Ms. Kate is more than a nurse; she is a mentor, an inspiration, and a living embodiment of the highest ideals of the nursing profession. When I think of the ATHENA Nursing Program, alongside its founder, Dr. Malou Furio, our MGHI nursing consultant, Mam Kate, is the person I most closely associate with its success. She has not only shaped the careers of countless nurse leaders but has also been a guiding light for newly hired nurses, fostering their growth and igniting their passion for patient-centered care.

I first had the privilege of meeting her in October 2018 when she led the roll-out of ATHENA at our hospital. We were immediately captivated by her passion for teaching safe, high-quality nursing practices, enriched by her vast experience in the field. More than just an expert, Mam Kate exemplifies a role model through her kindness, empathy, and ability to turn even the most challenging moments into invaluable learning experiences. She made every lesson resonate, instilling in us core values of compassion, excellence, and resilience. Her influence extends far beyond the walls of her home hospital, reaching us here north of Manila and touching nurses across the entire MGHI network. She has inspired both senior and novice nurses, including myself, to continually strive for excellence, embrace empathy, and prioritize our patients’ well-being. Her impact is evident in every nurse she has mentored and in the lives of every patient who has been touched by their care.

It is with profound gratitude and admiration that we nominate Mam Katherine Legislador for the DAISY Award. She truly embodies what it means to be an extraordinary nurse, and her unwavering dedication to the profession serves as a constant source of inspiration to us all. On behalf of the first batch of MGHI’s ATHENAs at LMC, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Mam Kate for her tireless commitment to nursing and for leaving a legacy that we are proud to uphold and pass on to future generations of nurses.