Dr. Cecilia Vigil Receives Golden Pinecone Sustainability Award
Congratulations to TMCC’s popular Biology Instructor, Dr. Cecilia Vigil, on receiving the 2024 Golden Pinecone Sustainability Award in the Best Educator category for her steadfast work in weaving environmental stewardship into her course structure to present students with a holistic lens through which to view the world!
“Education is empowering! It’s easy to incorporate these ideologies into the classroom, from curricula and competencies covered to advocating for less printing [online quizzes, Open Educational Resources (OER) texts, for example]. Invite students to participate in internal and community service events and have a healthy environment where people feel free to debate these issues,” said Vigil.
TMCC faculty and staff, members from higher education, and neighboring eco-conscious organizations gathered to celebrate Vigil, our planet, and eleven other winners in a night of chic attire, musical performances, a divine dinner, and lively dancing at the Wilbur D. May Museum on Oct. 10 hosted by local non-profit greenUp!, Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce, and several planning partners.
Dr. Cecilia Vigil cheerfully bears her ornate Golden Pinecone Sustainability Award.
The Golden Pinecone Awards is a legacy event bringing green allies together to honor their sustainable actions supporting a healthier planet. Even the award itself is handmade from plywood, with detailed conifer needles circling the timbered inscription in the center, a twist on formal trophies reflecting an appreciation for the irreplaceable resources Earth provides. You won’t find any metal, plastic, or acrylic here.
“The planet we live on is incredibly diverse and beautiful. As its stakeholders, I believe it deserves our respect, which leads to passing it onto our children and students in better condition than we inherited it. Higher education must spur them through wisdom and the tools to continue the work many engage in, protecting this planet and its resources. We do this in the classroom, but better yet, by example. This is what the Sustainability Champions and TMCC campus-wide strives to do!” said Vigil.
“I accept this award not for myself but for TMCC. TMCC does not take lightly the responsibility and influence it has in the Greater Reno area, for as a higher education institution, we’re preparing the future workers and leaders, and when it comes to safeguarding our world for sustainability, we believe that not only should we incorporate this topic into all curriculums, but live it. Walking into TMCC, you’ll see recycling bins, solar panels, benches, art, architecture, and conservation practices. Like a chair, four legs uphold us: academics, admin, student services, and facilities. Holding them together is the success of our students. On their education lies our power; on their shoulders lies the survival of our planet,” said Vigil during her acceptance speech.
TMCC Alumna Edith Duarte Accepts Lobbyist of the Year Award
Applause goes to Edith Duarte, Part-Time Political Science Instructor, Western Public Affairs Founder and CEO, and proud TMCC alumna! The Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus presented her with the Lobbyist of the Year Award on Sept. 7 inside the SAHARA Las Vegas, a milestone in her exceptional career brimming with advocacy for policies creating worthwhile, tangible change in our communities and state. Championing underrepresented voices for equity, opportunity, and progress is a courageous ambition while traversing government affairs, especially in endorsing matters uplifting Latino citizens. Unwavering dedication from examples in the industry propelled her admiration of the field, respecting those fighting ceaselessly to improve their neighbors’ quality of life.
TMCC Alumna Edith Duarte pleasantly presents her Lobbyist of the Year honor.
“Success, to me, is measured by the clear impact of the policies we help shape. Whether it’s seeing a law enacted that benefits the community, watching our clients’ initiatives gain momentum, or witnessing greater engagement and representation in the legislative process. Additionally, the merit of unions we maintain over time is another critical measure in our field,” said Duarte.
As she articulates her history, Duarte began 2009 as a legislative intern for Assembly Leadership, rewarding her with an ironclad foundation. After graduating, she started working at a lobbying firm and relocated to the State of Nevada Health Division in 2013. In 2015, Duarte co-founded Horne-Duarte Government and Public Affairs with William Horne, current president and co-founder of Western Public Affairs, serving diversified clients in Carson City. Joining Strategies 360 in 2018, she eventually became vice president. Throughout her distinguished journey, she’s pioneered multinational businesses, trade associations, and nonprofits, guiding them in public outreach, policy development, and communication strategies.
“Building relationships with policymakers requires trust, transparency, and consistent open communication. I always approach each one with integrity, working to understand their goals. By engaging in honest dialogue, focusing on shared values, and providing well-researched, actionable solutions, I create strong, mutually beneficial connections helping advance meaningful policies,” said Duarte.
“Receiving this honor from the Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus means a great deal to me. It reflects the support and mentorship I’ve gained throughout my career. I wouldn’t be here without my business partners and confidants guiding me along the way,” continued Duarte.
TMCC Nursing Faculty Achieve CHSE Certification, Propel Simulation Program Towards Accreditation
Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program faculty members Tami Allred and Itzel Woolpert have achieved the prestigious Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) certification. This significant accomplishment underscores TMCC’s commitment to excellence in nursing education, marking a pivotal moment for the program as it seeks accreditation through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).
Faculty members Tami Allred and Itzel Woolpert commendably showcase their CHSE certificates.
The CHSE certificate is a highly regarded credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in healthcare simulation education. Allred and Woolpert join an elite group of educators dedicated to enhancing the quality of public health training through innovative practices.
“Our faculty’s achievement of the CHSE certification is a testament to their dedication to providing the highest standards of nursing education,” said Jody Covert, DNP, Director of the Jacobs Nursing Program. “This milestone not only highlights the expertise of our faculty but strengthens our robust simulation program, which intricately weaves throughout our curriculum.”
The Jacobs Nursing Program has long been at the forefront of integrating simulation into nursing education. The program’s state-of-the-art labs provide students with realistic, hands-on learning experiences critical for developing clinical skills and decision-making abilities. With the CHSE certification, the program now postures to elevate the quality and effectiveness of TMCC’s simulation-based training.
In addition to this achievement, TMCC is excited to announce that the program is initiating the process of becoming an accredited simulation center through the SSH. This accreditation will further validate the program’s excellence and commitment to providing top-tier simulation education.
“Seeking SSH accreditation is a natural next step for our program,” added Covert. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in nursing education. We are thrilled to begin this journey and look forward to the opportunities it will bring for our students, faculty, and the broader healthcare community.”
For more information, please visit the Sustainability Champions, Political Science, and Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program websites.