Special Recognition

Becoming a registered nurse has been my dream since third grade, inspired by my aunt's passion for nursing and teaching. That inspiration eventually led me to a career not only in nursing but also in health professions education, where I find deep personal and professional fulfillment helping students reach their goals.

I began my healthcare journey at 16 as a Nursing Assistant at Springdale Memorial Hospital. I later earned my Associate Degree in Nursing (1982) and Bachelor of Science in Health Education (1987) from the University of Arkansas. Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of settings including cardiac care, patient education, compliance auditing, hospice, mental health, and school nursing. My work in patient education helped launch the Lion’s Club Diabetes Awareness and Service Center and the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Northwest Medical Center. Teaching roles have included adjunct faculty positions and educator roles at Petra Allied Health, Springdale High School, and NWACC’s Early College Experience, where I discovered a passion for working with high school students. Volunteer involvement includes serving on planning boards for The Jones Center for Families and the Community Clinic at St. Francis House. I’ve also taught piano and served my church community throughout my career.

One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been mentoring students like Rachel Schaap, whose dedication and success reflect the true impact of education. She exemplifies the next generation of nurses and, I hope, future educators   

I’ve been on a creative path for over 45 years. I’m an enthusiastic, creative person who wears a lot of hats—including fine artist, illustrator, designer, gallery manager, educator, and an executive of art organizations. I am a realistic artist who has transitioned into multiple styles of painting, exploring abstract ideas and themes. I’m an expressive and intuitive painter in oils, acrylics, watercolors, pencils, and ink. I love light, movement and color, and I push myself to find the right subject and style for my work while staying open to everything around me. I call myself a colorist. Everything is strong and bright, but there is a surrealistic twist to m 40uch of my work. My artistic voice continues to define itself with each piece that I do. The best part of being creative means not limiting myself as I explore what excites me. To draw, to paint, to create. . . it’s like breathing to me. I’m driven to create. Everything around me has form and function and is an expression of the beauty and the majesty of the world. We are all part of a creative force. To be a minor creator in this world is a wonderful privilege! To have the opportunity to share my work, my vision, and to help others find that spark of creative expression within themselves—that is the calling that I accept.

Martha Patricia Cortes was born in Durango, Mexico. She came to the USA in January of 1994. Martha is a former student of the Northwest Arkansas Community College Adult Education Program. Martha began working as a receptionist in 2002 and has served in various job positions within the same department. In July of 2007, she passed her US Citizenship test. In May of 2010, she received her Associates of Arts Degree from NWACC, and she is planning on completing a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource and Workforce Development at the University of Arkansas in the near future. Martha encourages adult students to get involved in education to better their future and to pursue their dreams. Martha is the Enrollment Specialist at Northwest Arkansas Community College Adult Education Center. Martha and her husband Fabian live in Rogers and have four children and two granddaughters. Besides being a busy professional, she is also a wife and mother raising two amazing children.   

During my time at NWACC, I developed leadership, academic, and professional skills that shaped my journey and aspirations. I served as Vice President of the Honors Student Association and Treasurer for the Student Government Association while actively engaging in clubs like Gamma Beta Phi, Exploring Arkansas Taste, and Global Affairs. I was the recipient of the 2024-2025 Honors Program Brown Chesne Award, for dedication to Community, Curiosity, and Diversity, and will graduate from the Honors Program with Distinction. Guided by chefs and professors, I embraced opportunities for growth and collaboration. At Brightwater, I deepened my belief that food brings people together. By creating better meals, I aim to foster meaningful connections while continuing to grow personally and professionally beyond academics.