Wabanang Kuczek has and continues to experience an active, interesting, and fulfilling life. Even in her youth, she had a love for the natural world, respect for people’s individuality, and listened to the wisdom of elders. Wabanang firmly believes in the power of positive thinking which allows individuals to achieve goals and dreams. She is a very fortunate woman who has reached age 60 with many talents, health, and self pride, and pursues her varied interests with gusto. Wabanang is honored to represent the state of New Mexico in the Ms. Senior America Pageant.
Wabanang has been involved in the health field for more than 25 years as a health educator and physician assistant. As an undergraduate, she received a Kappa Phi Kappa Scholastic Award and graduated with the highest honors. She then obtained a masters degree from UCLA in Public Health and later finished a physician assistant program at Charles Drew Postgraduate Medical School. She has been involved in different fields of medicine with most of her medical practice being in emergency medicine and urgent care. As a medical provider, Wabanang strongly advocates preventive medicine.
During her career, most of her volunteer work has entailed developing and coordinating community health services that promote healthy lifestyles. Two of these programs were recognized and published by the American Academy of Physician Assistants for their significant results. In 2005 she developed a program of nutrition and exercise for American Indians with diabetes. All the participants in this project showed marked improvement in their diabetic control. The second program in 2006, relates to the development of a curriculum for a smoking cessation class for students at the College of Santa Fe. Her motivation and perseverance in helping the students quit smoking was mutually rewarding.
Wabanang has provided leadership within the physician assistant profession nationally as well as regionally for which she has received several recognitions and awards. Throughout the years, she has been appointed to several leadership roles within the American Academy of Physician Assistants. She was one of the founders of the First Nations Council of Physicians Assistants, a nonprofit organization serving American Indian communities. She held the role of executive director for ten years. She is presently a member of the Board of Directors for the New Mexico Academy of Physician Assistants. In addition, Wabanang has participated in congressional lobbying efforts pertaining to health care issues.
As an advocate of healthy lifestyles, Wabanang is a true role model. She is an avid athlete involved in competitive distance running for which she has won many medals in her age division. She is also a tap dancer and enjoys various types of ballroom dancing. Together with her husband, Richard, Wabanang supports various youth fitness programs including Wings of America.
Wabanang cherishes the blessing of aging as a natural part of life. She focuses on what she has gained in life and looks ahead to the challenge of remaining a significant, active, and resourceful individual.
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The Ms. Senior America Pageant is
the world's first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to
women who have reached the "Age of Elegance." It is a search
for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and
inner beauty of all senior Americans. The Ms. Senior America philosophy
is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and
our most valuable treasure. It is upon their knowledge, experience and
resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a
better society.
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