Some people find their calling. Others inherit it in a way that feels almost destined. For Angie Mendoza, her journey into healthcare began long before she ever stepped into a clinic. It started with her mom — a woman who always wanted to help others but never had the opportunity. Angie picked up that dream and carried it forward, shaping it into a purpose that has only grown stronger over her eight years as a Medical Assistant at Gracelight Community Health.
“I’ve always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives,” Angie shared. “Science and problem-solving interested me, but what truly drew me in was the human connection.”
One moment that stays with her is a visit from a new OB patient who arrived alone, nervous, and unsure. Her partner was in another country. English wasn’t her first language. She was scared. Angie sat beside her, translated every step of the visit, and gave her the reassurance she desperately needed.
“Sometimes you’re all a patient has in those moments,” Angie said. “Just helping her feel heard and cared for made all the difference.”
For Angie, that’s the heart of the work — creating a space where patients feel safe, supported, and understood. “That’s the most rewarding part of my job,” she said. “Knowing that even something small can lift a little weight off someone’s shoulders.”