Monique Orozco has a long history with the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority.

The Nez Perce Tribal member began her career at the clinic as a teenager, observing health care practices with other teens, which sparked her interest in health care.

Later, she began working as a full-time employee for the Tribe’s Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) office, as well as the treatment center and at other departments.

The mother of six finally decided to take a break from work to be a full-time mom, and just recently returned to the PTHA workforce as a WIC certifier.

“I was ready to get back to work, and it just worked out,” she said of returning to the PTHA.

In her role as a WIC certifier, Monique Orozco works with pregnant women and new mothers to ensure they are fully qualified for the federally funded WIC program offerings, such as access to nutritious food for mom and baby as well as nutrition education and outreach.

She is consistently meeting with mothers throughout their children’s first years to make sure they are fully covered and are aware of all the other community resources available to them, including the WIC program.

Prior to coming back to work at PTHA, Monique Orozco worked part time for the Emergency Food Network food bank distributor.

She said that experience opened her eyes to the rising needs of people in Pierce County who have been hit hard by the down economy.

“I didn’t realize how many people are in need… the numbers have increased by a million – and that’s just Pierce County,” she said, noting that she keeps that in mind at her job at the Tribe’s WIC office to help new moms who may be struggling.

“If there’s something that I can do to help someone not struggle so much, I’m going to do it.”
Monique Orozco said she enjoys being back to work for the Tribe’s WIC office because of the impact she can make in the individual women’s lives.

“I just love helping people and making them feel comfortable…and be able to befriend them.

“It makes me feel good knowing I’m going to make a difference in their lives.”
Through WIC, Monique Orozco connects mothers with healthy food, community resources and provides them with emotional support and guidance into motherhood.

“I’m a mom, I’m a grandma and I’m a worker. I don’t want someone to think they can’t talk to me. We all go through things and we’re here for each other.”