2024 Conexus Community Award Winner Announced

Monica Ortuno Moya, a registered nurse from Bolivia living in the U.S, has been announced as the winner of the first Conexus Community Award, an honor recognizing employees who demonstrate exceptional contributions to community service and global impact. In 2024, Monica donated over 120 hours volunteering for good causes, inspiring others and supporting those most in need.

For five years, Monica volunteered with HeartGift in her home country of Bolivia, using her medical training to help provide life-saving congenital heart defect surgeries to children from low-income households. HeartGift, a nonprofit established in 2000, has transformed the lives of over 1,000 children from 36 countries through its partnerships with children’s hospitals and the generosity of sponsors.

Monica shared her passion for HeartGift’s mission: “Every year, a team of surgeons, anaesthesiologists, nurses, and other specialists travel to my home country, Bolivia, and perform free complex heart surgeries for children who would otherwise never have access to this care. By giving back to the community, I feel like I have a purpose greater than myself. The lives of children and their families are changed by a surgery that’s considered unattainable without economic means, and I’m proud to be part of such an impact.”

As part of her award, Monica is generously donating her prize money to purchase toys and gifts for the children benefiting from HeartGift, further supporting young patients and their families during this challenging time. Conexus MedStaff will be donating to HeartGift in Monica’s name, supporting the incredible work of this organization and honoring Monica’s dedication to their mission.

The award, which is anonymously voted for by Conexus employees has been granted to Monica in acknowledgement of her impact in 2024 and her long history of giving back.   She has also volunteered with Operation Smile, traveling to Guatemala, Mexico, and Brazil to support surgeries for children born with cleft conditions. Using her medical skills, Monica has played a critical role in changing lives and empowering children to thrive.

Inspired by her volunteering journey, Monica hopes to further her career by working in a Pediatric Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, continuing her mission of making a difference in children’s lives.

The Conexus Community Award celebrates the incredible efforts of individuals like Monica who go above and beyond to make a positive impact. We are proud to honor her remarkable achievements and dedication to creating a brighter future for children and families worldwide. On receiving the award, Monica said “Volunteering is part of who I am. It’s not a job. It’s truly rewarding to give your time to people who need it. I’d like to thank Conexus for this recognition and I hope it encourages everybody to volunteer.”