Pictured: Charles Wanjiku (center) receiving the award from (left to right), Samantha Sanabria, Nancy Magana, (Charles), Jhannaya Brown-Tanks and Tera Hill
Congratulations to Charles Wanjiku, in Residential Services in Pierce County!
Employee Satisfaction means we each feel valued for our work and supported in advancing our own potential. The nomination for Charles highlights a theme of how Charles creates a positive work environment every day. The committee especially enjoyed the examples that showcased his positivity, work ethic, and leading with heart.
The Pierce County program leadership team had the pleasure of surprising Charles with the award for Employee Satisfaction at Wapato Park, pictured above, in Tacoma during the residential team BBQ in September.
The nomination states:
Charles truly embodies the spirit of what it means to create a positive, supportive, and engaging work environment. He goes above and beyond in ways that often go unnoticed but are deeply impactful. Charles consistently creates a sense of community and teamwork, always making sure that his colleagues feel supported and appreciated. Whether it’s offering guidance to a team member who needs help, checking in on someone who’s having a rough day, or bringing a smile to the office with his infectious positivity, Charles is always there to ensure that everyone feels valued.
Beyond his exceptional work ethic and attention to detail, it’s his genuine care for the well-being of his peers that sets him apart. He’s the first to celebrate others’ successes, and the first to lend a hand when things get tough. His ability to bring people together and create a space where everyone feels comfortable and heard has made a significant difference in our team dynamic.
Charles’s impact is not just in his work, but in the heart he brings to everything he does. He has created an environment where everyone is encouraged to thrive, and his contributions help make our workplace one of mutual respect and encouragement. His positivity is contagious, and I think he is the perfect example of what the Employee Satisfaction award stands for.
Thank you so much for considering Charles for this well-deserved recognition. I know I speak for many when I say he has truly made a lasting difference in our team’s spirit and morale.
Thank you, Charles for creating space and positivity for everyone, congratulations!


