Yvonne Paraway
May 2025
Yvonne
Paraway
,
PhD, MSM, RN
Outpatient services
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Baltimore
,
MD
United States
I realized she is one of the most genuine, supportive, and inspiring leaders I have ever had the privilege of working with.
I am honored to nominate Yvonne Paraway for the DAISY Leadership Award. She exemplifies the character, values, and compassion that this award represents. Yvonne takes the time to ensure that every member of her leadership team is doing well, both professionally and personally. She makes it a point to regularly check in, offering support where needed and creating an environment where staff feel genuinely valued and cared for. I always feel that she backs me up and has my best interests. She gives me the space to be myself without judgment.
One of the most telling examples of her leadership is her unwavering commitment to her staff’s well-being, including making sure payroll is accurate and submitted on time—even on days when she is not working. She always says, “I don’t play about my staff’s money,” and her actions consistently back that up.
When I first met Yvonne, I admittedly thought she was “the snooty lady in the white coat.” However, as I got to know her, I realized she is one of the most genuine, supportive, and inspiring leaders I have ever had the privilege of working with. She has become an incredible role model and mentor to me. Through her leadership, she has made a tremendous impact on my career and my life here at Kennedy Krieger Institute. I am truly grateful to work with someone who embodies the very spirit of the DAISY Leadership Award.
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A leader who listens and respects her employees. A leader who provides numerous opportunities for professional growth is essential for nursing. A leader building a caring working environment for the community. A visionary who will go down in history as a change maker.
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Although I haven’t had the opportunity to work with you directly, I truly enjoyed our time together collaborating with the DAISY Rose Committee. Your enthusiasm carried our team and crafted us into a really special group. Aside from our time with the DAISY Rose Committee, I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about you over the years and can speak on behalf of many others to say, ‘thank you for your hard-working hours of devotion, service, and commitment to Kennedy Krieger’s mission. ’ We truly appreciate you being part of the glue that has kept Kennedy Krieger together and wish you nothing but the very best during your retirement, and hope that it’s as rewarding as the many families and colleagues you’ve impacted over the years. Time to enter your new chapter and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation and new experiences.
One of the most telling examples of her leadership is her unwavering commitment to her staff’s well-being, including making sure payroll is accurate and submitted on time—even on days when she is not working. She always says, “I don’t play about my staff’s money,” and her actions consistently back that up.
When I first met Yvonne, I admittedly thought she was “the snooty lady in the white coat.” However, as I got to know her, I realized she is one of the most genuine, supportive, and inspiring leaders I have ever had the privilege of working with. She has become an incredible role model and mentor to me. Through her leadership, she has made a tremendous impact on my career and my life here at Kennedy Krieger Institute. I am truly grateful to work with someone who embodies the very spirit of the DAISY Leadership Award.
***
A leader who listens and respects her employees. A leader who provides numerous opportunities for professional growth is essential for nursing. A leader building a caring working environment for the community. A visionary who will go down in history as a change maker.
***
Although I haven’t had the opportunity to work with you directly, I truly enjoyed our time together collaborating with the DAISY Rose Committee. Your enthusiasm carried our team and crafted us into a really special group. Aside from our time with the DAISY Rose Committee, I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about you over the years and can speak on behalf of many others to say, ‘thank you for your hard-working hours of devotion, service, and commitment to Kennedy Krieger’s mission. ’ We truly appreciate you being part of the glue that has kept Kennedy Krieger together and wish you nothing but the very best during your retirement, and hope that it’s as rewarding as the many families and colleagues you’ve impacted over the years. Time to enter your new chapter and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation and new experiences.