League Spotlight: Deanna Martinez
Deanna Martinez is a League of Our Own Washington prospect and a newly elected member of the Moses Lake City Council. In honor of Women’s History Month and the 2022 theme, Providing Healing, Promoting Hope, we asked Deanna about her career in nursing and how it has helped to shape her as a public servant.
Tell us about your professional background.
I’ve been a Registered Nurse for 33 years. I graduated from my local college, Big Bend Community College, with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). I currently work at Othello Community Hospital (OCH), the same hospital I was born in and worked at as a student nurse and brand-new RN. With a family to raise, I left the acute care (hospital) setting and night shift to work in various clinics and private practices. The daytime hours and weekends off were more conducive to family life. Several years ago, I returned to what I consider to be my professional home, OCH.
How has your career shaped your views?
Nursing is a holistic approach to caring for a patient and his or her family. I see many of the issues that affect families, businesses, local and state government with that same holistic viewpoint.
Was this a factor in your decision to run for public office?
In part, yes. Our local government lacked the experience and views of a more diverse council.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from working as an RN that you carry into public service?
We all count: the young, the old, young families, older generations, different ethnic groups. For me, they are the stakeholders, and they need a voice to champion for them.
The topic for Women’s History Month is “Women providing healing, promoting hope.” Do you think women are uniquely suited to providing healing and promoting hope?
Historically, women are the healers. I think, we’re designed that way. We care for our families, partners, and communities. We are resilient and, in that way, we offer hope to people we know and the groups and organizations that we’re involved with.
What advice do you have for women who are considering running for office?
First, believe you are capable.
Second, ask yourself (and answer) why you want to run for office and write it down. Expect that your reason(s) why will evolve as you get more comfortable with the idea of running. If you’re not already, start attending meetings for the seat you’re running for. Research the issues.
Third, contact League of Our Own. It’s a great organization. League of our Own provides training and support for your campaign.
Fourth, believe you are capable. You are a rockstar!