Florence Golda Recipient
Andrea Green
Our 2025 Florence Golda Recipient is Andrea Green. Andrea’s nursing career is marked by her extensive experience in critical care and a deep commitment to serving her community. With ten years of nursing experience, including her current role in the Neuro Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Tacoma General, Andrea has developed a strong foundation in patient care and advocacy.
Her desire to become a nurse was inspired by personal experience. At the age of 12, Andrea helped care for her terminally ill grandmother by learning to provide foot care. From this experience, she knew she wanted a career defined by service.
Andrea is dedicated to advancing her education and skills to improve health outcomes. While balancing family and work, she has consistently worked to expand her knowledge. After graduating from nursing school in 2015, she returned to earn her BSN in 2018. She then pursued her progressive care certification and now holds a certification in critical care. After a break to focus on raising her sons, she is now pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Pacific Lutheran University where she currently maintains a very impressive 4.0 GPA.
After earning her doctorate, Andrea aims to serve as a leader in the nursing profession and plans to give back to her community while also working to advance nursing practice. Andrea believes that “nursing is not just a profession; it’s a vocation that requires compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to those we serve.”
College Level Recipients
Elia Aguilar-Grant
Elia’s interest in healthcare began when her grandfather was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer while she was in 5th grade, but it was her experience at MultiCare Academy for Students in Healthcare that led her to discover her passion for nursing. She shadowed a nurse certified in chemotherapy and felt she had found her calling. She then began volunteering on that same floor at Mary Bridge, working with children receiving chemotherapy—the Chemo Nemos.
Currently enrolled at Saint Martin’s University, Elia has faced personal health issues over the last year. She was diagnosed with optic disc drusen, a degenerative eye condition that has already significantly impacted her vision. While there is no way to know how it will progress, she is determined to complete her education and spend as much time as possible working as a nurse.
When she graduates, she plans to work on a med-surg unit and then in pediatric oncology, hoping to become certified in chemotherapy, just like the nurse she shadowed. Despite the challenges, Elia is committed to her nursing education. She actively seeks to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families during critical moments, bringing empathy and resilience to every patient interaction.
Mercy Kwamboka
Mercy Kwamboka’s journey into nursing began in motherhood. When her child needed special medical attention, she saw firsthand the impact that a knowledgeable and compassionate nurse can have on patients and families, which led her to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). For more than 17 years, she has worked as a caregiver and CNA in various settings.
Currently pursuing her BSN, Mercy’s long-term goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner. She aims to provide preventive care and education, uplifting others through her nursing practice and ensuring that everyone receives the care they deserve.
She is particularly interested in family-centered care and community health. She wants to “advocate for patients who may feel unheard and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare.” In her application, Mercy shared, “My journey into nursing was born from love, strengthened by experience, and guided by purpose.”
Caitlyn Podolak
Caitlyn Podolak’s journey to becoming a Registered Nurse is fueled by her passion for supporting others during challenging times and a personal connection to healthcare. After witnessing her cousin experience a cardiac emergency, she knew she wanted to wake up every day and go to work helping people.
Currently pursuing her nursing degree at Pacific Lutheran University, Caitlyn was also inspired by her experiences volunteering at Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Room and Mary Bridge Children’s Therapy Unit. Caitlyn is also balancing nursing school with work as a gymnastic instructor, camp counselor and coach.
She hopes to start her nursing career in the PICU or NICU, aiming to make a meaningful impact on the lives of her patients and their families. With her resilience and determination, Caitlyn is poised to bring empathy and professionalism to every patient interaction.
Tynnetta Stumvoll
Currently studying at South Puget Sound Community College, Tynnetta plans to transition to a BSN bridge program to complete her degree. Over the last five years, she has gained significant experience as a phlebotomist, through which she developed essential skills in patient interaction, particularly in pediatrics and oncology.
Tynnetta shared in her application that “Every patient interaction informs my growth as a future nurse.” She has also taken on leadership roles, helping to train new hires.
Balancing her studies with family responsibilities, Tynnetta hopes to secure a residency in a high-acuity environment like the Intensive Care Unit or Emergency Room. Her long-term goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and work in high-acuity environments, where she can deliver compassionate care to vulnerable populations, demonstrating strength and empathy in every patient encounter.
High School Level Recipients
Aniya Gallion
Aniya Gallion’s journey toward becoming a nurse is deeply rooted in her passion for service and personal experiences. Influenced by her aunt, a Certified Nursing Assistant, Aniya has always felt a calling to nursing.
Her internship as a Junior Health Scholar at Tacoma General and Allenmore Hospital solidified her commitment, during which she accumulated over 260 clinical hours, assisting with patient care and witnessing the dedication of nurses during vulnerable moments.
As a biracial individual raised in a challenging environment, Aniya has developed a strong sense of empathy and commitment to inclusive care. She aims to provide equitable, compassionate, and culturally responsive nursing while serving as a role model for underrepresented communities. Aniya will graduate from Mt. Tahoma High School next month. She will be attending St. Martin’s University with plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and eventually specialize in pediatric oncology nursing. Aniya is determined to make a positive impact in her community through her nursing practice.
Chloe Gaydeski
Chloe’s aspiration to become a nurse emerged from her early fascination with the medical field and personal experiences that shaped her perspective. Initially considering a career in physical therapy, Chloe’s job shadowing and research led her to discover her true passion for nursing.
Inspired by the compassionate care provided to her uncle during his battle with cancer, she realized that being a nurse would allow her to support patients during their most challenging times.
Currently a senior at Forks High School, Chloe has actively sought opportunities to gain experience in healthcare through volunteering and job shadowing at local hospitals. She is dedicated to giving back to her community and aspires to create positive healthcare experiences for her patients. With plans to pursue a nursing degree at Montana State University, Chloe is focused on becoming the caring and supportive nurse she wishes she had during her own healthcare experiences. Her long-term goal is to earn her master’s degree and return to her hometown to serve her community in labor and delivery or the emergency department.
Landon Hamblin
Landon Hamblin’s desire to become a nurse is driven by a lifelong passion for helping others and the influence of his father, a former EMT. Inspired by his father’s stories of compassion and by watching nurses care for family members, Landon realized that nursing was the perfect fit for him.
Currently a high school senior, Landon is already gaining valuable experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Landon will graduate in June from Aberdeen High School and will attend Grays Harbor College to complete his prerequisites. His next step is to pursue an associate’s or Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Landon is currently drawn to pediatrics or the neonatal intensive care unit, but whichever specialty he chooses, he is determined to be a supportive presence for patients during their most difficult moments.
Hadley Lowery
As a current senior at Aberdeen High School, Hadley will graduate in June with both her high school diploma and an associate’s degree through Running Start. Inspired by her experiences in healthcare and the impact of nurses on patients’ lives, Hadley is committed to becoming a nurse who helps individuals feel valued and heard during their healthcare experiences.
Through job shadowing and volunteering in her community, Hadley has gained insights into the nursing profession and the importance of patient-centered care. In the fall, she plans to attend Grays Harbor College to complete her associate’s degree in nursing and then continuing on to complete a bachelor’s degree. Hadley aims to give back to her community by working in the Grays Harbor community. With a strong academic record and a passion for service, Hadley is eager to make a difference in the lives of her future patients.