Margarita Agredano
Margarita Agredano is a dedicated nursing student and aspiring educator at Samuel Merritt University, where she is training to become a future nursing professor. With a strong commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and representation, Margarita focuses on teaching future nurses to deliver compassionate, empathetic care while serving as a visible role model for students who may not have seen themselves represented in higher education. She is currently part of the Nursing Faculty of Tomorrow (NFT) program, gaining hands-on experience in clinical education alongside her graduate studies.
Her career path reflects a steady progression through healthcare roles, beginning in medical records and advancing to medical assistant positions before returning to school to pursue nursing. Margarita has completed clinical rotations at leading institutions such as Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center, UC Davis Medical Center, and the Sutter Center for Psychiatry, experiences that have strengthened both her practical skills and her dedication to patient-centered care.
Margarita is committed to inspiring the next generation of nurses through education, mentorship, and advocacy. A member of the National Hispanic Nursing Association, she balances her professional ambitions with personal responsibilities, demonstrating that being a mother and pursuing advanced professional goals are not mutually exclusive. With her Master’s degree anticipated in 2027, Margarita is poised to make a meaningful impact in nursing education and healthcare.
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers
• Samuel Merritt University- Master's
• California State University-Sacramento- B.S.
• Solano Community College- A.S.
• National Hispanic Nursing Association
• American Cancer Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, the guidance of supportive mentors, and a commitment to continuous personal and professional growth, all fueled by my passion for caring for others and advancing the nursing profession. Balancing hands-on clinical experience with teaching has also helped me build the skills and perspective I need to prepare for a future in nursing education.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to seek out mentors who inspire and guide you, showing that leadership, growth, and advancing into academic roles are always possible with dedication and persistence.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to believe in themselves, seek out mentors, persevere through self-doubt, and know that family responsibilities don’t have to limit their pursuit of advanced education and leadership roles in healthcare.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in nursing today are staffing shortages and pressures on nursing education, while the greatest opportunities lie in expanding mentorship, representation, and fostering compassionate leadership in healthcare.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are compassion, service, and education, along with fostering representation and supportive environments for future healthcare professionals. I’m passionate about helping others feel empowered and supported in both clinical and academic settings.