Maricar Helera
February 2026
Maricar
Helera
,
RN
ED
Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center
Sun City West
,
AZ
United States
She leads with authenticity and empathy, creating a culture where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow.
I want to recognize Maricar for her exceptional leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to both her team and the patients we serve. Since joining this team in April 2025, this RN has made a remarkable impact in a short period of time.
From the outset, she has demonstrated herself to be a truly relational leader, intentionally taking the time to get to know team members not only on a personal level but also by understanding their professional strengths, challenges, and goals. She leads with authenticity and empathy, creating a culture where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow.
This RN is deeply invested in helping her team reach their goals. She consistently looks for ways to provide development opportunities, encourages open dialogue, and supports professional advancement. Her leadership style fosters trust, engagement, and confidence across the department.
During a critical period when I was on leave, this person stepped forward and essentially assumed responsibility for the department, ensuring stability, continuity, and excellence in operations and patient care. She led the department with confidence and compassion while also onboarding and training a new Associate Director, providing guidance, support, and mentorships. Even after this transition, she has continued to mentor this leader as she begins her own leadership journey, demonstrating AI's commitment to developing future leaders and strengthening the organization.
In addition, this RN has been instrumental in reinforcing the belief that every department impacts the Emergency Department and patient outcomes. She actively promotes collaboration and partnership with teams such as medical imaging, environmental services, lab, facilities, and BioMed, ensuring these teams feel included, respected, and valued as integral members of the ED care team.
Whether this RN is working as an Associate Director, Lead Barista at Church, taking care of her chickens, or driving home from jujutsu, she leads with compassion, integrity, and a patient-first mindset. Her ability to support her team, mentor emerging leaders, and maintain a strong focus on collaborative, compassionate care exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Award. For these reasons, Cai Helera is truly deserving of recognition as the DAISY Leader of the Year.
From the outset, she has demonstrated herself to be a truly relational leader, intentionally taking the time to get to know team members not only on a personal level but also by understanding their professional strengths, challenges, and goals. She leads with authenticity and empathy, creating a culture where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow.
This RN is deeply invested in helping her team reach their goals. She consistently looks for ways to provide development opportunities, encourages open dialogue, and supports professional advancement. Her leadership style fosters trust, engagement, and confidence across the department.
During a critical period when I was on leave, this person stepped forward and essentially assumed responsibility for the department, ensuring stability, continuity, and excellence in operations and patient care. She led the department with confidence and compassion while also onboarding and training a new Associate Director, providing guidance, support, and mentorships. Even after this transition, she has continued to mentor this leader as she begins her own leadership journey, demonstrating AI's commitment to developing future leaders and strengthening the organization.
In addition, this RN has been instrumental in reinforcing the belief that every department impacts the Emergency Department and patient outcomes. She actively promotes collaboration and partnership with teams such as medical imaging, environmental services, lab, facilities, and BioMed, ensuring these teams feel included, respected, and valued as integral members of the ED care team.
Whether this RN is working as an Associate Director, Lead Barista at Church, taking care of her chickens, or driving home from jujutsu, she leads with compassion, integrity, and a patient-first mindset. Her ability to support her team, mentor emerging leaders, and maintain a strong focus on collaborative, compassionate care exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Award. For these reasons, Cai Helera is truly deserving of recognition as the DAISY Leader of the Year.