Craft-Culture-Career

This past weekend my wife was recognized for her contributions to her profession by the Philippine Nurses Association of Illinois. She is a second-generation healthcare professional and also an educator.

This month is Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month. So, I am going to share some heritage of our family.

Cindy's mother Florinda Mangahis came here as part of the Exchange Visitor Program in the 1960's to become a nurse. She spent her career serving patients in the south Chicago area for over 30 years. Her dream was that her daughter would follow in her footsteps.

Cindy had other plans. Well, sort of. She attended St. Xavier University and earned a degree in nursing. But, she wanted to be an educator. Mom said, fine be an educator, but first you are going to be a nurse. Cindy honed her craft in the same hospital under the wings of her mother and many other nurses/Tita's who were part of the culture at the hospital. Soon, opportunities appeared which allowed her to begin to teach/train/educate others in the hospital. She earned her Master's of Education from DePaul University while raising a family of her own.

Our two children followed in the on a path that now has two sets of footsteps. One in healthcare and one in education. Kelsey is in the HR field using her skills to train, develop and mentor others. Chris Jr. is pursuing a career in nursing with a focus on psychology having recently completed a BS in Psychology.

Cindy's involvement in PNAI is her commitment to her craft by continuing to support the healthcare and most importantly the nursing profession. It is a commitment to her career by continuing to develop others in this industry. And her commitment to her culture through a focus on assisting and supporting other Philippine professionals.

Congratulations P!