More than 600 employees and staff with 12,480 combined years of Texas Children’s service and expertise were honored last week at the organization’s 29th Annual Employee Recognition Celebration.
Held on February 14 at the Bayou Event Center, Valentine’s Day provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate the heart of Texas Children’s past, present and future and recognize our long-time honorees and award recipients for their continued passion and commitment to the mission of Texas Children’s.
“There is a lot of love and dedication in this room today,” said Human Resources Senior Vice President Linda Aldred. “There is more history here today than we can probably imagine when we think about the stories and the milestones we have accomplished together.”
Inside a large ballroom decked out in lavish decor, students from Houston’s Parker Elementary Chorus serenaded the crowd before the awards presentation got underway.
After lunch, each honoree was led down a red carpet and onto a stage where President and CEO Mark A. Wallace, Physician-in-Chief Dr. Mark W. Kline and Texas Children’s Board of Trustee member Michael Linn shook their hands and thanked them for their 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 45 years of service at Texas Children’s.
In addition to long-time honorees, the ceremony recognized recipients of the Best of the West, Mark A. Wallace Catalyst Leadership, Smiles and Super Star awards.
“All of you have been such a powerful part of Texas Children’s growth and development,” Wallace said. “Because of your infinite passion for the mission of Texas Children’s, we are able to reach more children and women beyond the Texas Medical Center and even beyond the great state of Texas.”
Christina Atiba, a nurse in the Pulmonary Adolescent Endocrine Unit, has worked at Texas Children’s for 25 years and loves her job. While she enjoys taking care of children, she admires the organization’s commitment to advancing the educational and professional development opportunities for employees.
“The hospital has a developmental plan for every employee, and the sky is the limit at Texas Children’s,” Atiba said. “You can be whatever you want to be and they support you every way they can.”
The annual event was a day to celebrate accomplishments and honor those who have done so much to carry out the values and the mission of Texas Children’s to ensure we meet the health care needs of our patients and their families.
“We will always be grateful for your commitment and hard work, and we will always recognize you,” Aldred said. “We will always celebrate you in everything we have achieved together.”
Congratulations to all of our honorees!
Click here for a copy of the event’s program, including a complete list of honorees. Click here to watch the photo gallery.