Celebrating one of Tulare’s most influential women

This Women’s History Month, we are honored to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of all women, especially our compassionate and hardworking associates who go above the call of duty to care for our patients and communities. We are pleased to share that one of our own also is being recognized by the Tulare City Council.

Jan Smith, director of philanthropy, Adventist Health Tulare, was recognized by the Tulare City Council as one of the most influential women in the city of Tulare in 2021. She, along with five other exemplary women, were presented with the Women of Achievement award during the city council meeting on March 16.

“The phone call saying that I was being recognized came as a complete surprise, I was not expecting it at all,” she said.

Since 2017, the Tulare City Council has bestowed the award to one woman from each of the five city districts for their work to help the Tulare community. During the awards presentation, District 3 councilmember Stephen C. Harrell shared the below message in recognition of Jan:

The Tulare City Council honors you for your strength, passion, leadership and commitment to this community and celebrates you and your success now and in the years to come.

Many in Tulare may be familiar or have personally been impacted by Jan’s many contributions. Here are just a few of the ways her involvement has made a difference in the community:

• Served on numerous non-profit organizations across Tulare County
• Serves as Executive Vice-President of the Building Association of Tulare/Kings Counties
• Created the “Tulare Strong” campaign in 2017 as an effort to support the Tulare hospital’s reopening
• Created the “Love to Wear Red” event in 2016, a women’s conference against heart disease
• Created “Proud to Wear Pink” in 2017, a women’s conference against breast cancer. As a breast cancer survivor, the event is near and dear to her heart.
• Spearheaded the Tulare Strong Toy Drive, benefitting children of parent’s affected by the hospital’s closure
• Raised more than $6 million in funds to support Adventist Health Tulare and community wellness programs
• Part of the Adventist Health Life Hope Centers team in the Central Valley

In addition to being a fierce advocate of Tulare, Jan is devoted to her family and enjoyed participating in booster clubs for band, swimming, softball and water polo while raising her three daughters. She now enjoys time with her five grandchildren, who she says are each the “apple of her eyes.”

Some of Jan’s hidden talents that further demonstrate her breadth of knowledge include photography and playing the piano. Still, her greatest passion is helping the people of Tulare live their best lives by reminding them that their health matters.

“I just want to help make the hospital the best that it can be,” she said. “I’m never going to stop helping my community until I have nothing left to give.”

To learn more about the philanthropy at Adventist Health Tulare, visit us online at AdventistHealth.org/Tulare/Foundation.