SASKATOON — Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) employee, Kelly Johnson, has received the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Women of Distinction Award for Health and Wellness.
A nurse of 30 years and currently executive director of Tertiary and Surgical Services, Johnson is a leader and an active volunteer in her community and currently serves on the board of directors for the Heart and Stroke Foundation Saskatchewan.
During her acceptance speech last month, Johnson emphasized that it was not titles and milestones that got her to where she is today, but the people who helped her along the way.
“I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have strong leaders and mentors along the way. People who challenged me, supported me, and helped me grow into the leader I am today.”
One of those people was Johnson’s mom, who taught her the values of putting others first, showing up with kindness and strength, and doing the right thing.
“While I lost my mom early, she shaped so much of who I am.” Johnson continued, “Some of my clearest memories are of being out in the community with her through the Kinsmen and Kinettes, being Santa’s helper at Christmas visiting residents in nursing home just spending time with people who needed connection.”
Johnson mentioned that her mother always focused on others and continued doing her work even while she was terminally ill.
“She changed how I see the world and taught me that impact isn’t about recognition,” said Johnson, “It’s about how you show up, who you show up for and what you leave behind for others.”
The values learned from her mother grounded Johnson in putting others first and helped guide the work she does today.
“In the work I’m doing today, I’m incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a team of strong, capable leaders, people who challenge, support, and lift each other up every single day. They make this work better and they make it meaningful.” Johnson continued, “Whether it is our patients, teams, or the broader community the work has always been about people. About listening, supporting, and doing our best to leave things better than we found them.”
Johnson ended her speech by focusing on and inspiring the next generation of women in health care.
“And to the next generation — especially the women in this room — we need you. We need your voice, your ideas, your leadership. Because the future of our communities is shaped by the people willing to step forward and serve others. Thank you, truly, for this incredible honour.”
