LCDR Letisha Secret was nominated for the USPHS DAISY Award for Nurse Leadership, recognizing her transformative impact on both the Tribal Maternal Infant Early Child Home Visiting (MIECV) program at Southcentral Foundation and her role as Western Division Survey Branch Manager at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). As the Nurse Supervisor of the MIECHV program, LCDR Secret successfully implemented change management processes through nurse led Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) projects, achieving a 57% increase in referrals and a 67% rise in nurse home visiting services for Alaska Native/American Indian mothers. Her dedication to mentoring and coaching ten public health nurses, including three CC officers, has significantly enhanced professional development within the team. Utilizing motivational interviewing, she created a safe space for processing secondary traumas, ensuring the emotional well-being of staff.

Recognizing CMS's strategic pillar to foster excellence in the workplace, LCDR Secret joined the employee resiliency work group. As a key member of this group, her first initiative was cultivating a culture of work-life balance through flexible policies and open communication. Leading by example, she sets clear boundaries and advocates for staff well-being. She also implemented a system allowing her team of six nurses to choose survey schedules, limiting weekend travel and empowering them to align professional and personal responsibilities.

By fostering a supportive work environment, LCDR Secret improves care for vulnerable populations and boosts her team's resilience and satisfaction, embodying the core values of the USPHS and making her a deserving candidate.