As part of the partnership, the Storm presented a $25,000 donation on behalf of both the Storm and Providence Swedish to support Washington Alliance for Better Schools in advancing equity and opportunity for students.
Students from across the region gathered at Swedish Cherry Hill recently for a day of learning, inspiration and connection at Storm Academy. Hosted in partnership with the Seattle Storm and Washington Alliance for Better Schools, the event offered hands-on healthcare experiences designed to spark curiosity and confidence in the next generation of health care workers.
As part of the partnership, the Storm presented a $25,000 donation on behalf of both the Storm and Providence Swedish to support Washington Alliance for Better Schools in advancing equity and opportunity for students.
The day began with interactive sessions led by Dr. Rees Wilson, a confidence and leadership coach, designed to help students explore their strengths and skills, build a confident mindset and grow as leaders.
Interactive breakout sessions kept students engaged throughout the day, including:
- SIM Center tour, where students performed IV flushes, intubated mannequins, and explored the technology behind patient care. One student shared, “I learned that some of the SIM mannequins can sweat and perform human features. Now I want to be a nurse!”
- Mental health session, led by Dr. Daisy Aceves, who offered tools and resources to support emotional well-being.
- Tai Chi, led by Sonja Braasch, Emma Mitsui, and Nate Hadley, who promoted mindfulness and stress relief.
- Sports medicine, where Drs. Troy Henning, Lucas Sontra, and Dayton Snyder offered ultrasound demos and encouraged students to explore the tools used to treat athletes.
Perhaps the most inspiring moment came during a fireside chat with Seattle Storm CEO and Team President Alisha Valavanis, who shared personal stories of leadership and resilience. Her message struck a chord with many attendees and reinforced the importance of perseverance.
Thanks to our partners at Work2BeWell, each student left with a folder full of mental health resources and wellness tools, including access to over 100 Spotify playlists with guided meditations and breathing exercises.
Students left energized by what they learned, and a post survey revealed that 23 out of 34 students said they were “extremely interested” in a career in health care. One student reflected, “I learned that there isn’t just one path into healthcare. People take different routes, and that only makes their journey richer.”
About Providence Swedish
Providence Swedish has served the Puget Sound region since the first Providence hospital opened in Seattle in 1877 and the first Swedish hospital opened in 1910. The two organizations affiliated in 2012 and today comprise the largest health care delivery system in Western Washington, with 22,000 caregivers, eight hospitals and 244 clinics. A not-for-profit family of organizations, Providence Swedish provides more than $406 million in community benefit in the Puget Sound Region each year. The health system offers a comprehensive range of services and specialty and subspecialty care in a number of clinical areas, including cancer care, cardiovascular health, neurosciences, orthopedics, digestive health and women’s and children’s care.
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