Brenda P. Grant

Infection Preventionist
Stamford Hospital,
Stamford, Conn.

Brenda P. Grant, an infection preventionist at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, Conn., recalls being drafted by her mother, nursing assistant Isabelle Peters, to assist with patient care during school breaks and summer vacations.

She began her professional career as a registered nurse after graduating from the Stamford Hospital School of Nursing in Stamford, Conn., in 1969.

Shortly into her career, Grant was offered several promotions, each with increasing responsibility; and she accepted every offer and worked hard at being successful in those roles.

“Satisfaction is overrated and complacency obstructs positive progress,” she says.

Juggling full-time employment, motherhood and a rigorous schedule of community service, Grant obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Bridgeport and a master’s in public health from Southern Connecticut State University.

She now oversees infection prevention and control for the 300-bed Stamford Hospital.

Her numerous awards and public recognition include the 2002 Community Service Award from the Connecticut Hospital Association and the position of CDC infection control assistant.

Grant has written several published articles, including articles on influenza vaccination and obesity among African-Americans.

Despite her professional success, Grant says she is most proud of her accomplishments outside hospital walls. She is married to Herbert A. Grant and is the mother of three — Tracey, Damon and Elise. “My family has made the achievements I enjoy today possible. I am eternally grateful for their encouragement and support,” she says.

Grant is a founding member of the Fairfield County Chapter of The Links Inc.

As chairperson of its National Trends and Services Committee, she facilitated a partnership with Stamford Hospital to help reduce heart disease among minority residents in the county.

Their program received the 2007 National Links Outstanding Program Award.