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Public Administration

MPA Grad Micah Leonida publishes thesis research Front-Liners on the Sidelines: The Credential Recognition Experiences of Filipino Internationally Educated Nurses

July 14, 2025

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Congratulations to recent MPA graduate Micah Leonida (MPA ’24) for publishing the outcomes of her thesis research in the journal Canadian Public Administration, co-authored with her supervisors, Dr. Tamara Krawchenko and Dr. Nancy Clark. The publication marks a milestone for Leonida’s academic journey and amplifies the voices and lived experiences of the Filipino community in British Columbia.

Micah Leonida is no stranger to breaking new ground. A proud Filipino-Canadian, Leonida has long been recognized for her commitment to advocacy and her drive to create positive change within her community. She holds a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Victoria (2021–2024) and has contributed to the academic and policy landscape as a Policy Analyst with the Government of British Columbia, focusing on inclusive education initiatives.

Her academic journey was shaped by a passion for research and a desire to contribute her own perspectives to the growing body of literature on marginalized communities. Leonida’s undergraduate work at the University of Alberta, where she combined studies in French Language and Literature with Political Science, laid the foundation for her intersectional approach to research and advocacy.

“I want to be a super feminist with super powers. That’s what I actually want to be when I grow up,” Leonida once shared, reflecting her deep commitment to empowerment and representation.

Leonida’s thesis investigates the credential recognition experiences of Filipino internationally-educated nurses (IENs) in Victoria, British Columbia. The research is both timely and significant, given the critical role that Filipino nurses play in Canada’s healthcare system and the systemic barriers they often face in having their qualifications recognized.

Rooted in an interpretivist paradigm, the study draws on qualitative interviews and community engagement to examine how Filipino IENs navigate complex regulatory environments, adapt to new professional cultures, and maintain resilience in the face of adversity. The research highlights not only the bureaucratic and institutional challenges but also the strength, adaptability, and community spirit of Filipino nurses striving to contribute fully to Canadian society. It demonstrates how Filipino IENs encounter significant obstacles in the credential recognition process, including lengthy assessment periods, costly examinations, and requirements to repeat training already completed abroad. Despite these challenges, strong networks within the Filipino community provide crucial support, mentorship, and resources, helping newcomers navigate the system. The study calls for reforms to streamline credential recognition, reduce redundancy, and better acknowledge the skills and experience of internationally trained professionals. Read the full article here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/capa.70023.

For Leonida, the research was more than an academic exercise—it was a personal mission. As a Filipino-Canadian and the daughter of immigrants, she has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by newcomers seeking to have their skills and contributions recognized. Her advocacy extends beyond the academy, as she regularly participates in community events and supports initiatives aimed at empowering Filipino youth and professionals.

The University of Victoria’s School of Public Administration continues to foster leaders like Leonida—scholars who not only excel in research but also champion the values of equity, diversity, and community engagement.

(written by Tamara Krawchenko)