LANSING, MI – A Sparrow Eaton Hospital caregiver whose great-grandparents came to the U.S. from Mexico looking for a better life has received the Outstanding Latino Caregiver Award from the Lansing Latino Health Alliance.

Christina Koetsier, practice manager of Sparrow Medical Group Eaton Rapids, was lauded as a multi-talented leader with exceptional commitment and purpose in doing what’s best for patients and her fellow caregivers. She received the award during a ceremony Thursday.

The Outstanding Latino Caregiver Award was established in 2016 by the Latino Health Alliance to recognize talented local caregivers and encourage members of the Latinx community to consider careers in healthcare. Though the Latinx population has grown all over the country, their numbers still lag in the healthcare industry.

Sparrow nominated Koetsier for the honor based on feedback from the public and Sparrow caregivers and for making a significant difference in patients' lives, exceeding expectations, and demonstrating professionalism.

“My great grandparents originated from Mexico,” said Koetsier, a Charlotte resident. “They came to the United States to provide a better life for their family. My father was a union leader for 30-plus years and marched with (legendary labor leader) Cesar Chavez. I am honored about receiving this award and being a role model for other Latinos wanting to enter healthcare. We can do anything we want to do, you just have to work hard.”

Koetsier has risen the ranks during her 13 years at Sparrow, from starting on the patient registration desk in the Emergency Department to being a rehabilitation technician to answering the switchboard for SMG practices to her current role as manager of SMG Eaton Rapids.

For more info on Sparrow’s diversity efforts, go to Sparrow.org.

Photos courtesy of Sparrow Health System