Arenas and Noriega Receive Inaugural Staff Awards

December 2, 2025

Ivette Arenas

Ivette Arenas and Anna Noriega are the inaugural recipients of the Stanford Surgery Staff Awards.

Arenas, the Administrative Manager for the Division of General Surgery, received the Guiding Star Award.

"I was genuinely surprised and deeply honored to receive such a meaningful recognition! It means so much, and I truly see it as a reflection of the amazing people I get to work with every day,” said Arenas. “Our Department is special because of the collaboration and heart behind everything we do. I’m especially grateful for my immediate team—they always give 110%, jump in without hesitation, and always go above and beyond. I absolutely couldn’t do what I do without them.”

The Guiding Star Award recognizes a staff member who excels at mentorship: “nurturing professional development, offering career guidance, and building a culture of learning.”

From her nomination: Ivette’s quiet demeanor does not diminish her effectiveness as a mentor; rather, it enhances it. She creates a safe and welcoming environment where colleagues feel comfortable seeking guidance and sharing their concerns. She has an incredible talent for helping others navigate challenges, building their skills, and encouraging them to reach their potential.

Anna Noriega

Noriega, who serves as the Department’s Human Resources Administrator, received the Inspirational Service Award.

“I would like to say as tears stream down my face – It’s truly an honor just to be nominated, and I appreciate everyone who thought I was deserving of this award,” said Noriega. “I’m grateful to be working with a bunch of amazing people, and it’s encouraging to know I have a positive impact on my peers.”

The Inspirational Service Award recognizes a staff member for “outstanding service and contributions to daily operations, teamwork, and department morale.”

From her nomination: Anna’s positive attitude and approachable nature are equally inspiring. Colleagues note the energy and warmth she brings to her role each day, as well as her patience and respect when helping others navigate HR policies and processes. She proactively develops tools, such as Smartsheet trackers and forms for temporary hires, unpaid student trainees, hybrid/remote work, and hiring exceptions, which have greatly improved efficiency and reduced errors.

According to the staff recognition committee, “These awards are designed to honor and celebrate the outstanding contributions of our staff, who consistently go above and beyond in their roles. This is our opportunity to formally recognize the dedication, hard work, and positive impact our team brings to the department every day.”

Media Contact

Director of Communications

(650) 723-2301

rebaker@stanford.edu

Bio

As the Director of Communications for Stanford Surgery, Rachel Baker tells the stories of her department's faculty, staff, and trainees. With the help of an amazing team of content creators, she produces and curates original articles, photos, videos, graphics, and even podcasts.She works personally with each division, center, program, and lab within her purview to define their audience and reach their goals while maintaining a consistent brand voice. She hosts quarterly professional development workshops open to all AEM web authors--please email her if you'd like to join! She also offers both 1:1 and group education to faculty and residents on a variety of topics including media training, using social media to advantage, and presentation refinement. Rachel holds a Bachelor's degree in journalism with a focus on photography from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. A transplant from the DC-area, she still misses foliage and argyle but has happily adopted the official NorCal hobbies of visiting wineries, hiking local trails, and eating avocado.

About Stanford Surgery

The Stanford University Department of Surgery is dedicated to inventing the future of surgical care through:

• pioneering cutting-edge research,
• developing the next generation of leaders, and
• healing through incomparable surgical skills and compassion.

To learn more, please visit surgery.stanford.edu

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