Her Story
About Petrice
Petrice Grandison is an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist with experience supporting high-risk healthcare environments, currently serving within the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services at Western State Hospital. In this role, she focuses on respiratory protection program management, occupational safety rounds, incident and accident reviews involving both patients and staff, and participation in multidisciplinary safety committees. Her work is centered on strengthening compliance, reducing workplace hazards, and promoting a safe, supportive environment for healthcare professionals and the individuals they serve.
Her path into occupational safety began in hospitality, where she worked in restaurants in Dennis Port while pursuing her college education. What began as a means of supporting her tuition evolved into a lasting passion for food service, and she continues to engage in catering work today.
As a military spouse, Petrice’s career journey included multiple transitions due to frequent PCS relocations, leading her into higher education administration. At Colorado College, she advanced from temporary staffing coordination into alumni engagement roles, ultimately serving as Assistant Director for Alumni Engagement. During this time, she also served as a campus safety liaison, an experience that sparked her deeper interest in workplace safety and shaped her commitment to protecting employees and improving work environments.
Motivated by that passion, Petrice earned a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University and continued building her professional credentials in the field. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Administration/Management from Monroe University and has completed safety certifications through 360training. She is actively pursuing advanced certifications, including the ASP and CSP.
With a unique blend of hospitality and safety expertise, Petrice brings a people-centered approach to occupational health, grounded in her commitment to protecting employees, fostering safe workplaces, and supporting organizational success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Petrice
01What do you attribute your success to?
Petrice attributes much of her success to her mother, whom she describes as her greatest source of motivation and encouragement. As a Christian, she credits both her faith and her mother's unwavering support for helping shape the person she is today.
Growing up, Petrice watched her mother work tirelessly to ensure their family had what they needed, from daily necessities to school expenses. That example of perseverance, sacrifice, and determination left a lasting impression on her and continues to inspire her both personally and professionally.
As the first person in her immediate family to attend college, Petrice takes great pride in her educational journey. Her father worked in construction, and her mother worked as a dressmaker. Among her siblings, she is the only one to earn a college degree, later going on to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree. While those accomplishments represent personal goals achieved, they also carry deep meaning for her family, serving as a source of pride and a reflection of the opportunities created through hard work, faith, and perseverance.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best one yet is just, like, whatever you want to achieve in life, it's never too late. So if you're on a path that you think is not yours, you can always pivot, you're never too old or too young to start over.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work, I wanted to be part of taking care of people, not just the profit side of things. Most organizations focus on the end goal, but I wanted to be involved in making sure the people doing the work are also taken care of. I help ensure that their environment is safe and that there are no hazards that could prevent them from doing their jobs effectively.
In my personal life, if I'm not working, I'm usually hiking or sewing for my kids. I spend most of my time with my family. I'm also a Christian, so my faith and church involvement are important parts of my life. Whether at work, at home, or in ministry, I believe in serving others and creating an environment where people can thrive.
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