Angela Fortuna

I attribute my success to perseverance, determination, and believing that a better tomorrow is always possible. At eleven years old, I experienced Guillain-Barré syndrome, which left me paralyzed from the neck down. After spending seven months in the hospital and six years in physical therapy, I worked hard to regain my mobility and independence. That experience taught me the importance of patience, resilience, and never giving up, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

My professional journey has also required determination. After spending many years receiving Social Security benefits, I eventually returned to the workforce and explored different opportunities in housekeeping, hotel services, Apple Computer, and hospital environmental services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I took the initiative to work on COVID units at Wyoming Medical Center, quickly learning the necessary cleaning and infection-control protocols. Today, I continue to apply those lessons in my in-home healthcare work.

My personal experiences, including surviving 18 years of domestic abuse and navigating housing and family challenges, have strengthened my compassion for others. I believe success is not measured only by professional achievements but also by the ability to keep moving forward, care for my family, and use my experiences to help others find hope and a new beginning.

One of the most meaningful lessons I have learned throughout my life is that a difficult chapter does not have to become the ending of my story. Healing, rebuilding, and achieving personal goals take time, and progress often comes through small steps rather than one major change.

I have also learned the importance of reaching out for support and allowing others to help when life becomes overwhelming. No one should have to face hardship alone, especially those experiencing abuse, instability, or trauma. I encourage women to remember that they deserve safety, respect, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Strength is not about never struggling; it is about continuing to seek hope, accepting support, and finding the courage to take the next step.

My advice to young women entering healthcare is to lead with compassion, patience, and respect for every person in their care. Even the smallest acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference to someone who is ill, vulnerable, or afraid.

Be willing to learn, pursue additional training, and take advantage of opportunities that help you grow professionally. Never underestimate the value of your work, whether you are providing direct patient care or maintaining a clean and safe healthcare environment. Do not allow difficult circumstances to convince you that your goals are out of reach. Believe in your ability to create a better future while using your experiences and strengths to encourage and support others.

One of the significant challenges in healthcare is ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive compassionate and consistent care while maintaining safe, clean environments and meeting their everyday needs.

At the same time, there are opportunities to strengthen in-home healthcare, environmental services, and patient support through better training, professional development, and investment in people who understand the human side of caregiving. I hope to build on my experience by continuing to grow in healthcare, obtaining my Personal Care Assistant credential, and potentially pursuing a leadership position in a hospital or rehabilitation setting.

Beyond my professional goals, I also hope to establish a safehouse that connects women experiencing domestic violence with safety, encouragement, resources, and opportunities for independence.

The values most important to me are compassion, dignity, respect, integrity, empathy, patience, and kindness. I believe every person deserves to feel safe, heard, valued, and treated without judgment, especially during moments of vulnerability or uncertainty.

I also place great importance on perseverance, service, and the opportunity to turn difficult experiences into something meaningful. My personal and professional experiences have taught me to recognize the struggles of others and understand the importance of offering support. I want to use what I have learned to encourage others, support survivors of domestic violence, and help people discover that a new beginning is always possible.