While this may not fully capture the magnitude of Ria Sangalang's contributions, I believe her impact, dedication, and compassionate leadership have created a profound and lasting ripple effect throughout LA General Medical Center.

Ria is not just a leader but is the architect of our nursing excellence. Her name is synonymous with the Magnet journey that has elevated LA General. For years, she tirelessly dedicated herself to building our Shared Governance structure from the ground up, a colossal undertaking that has transformed our culture. She was the driving force behind launching the various Unit-Based Practice Councils and Central Councils, creating a framework where every nurse has a voice.

She manages these initiatives and leads them with purpose. As the head of our Shared Governance Coordinating Council and the Nursing Excellence Champions, she mentors, empowers, and guides staff to take ownership of their practice. Her dedication to nurse retention has been equally tremendous. She leads the Nurse Retention Committee, and our retention rates have seen a significant positive impact under her guidance. This is a testament to her belief that a strong, supported staff is the cornerstone of exceptional patient care.

When it comes to celebrating our staff, Ria is our biggest champion. As our DAISY Coordinator and the lead of all meaningful recognition events, including DAISY, DAISY Nurse Educator, DAISY Nurse Leader, DAISY Teams, and Shining Star, she takes immense pride in celebrating the successes of others. She is the one who ensures that every story of compassion and skill is recognized.

When our Magnet site visit arrived, Ria’s tireless work came to fruition. She meticulously compiled hundreds of pages of data and accomplishments, orchestrating the completion of the DDCT, a monumental effort that showcased the very best of our nursing department. Her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment prepared the entire department for the site visit and successfully led our organization to achieve the ultimate honor of Magnet status.

What Ria’s titles and accomplishments don't always show is the quiet, diligent work she performs in the background to ensure our nursing department runs smoothly. She is the one staff member from across our facilities whom they confide in, placing their complete trust in her for guidance. It is no wonder that so many of us are hoping she fills the role of CNO after Dr. Blake's retirement. Ria is the natural choice to lead us into the future.

What makes Ria truly exceptional is her character. She is the epitome of humility, diligence, and grace. She exudes a palpable sense of joy in her work and takes genuine pride in the achievements of others. She celebrates every victory, big or small, as if it were her own. For me, Ria is not just a boss, she is a mentor and a role model. I admire her and look up to her, striving to embody her dedication and compassion in my own career.

Ria Sangalang stands out not only for what she has accomplished but for how she has done it, with a quiet strength, a servant's heart, and a genuine belief in the power of people. She has not just led us, she has transformed us. For all these reasons, and for all the countless things she does that go unseen, I wholeheartedly nominate Ria Sangalang for this prestigious award. Her contributions have created a legacy that will benefit our patients and our nursing community for years to come.