06/10/2026
For Shaunna Aguet-Lightfoot, being Belizean is not just where her story begins—it’s the foundation of how she shows up in the world.
"I immigrated to this country when I was seven years old, but it’s always been important for me to keep my culture and bring my culture into health care.
I come from a family of at least four registered nurses before me. My aunt was an ICU RN her entire career, and my grandmother was a caregiver. It was like—am I supposed to be in health care?
In Belize, if you have a health care issue, you may have to leave the country to get the care you need. You also have to have the money up front, so people don’t want to get sick. People take small things for granted here, but in some places, people think, ‘If I can just hang on to my one tooth, I’m happy.’”
Shaunna brings that perspective into every interaction—especially when working with communities that may be hesitant about care.
“In my culture, it’s more reactive. People might want to hide health care issues or pretend it’s not happening—like, if I cover my eyes, maybe it’s not there.
So my job is to make you feel comfortable and understand this is your health. I think about what I can do to help you get to where you need to get to.
I’m not Belizean only in name—I’m a go-to resource for my community. They look to me, they ask my opinion. I can really talk to my community and speak to them about what should be going on.
They feel like they have someone—an advocate. I had someone say, ‘I’m not going to get my mammogram—they’re just trying to get my money.’ And I had to say, no, this is what you’re supposed to do. This is preventative. You can’t wish it away. You have to deal with it.
I’m also a teacher. I teach medical terminology for people who want to get into health care. I had a student who didn’t want to take her medication, and I educated her—and the whole class—on why it’s important to stay on top of it now before it gets worse.”
Shaunna hasn’t lost touch with her roots. During Nurses Week, she partnered with her family to send care packages to nurses in Belize.
“We made little kits for nurses at a hospital in Belize and sent them. They were so appreciative."
She credits her approach to her Caribbean upbringing.
“Most people know me as very cool, calm, and collected—that’s what my patients like, that’s what my coworkers like. In America, it’s always ‘what’s next, what’s next,’ but sometimes you have to sit down and enjoy life. You only have one life to live—you have to enjoy it.
Take a breath. Relax. It’s that island vibe: take a breath, calm down, relax.
It’s my pleasure to educate my people… and help them take care of themselves.”
During Caribbean American Heritage Month, Shaunna’s story is a powerful reminder that culture strengthens care. By bringing her full self into health care, she builds trust, inspires change, and helps others see their health differently. And in every interaction, she lives out her purpose—one conversation, one connection at a time.
