the economic and general welfare of nurses.

Jacob Garcia graduated from Washington State University Tri-Cities in 2016 and hit the ground running. He worked at Kadlec from 2016 to 2021 and now is working at Astria Sunnyside Hospital. While at Kadlec, he was first involved in the staffing committee. He became co-chair after he realized Kadlec was not compliant with staffing laws. He revamped the charter, moved quarterly meetings to monthly meetings, and updated the ADO form to a staffing concern form. He also joined the bargaining team, which was active in a contentious negotiation process with Providence. 

Jacob was elected to the WSNA Cabinet, as well as becoming a delegate to the American Federation of Teachers, the Washington State Labor Council, and the American Nurses Association. He is also chair of WSNA Political Action Committee and involved in the WSNA Occupation and Environment Health & Safety Committee. He was recently elected to the ANA Board of Directors in the staff RN position. 

Jacob’s roots in activism are deep. He grew up with a grandmother who helped organize migrant workers in California alongside Cesar Chavez. And when the family moved to Pasco, she helped found a community clinic, La Clinica, that is still serving patients today.