Maria Huertas
Excellence in Leadership & Advocacy Award Recipient Profile: Maria Huertas
Maria Huertas is the recipient of the Excellence in Leadership & Advocacy Award, which honours a member who has made a difference to the health and well-being of their community and their profession through leadership, activism or social justice efforts.
Maria works in the neurological unit at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, and she was nominated by her colleagues for this award.
The beginning of Maria's activism with BCNU was in her role as a steward. She has also been regional communications secretary and is currently the Simon Fraser region lobby coordinator.
Her commitment to making a difference is seen in her progressive leadership roles within BCNU while maintaining her full-time position in a busy trauma hospital.
In addition, and outside of her advocacy work on behalf of her fellow nurses, Maria also demonstrates BCNU values through additional outreach to homeless people. She collects, organizes and delivers clothing, meals – and a smile! – to underprivileged communities within the Simon Fraser region.
One of Maria’s nominators described her as “a passionate and caring nurse, well recognized for her relentless drive in pursuit of social justice and equality.”
Congratulations, Maria!