A transformative partnership interview with M. Trevor Bennett, Associate Vice President Acute Care Operations at Providence Swedish.

You often talk about the vital role community colleges play in healthcare. How do you define that role?

My path from a high school student with a minimal GPA to a leader in the healthcare sector underscores the transformative power of education. My educational journey began at a community college just like Renton Technical College (RTC). It was the birth of my twins, who required NICU care, that pivoted my career away from construction and towards the healthcare field. While a national recognized academic institution was an unlikely starting point for someone who barely graduated high school the community college proved to be a perfect match! This fit led me to pursuing a successful career as an EMT while also laying the foundational stones of my career in healthcare and now executive.

The community college met me where I was, offering support, affordable costs, and a manageable class size that nurtured my academic capabilities.

Share why Providence Swedish’s values are central to your partnership with RTC.

This personal journey not only reshaped my future but also deepened my appreciation for the mission and impact of institutions like RTC and their alignment with the healthcare industry's need.

We hold dear the values of compassion, justice, excellence, dignity, integrity, and safety. These mirror RTC's core values of empowerment, equity, and community and fosters a natural alignment between the two institutions.

Our collaborative efforts with RTC to support scholarships exemplify a shared commitment to uplifting and empowering individuals through education and health services. Every facet of our operations ensures that we not only deliver exceptional healthcare but also contribute positively to the community’s welfare. RTC embodies these same principles, with a mission to provide accessible and quality education to every student, regardless of their starting point.

Health sector workforce needs are growing, and some say at a crisis level. How are colleges like RTC helping you meet those growing needs?

The role of colleges like RTC in meeting healthcare workforce demands cannot be overstated. These institutions are pivotal in providing the necessary training and education to a diverse group of students, many of whom enter under-resourced but emerge ready to tackle critical roles in healthcare.

It’s not just the immediate job openings but the need to foster a sustainable healthcare ecosystem capable of addressing the challenges of tomorrow. By providing many entry points into the healthcare industry, RTC and similar institutions ensure a steady influx of qualified professionals ready to serve their communities.

How do you see the future for investments in education and healthcare?

The integration of education and healthcare services is fundamental to the well-being of Washington’s residents. Moving forward, it is imperative that we continue to invest in our community and technical colleges to expand their capacity to train future healthcare professionals.

I am a staunch advocate to continue and expand support of community colleges. Let us commit to a future where education empowers, healthcare heals, and communities thrive.

The Providence Swedish partnership now spans seven years and over $94,000 in direct support to dozens of nursing and healthcare students. Providence Swedish has hired RTC graduates, provided clinical training, and even featured one of their RTC scholars, nursing student Tiffany Thrash, in a television ad which aired in 2020 on KING 5.

Sarah Simon (pictured left) is a proud recipient of the Providence Swedish Scholarship. She has now graduated and transferred to Pacific Lutheran to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

The partnership was initiated by former Providence Swedish leadership, Sherry Williams and Pam Gallagher Felt, who is now an RTC Foundation Board member.