Illinois 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award Winner Highlight: Leticia Garcia

Meet Leticia Garcia, a Registered Nurse and mother. She has been nominated for the class of 2023 Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award. Designed to highlight young nurses who are making a lasting difference in the healthcare industry, this award celebrates those who shape the future of nursing.

Leticia Garcia: A Nurse on a Mission to Make a Difference

In nursing, there are individuals who go above and beyond their call of duty, using their knowledge and compassion to drive positive change in their communities. Leticia Garcia, or “Nurse Letty,” as she’s affectionately known, is one such individual whose journey through nursing is marked by a deep commitment to serving underserved communities and advocating for change.

A Passion for Service

Letty is not just a nurse; she’s a mother, community leader, activist, and volunteer. Her dedication to making a difference in Latino communities has been the driving force behind her extensive involvement in her community for over a decade. Letty’s education in nursing, as well as her background in Psychology and Sociology, has given her a unique perspective on the gaps in healthcare, motivating her to take action.

History of Volunteerism

Nurse Letty’s history of volunteerism is nothing short of impressive. Over the years, she has lent her time and expertise to various organizations, including the National Kidney Foundation, Gift of Hope, Instituto del Progreso Latino, and Chicago Public Schools. More recently, she has been actively involved with Young Hearts for Life, making a significant impact on the health and well-being of her community.

Letty is not only an active member of her community; she is a driving force for positive change. She has initiated park clean-ups, volunteered at her local food pantry, served as a Library Paws foster parent, and dedicated her time to working with local seniors and veterans. Her commitment to uplifting her community is evident in everything she does.

Leadership and Advocacy

Nurse Letty’s leadership extends to various organizations and initiatives. She is the founder and co-leader of the DePaul University Latino Alumni Chapter and a founding member of the Malcolm X Alpha Chapter. Her dedication to advocacy is further exemplified by her role as an Executive Board member of the Illinois Transplant Fund and her past council membership on Mujeres Latinas en Accion.

A Voice for the Hispanic Community

Letty’s involvement with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses Illinois Chapter (NAHH-IL) has been instrumental in making a difference in the Hispanic community. She has actively participated in numerous volunteer opportunities, including COVID-19 vaccination drives, mask distribution, back-to-school health fairs, and more. Letty’s commitment to mentorship is evident as she gives back by mentoring in the NAHH-IL mentorship program.

Leticia Garcia: Making Positive Changes Through Passionate Service

Leticia Garcia, or “Nurse Letty” as she is affectionately known, is a compassionate, driven, and remarkable individual who embodies the spirit of nursing and community service. Her dedication to making a difference in the lives of underserved communities and her unwavering commitment to advocating for positive change make her truly deserving of recognition. As we look ahead, let us remember the name “Nurse Letty Garcia” and anticipate the remarkable impact she will undoubtedly continue to make in the world of nursing and politics. 

Congratulations to Leticia Garcia for this prestigious honor! The Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Award for Emerging Nurse Leaders is proven to open career doors for its recipients. INF is proud to celebrate nurses like Nurse Letty who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry. 

For more information on the INF 40 Under 40 Award Ceremony, click this link.

Illinois Nurses Foundation: Support Education, Advocation, and Recognition for Nurses

The Illinois Nurses Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports nurses through various programs, empowering them, promoting excellence, and advancing the nursing profession while also recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of young nurses through the INF 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award, highlighting their talent and potential for the field’s growth and evolution. Donate to INF today, and you can help empower nurses and improve healthcare!