Honored as Top 15 Nurses in Houston by the Houston Chronicle Salute to Nurses

I am truly over the moon. Today, I was awarded as one of the Top 15 Nurses in Houston by the Houston Chronicle Salute to Nurses. I still can’t believe it. I am truly honored by this recognition.

There are so many incredible nurses in our community who deserve to be seen and celebrated. To even be nominated already meant so much to me.

When I first received the notification, I honestly thought it was an April Fool’s prank. I ignored it. Then I received another email inviting me for an interview, and that was the moment it started to feel real.

I remember being in nursing school and quietly holding on to one goal. I wanted to contribute something meaningful to this profession. I wanted to become a nurse that my community could be proud of.

Now, 19 years into this journey, I can honestly say it has not been easy. There were many moments when I questioned everything. Many times I almost walked away from nursing completely.

Then came the decision to immigrate to the United States for a fresh start. That chapter was overwhelming in ways I was not fully prepared for. Starting over alone as an immigrant tested every part of me.

But I was never truly alone. I was surrounded by people who believed in me. Family, friends, and mentors saw my potential even during the times I struggled to see it myself. They guided me, supported me, and kept me grounded in my purpose.

As I receive this honor, I do so with deep gratitude and humility.

Thank you to my nominator, my best friend Kimberly Hernandez, for believing in my work and for taking the time to share my contributions to nursing.

Thank you to my Memorial Hermann-GoHealth leadership team for supporting me throughout this process and for creating a workplace where I feel valued and empowered.

Thank you to my SIENNA and Lefora family for continuously inspiring me to represent internationally educated nurses with purpose and pride.

And to my mom and my grandma, thank you for everything. You are the reason I became a nurse. Your sacrifices, your strength, and your love made this journey possible.

I dedicate this recognition to the thousands of nurses serving the Greater Houston area who show up every single day with compassion, skill, and resilience.

I also dedicate this to internationally educated nurses, the immigrant nurses. Your grit, your sacrifices, and your commitment to excellence deserve to be recognized and honored.

And above all, I dedicate this to our patients and our communities. They are the reason we continue to show up, to care, and to serve.

Congratulations as well to my co-honorees!

This moment is not just mine. It belongs to all of us.