"During her time at the Pima County Health Department, Tapanga has consistently demonstrated systems-level thinking, operational execution, and people-centered leadership. Tapanga played a key leadership role in strengthening our performance management, accreditation, and quality improvement infrastructure. She was instrumental in designing and implementing a department-wide Quality & Process Improvement (QPI) program. Her work directly contributed to improved organizational alignment, more actionable performance metrics, and stronger readiness for accreditation.
Tapanga is effective at translating data into meaningful action. She developed KPI frameworks and performance tracking systems and trained and supported staff across the organization in quality improvement methodologies.
Tapanga is a highly capable and forward-thinking leader with significant skills in healthcare quality, operations, and systems improvement. Roles requiring strategic thinking, operational leadership, and measurable impact."
"I had the pleasure of working with Tapanga during my time as Workforce Director at the Pima County Health Department, and over the course of two years, I had the opportunity to watch her grow from coordinator into a confident and highly capable leader managing her own team and several significant department initiatives.
Tapanga consistently demonstrated professionalism, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead with both clarity and composure. She played a key role in advancing our Quality Performance Improvement (QPI) efforts and PHAB accreditation work, often leading complex projects that required strong organization, cross-functional collaboration, and thoughtful communication.
One of her greatest strengths is her ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels, including senior leadership. Whether presenting updates, facilitating discussions, or responding to questions under pressure, she remained knowledgeable, composed, and aligned with the department’s broader strategic goals.
Beyond her operational and leadership skills, Tapanga also brought creativity and innovation to department engagement efforts. She successfully developed engaging events for staff and helped increase participation during World Quality Week, contributing to a stronger culture of quality improvement and collaboration across the department.
She is a dedicated professional with strong leadership skills and ambition. I am confident she will continue to make a meaningful impact wherever she goes."
"I am pleased to provide this recommendation for Tapanga, who served as a student worker under my supervision at North Carolina Central University. During her time with us, she worked as a tutor supporting the young men in our program, and her impact was both immediate and lasting.
Tapanga consistently demonstrated exceptional tutoring skills, combining strong subject matter expertise with the ability to communicate complex concepts in ways that were clear, engaging, and accessible. She built meaningful connections with the students she supported, creating an environment where they felt encouraged, confident, and motivated to succeed.
What set Tapanga apart was not only her knowledge, but her professionalism and reliability. She was highly responsive in all communications, consistently following through on emails and responsibilities in a timely and thoughtful manner. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence made her someone we could depend on without hesitation.
In fact, Tapanga’s performance was so strong that we rehired her year after year—something we reserve only for individuals who truly exceed expectations. She approached her work with integrity, positivity, and a genuine passion for helping others grow.
As a former student of the university, Tapanga also brought a valuable perspective that allowed her to connect authentically with those she mentored. She understood their challenges and met them with both empathy and practical support.
I highly recommend Tapanga for any opportunity she pursues. She is a dedicated professional, a skilled communicator, and an asset to any team or organization fortunate enough to have her."