Associate of Wisdom Lanetta Gann, BSN, RN-BC, MSSW, LCSW, has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career in the Connecticut health system as a nurse and licensed clinical social worker. Among these are the Florence Nightingale Award, the Medicine Humanitarian Award, the Hartford Hospital Hero Award, and most recently, the Professional Practice Nursing Award for Empowerment from Hartford Hospital. Her achievements are a source of pride for the healthcare community.

When we reached out to her to learn about her daily experiences, what motivates her, and what she brings to her profession as an Associate of Wisdom, she primarily identified herself as, first and foremost, an Associate of Wisdom - a ministry she has affirmed for 18 years.

Here's what she shared with us:

**Sr. Mary Stuart, DW, and Sr. Pat Schmidt, DW, witness Associate of Wisdom Lanetta Gann's exceptional qualities and love every day.**

"I am an Associate Wisdom working at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. My role is Case Coordination, assessing and assisting every patient admitted to my assigned unit. The assignment changes almost daily because I work in multiple roles and units, such as the Emergency Department, Neurology, Cardiology, Intensive Care, Oncology, Medicine, and Surgery. As needed, I take over behavioral health navigation and assist in Psychiatry. And sometimes function as the Dialysis Navigator for the hospital to assist in Nephrology.

My flexibility and well-educated background qualify me to work in many departments. My current licensures are in Nursing and as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Master of Science in Social Work, and I am a Gerontology Nurse.

What keeps me going is a sense of belonging while at work; it is like a "home" for me. Also, Wisdom in my pursuit to understand and see each person before me and want to help them. I am fiercely loyal and have a drive for integrity from within. Above all, there is a deep quest for justice and to care about social causes.

Everyone (aides, housekeepers, food and nutrition staff, doctors, nurses, and leadership) who knows me personally at Hartford Hospital knows I am an Associate of Wisdom. That translates into how they interact with me. Most expect me to be open, accepting, hardworking, spiritual, honest, and loving. For the many, an Associate of Wisdom is Christlike. That is a high bar to live up to, so I long ago decided that the only way to acknowledge that I am an Associate of Wisdom and to get through each day with such an identity is to "Love." What makes me an Associate of Wisdom is that I truly see the other person and mostly love them with a very comfortable, easygoing spirit. Somehow, this has translated into being loved back. My peers express their gratitude in small and big ways.

At the most recent gathering for the Empowerment Award, I was aware that I represent the Associates of Wisdom and the Daughters of Wisdom. I say "Yes" to the call to see and love others and to bring all my history, education, and skills to empower them and their situations as best I can."

Sr. Pat Schmidt, DW, and Sr. Mary Stuart, DW, who have lived in community with Lanetta in her home for 12 years, said, "We attended the award ceremony and are thrilled that she is being honored for the exceptional qualities we witness every day. Sr. Mary added, "We are so fortunate to live together with someone who does so much for us and our neighbors."

Sr. Ann Casagrande, DW, commented, "Congratulations, Lanetta! As Pat and Mary said, it's great to see your outstanding skills recognized! Thank you for all you do to help others!"

Congratulations, Lanetta! Your achievements are truly inspiring, and we couldn't be prouder of you! Your hard work and dedication have paid off for the countless people you have encountered, and it's exciting to see all you've accomplished. Keep shining your light on others!

Lanetta Gann, BSN, RN-BC, MSSW, LCSW, Identifies as an Associate of Wisdom