2010 Washington Leadership Academy Day 4

 

  
     Washington D.C. is the city of advocacy. As HOSA members love to share their passion about health care and education, congressional visits are a rewarding part of Washington Leadership Academy. During the final day of HOSA University, state officers and advisors met on Capitol Hill.

HOSA members visited their respective congressional districts to create awareness about Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and Career and Technical Education (CTE).  HOSA officers also got a firsthand look at the legislative process as they shared bill HR2946 with their congressmen and women. HR2946 is a heath professional pipeline act that would provide funding for health education and address the critical healthcare shortage of the United States. Talk about amazing professional networking experiences!

Arizona State Officers

     Following the individual congressional meetings was a conference in the U.S. Capitol Building, where special guests joined the delegation of HOSA members. Special guests included:

George Sifakis, Government Relations
Congressman Charles Gonzales and Julie Hart, Health LA
Michele Chin, Health LA, from Senator Cornyn’s Office
Theresa Vawter, Health LA, from Congresswoman Kay Granger’s office
 Corina Barrow, Military Nurse Fellow, from Senator Daniel Inouye Commander’s office
Erica Schwartz, Coast Guard
James Paluskiewicz, Health LA, from Congressman Michael Burgess’ office
Rachel Evans from Congressman Tierney's Office
Stuart Chapman, Chief of Staff, from Congressman Zach Space’s office

Each speaker expressed the need for healthcare education and commended HOSA for the efforts made to address those needs. They also discussed the opportunities and rewards available in the health field for driven and passionate students. The guests’ words were truly inspirational and much appreciated by the HOSA delegation.


     As the day neared its end, HOSA members departed. Bittersweet were the moments as the quest for leadership in Washington ended. It was sad to leave D.C. and new friends. However, realizing the gained leadership skills, experience, and HOSA enthusiasm made members feel revamped for the year ahead. Besides, the HOSA family can always stay connected through future conferences…and Facebook!

2010 Washington Leadership Academy Day 3

     Rich in history and beauty, our nation's Capitol Building houses the legislative branch of U.S. government. HOSA members went on a guided tour emphasizing some of the historical moments, intricate artwork, and other interesting parts of the Capitol.

    HOSA's Leadership University continued as members and advisors attended a special conference at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building of the White House.  HOSA attendees had the amazing opportunity to meet a number of inspiring and influential leaders in D.C. HOSA was joined by:

George Sifakis, Axela Government Relations

Captain Robert Tosatto, Director of the Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps in the Office of the Surgeon General

Lieutenant Skip Payne, Program Officer in the Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps in the Office of the Surgeon General

Dr. Glenn Cummings, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Vocational & Adult Education

Paul Monteiro, Associative Director for the White House Office of Public Engagement

Congressman Louis Stokes

Paul Monteiro

Ms. Sheila Carlton and Congressman Louis Stokes

The delegation was honored to hear from such knowledgeable and passionate advocators for Career and Technical Education, as well as, for HOSA.

Captain Tosatto

     The excitement continued as our HOSA members traveled to Arlington National Cemetery. For the second year in a row, members have had the privilege of attending a special HOSA wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This year, President Claire Lucas and President-Elect Sean Sheffer had the rare opportunity to place a wreath in recognition of the ultimate price paid for freedom. The time-honored changing of the guard was powerful and emotionally demanding. Overall, words cannot adequately capture the gravity of the experience.

     The day ended with a final teambuilding lesson, graduation, and inspirational thinkback video by HOSA University. This truly brought HOSA leaders from around the nation together for heartfelt reflection on the time spent together. In the words of the video:  “enjoy your friends, be a team player, be an original you, find a friend, smile, be flexible, create something, make time to relax, keep going…”
These messages capture the spark of HOSA enthusiasm and describe the vibrancy for the upcoming year and years to follow.

2010 Washinton Leadership Academy Day 2

D.C. showers gave HOSA University a new twist!

On the second day of Washington Leadership Academy, members continued their sessions in HOSA University. With various creative lessons, such as combining the classic Mr. Potato Head with the idea of successful workshops, the members received a greater base of knowledge to take back to their states and local chapters.

After the sessions concluded, the members began their scavenger hunt into the heart of the Washington DC.

The quest began as a competition to finish the scavenger hunt, but also turned into a day of reminiscing, unity, respect, and overall appreciation. HOSA members visited various historical landmarks such as Theodore Roosevelt Island and the breath-taking memorial of Flight 93 at the Pentagon. The exciting team journeys through the National Mall followed.

The delegation had the opportunity to visit places such as the Smithsonian Museums, Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court, The National Gallery, and many more sites in between the Washington Monument and The White House. After a long day of learning and exploring, the Hard Rock Café was the perfect place for over 100 hungry future, and practicing, health care professionals.

Photo compliments of AZ HOSA.

The day concluded with a beautiful Twilight Tour, which consisted of visits the World War II memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, the War of Korea Memorial and finally the Lincoln Memorial. Members were able to reflect on the events that shaped the course of American history in a new way. HOSA members can look back at America’s greatest achievements to carry it on to future generations. As stated in the various historic infrastructure of Washington DC, “The Past is Prologue”.

Photo compliments of AZ HOSA.

2010 Washinton Leadership Academy Day I

Washington Leadership Academy unifies great HOSA leaders from around the nation. This intensive part of HOSA University is held in Washington D.C. – the city of growth and advocacy.

 

The first day at WLA began with a speech by National HOSA President, Claire Lucas. Members were reminded of the tragic and historic day that had occurred exactly nine years ago – September 11, 2001.  Claire’s words encouraged members to reflect on the future of HOSA and their impact on the world as future health professionals.
 

Alumni connections are an instrumental way to measure the impact and continue the growth of HOSA. With over 1 million dedicated and passionate alumni, it is always inspiring to hear how HOSA has influenced their lives.

    

Marko Mijic

WLA was joined by Mr. Marko Mijic, a former national officer and active alumnus, who is currently working in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) within Department of Health and Human Services. As the keynote speaker, Mr. Mijic told his HOSA story. From leadership roles to the compassion of his advisors, HOSA molded who he is today. Mr. Mijic also challenged WLA attendees to make commitments to HOSA.  In turn, he personally made the commitment to help hold each and every individual accountable for the commitment they shared with him. Talk about passion!

Ryan Underwood and Amy Gallimore kicked off the next level of HOSA University. WLA was launched into high gear as members began an intensive journey of leadership and HOSA advocacy. 

 Team building, HOSA information, meeting new people, sharing ideas...

 Alumni membership, fund raising, social media, competitions, recognition, conferences, volunteering...

The WLA excitement was just beginning!

Washington Leadership Academy September 11-14, 2010

Greetings from our nation's capital!  There is much excitement as over 100 of HOSA's State Officers and Advisors have been united for the 4th annual Washington Leadership Academy (WLA).