Brenda Mata-Diaz
B.S., magna cum laude, Nursing, 2022B.S., magna cum laude, Nursing, 2022
Registered Nurse (Operating Room), Harborview Medical Center, Seattle
“I intend to use my voice to fight against the inequalities and discrimination so that future generations are inspired to take a stand. ”
Service & Work:
WSOS Scholar
Etsy Seller
Seattle University Student Nurses Association
Mentorship Officer, 2022 Nursing Transfer Cohort
Teaching assistant for Microbiology, Bellevue College, 2020
Certified Nursing Assistant, Briarwood at Timber Ridge, 2019–Present
Volunteer, University of Washington Nurse Camp, 2019–Present
Member, Docs and Dents Club, Bellevue College, 2017–2020
Performer, Folklore Mexicano Tonantzin, 2013–2019
Awards & Honors:
President’s List, Winter 2021, Fall 2021
Dean’s List, each quarter, 2020–2022
Ignatian Leader
Mentorship Officer, 2022 Nursing Transfer Cohort
Member, Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society
Member, Seattle University Student Nurses Association
Washington State Opportunity Scholars, 2019–2022
BECU Scholarship, 2019–2021
Graduated with High Distinction, Bellevue College, 2019
Phi Theta Kappa, Bellevue College, 2017
Presentations & Publications:
Health Care for the Incarcerated: A Plea to Save a Vulnerable Population, Brenda Mata-Diaz, Seattle University, August 2020.
An Ethical Decision to Promote Equal Health Care for the Incarcerated: A Vaccine to Ensure Safety and Health Among the Vulnerable, Brenda Mata-Diaz, Seattle University, August 2021.
Brenda’s Story
Brenda Mata-Diaz is a first-generation college student. She is getting her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and plans to work in the operating room post graduation. In the meantime, during the summer she will be working on the cardiology unit at Harborview for her senior practicum. Throughout nursing school, Brenda has become even more passionate with the career she has chosen for herself. To Brenda, being a nurse means you are a patient's person. You are their advocate and companion as you care for them through their tough time. In the coming years, Brenda does hope to obtain a Doctorate of Nursing to further advance her career. She strives to make the most out of this passion of hers.
Goals:
My goal is to graduate from Seattle University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and then start working as a perioperative nurse. After two years of working in the healthcare field as a Registered Nurse, I want to further my education by returning to school and obtain either a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice. With this degree, I hope to work as a surgical nurse practitioner and work alongside a larger medical team. A great sense of teamwork and a setting to fulfill my passion for helping others will allow me to comfort patients as they enter a vulnerable place by becoming their person who they can rely on before, during, and after any procedure.
On Civility:
A leader who embodies civility will foster an environment where beliefs are challenged, yet commits to support one another and increase each other’s perspective with diversity. We must do our part in spreading civility because as incivility spreads, civility will do the same. It is not an option that we can consider, it is our job and responsibility to foster civility throughout our communities. Doing our job will encourage and inspire others to do the same, and future generations will understand that civility is not just a word, it is a commitment to the world.
