Tina Costa is the recipient of the PHSA+ Sparking Joy Award, an award that celebrates an individual and who consistently infuses the workplace with positivity and joy.
As the past director for Provincial Virtual Health (PVH), Tina was an essential figure in cultivating a culture that prioritized joy and connection.
Her impact on the morale of the team was so significant that over ten employees came together to draft and submit her nomination.
"As a leader, Tina embodies the best practices and principles of authentic leadership that many only know about in theory. She serves as a coach, guiding her employees to rediscover joy, hone in on our strengths, and pursue our goals with passion and purpose," says Christa Klingensmith, leader, Clinical Adoption and Integration at PVH.
In the two+ years on the PVH team, Tina dedicated herself to building a culture of joy, by advocating for connection, incorporating fun into work, her creative contributions, her coaching and mentorship, and her commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment.
Tina's initiatives reflected the essence of the
Coast Salish teaching, whax hooks in shqwalowin (open your hearts and your minds). She advocated for and implemented soft skill exercises and development programs, such as the Clear Leadership program and Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, to enhance team cohesion and personal growth. She offered valuable coaching and mentorship to team members, and she initiated a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion internal team, promoting a culture where individuals can thrive and flourish. Moreover, Tina promotes psychological safety within our team, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically.
"Joy is the heartbeat of a thriving team," says Tina. "When we prioritize connection, inclusion, and authentic support, we can create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their best selves to work. For me, it's not just about leading—it's about lifting others up and building a culture where positivity and purpose go hand in hand."
Throughout the challenges posed by structural changes in the work environment over several months, Tina remained transparent with her employees, earning and retaining their trust and respect through her honesty and authenticity.
"During challenging seasons, Tina served as our guiding light, embodying and imparting the wisdom of Coast Salish teachings, particularly the value of thee eat (truth) as a stabilizing force," adds Christa.
Through her leadership style, innovative initiatives and genuine care for others, Tina created a workplace culture that is inclusive, supportive and joyful. Now an executive director, Nurse Patient Ratios, Quality, Practice and Clinical Informatics, Tina's influence has extended far beyond her former role at PVH and has left a lasting impact on the well-being and morale of the entire team.
Congratulations to Tina on her Sparking Joy PHSA+ Award!
The PHSA+ Awards are part of an internal recognition program that celebrates teams and individuals who bring our purpose, vision, values and Coast Salish teachings to life in the workplace. They go above and beyond to serve patients and families across B.C.
