Dr. Kafiya Arte in white coat at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett

Impact

Documented impact across the Pacific Northwest

From $94,500 in EvCC scholarships to MercyWatch street medicine and primary care in Renton—milestones grounded in public reporting and community partnerships.

Photo: Olivia Vanni / The Everett Herald

EvCC Scholarships Raised (2025)

Breakfast Dr. Arte keynoted

Years Since EvCC Journey

Community college to attending MD

Countries of Global Learning

Including Ghana health outreach

PNW Clinical Communities

Renton, Everett & Issaquah

Annual Report

Achievements that define our year

Highlighting milestones from our most recent programs and initiatives.

2025

EvCC Foundation Keynote & Giving Pledge

Dr. Arte addressed 250+ community leaders at the EvCC Foundation Benefit Breakfast, highlighting how community college access creates physicians, advocates, and changemakers.

2025

Pacific Medical Centers — Attending Physician

Began primary care practice in Renton, WA, emphasizing preventive medicine and culturally humble care for diverse Pacific Northwest patients.

2023

MercyWatch Street Medicine

Expanded volunteer outreach delivering direct medical care to unsheltered residents across Everett's hidden corners.

2022

Everett Herald Feature

Public profile of Dr. Arte's journey from poverty and charity care to residency at Providence Everett— inspiring students across Snohomish County.

2021

Global Health in Ghana

Medical school service raising funds for community health infrastructure and learning from resourceful physicians abroad.

Documented Journey

From Lakewood schools to Providence Everett

Public reporting in The Everett Herald traces Dr. Arte's path—from interpreting nursing homework for her Somali-immigrant mother to residency at the same hospital where she volunteered in high school.

EvCC

Higher education begins at Everett Community College

Undergraduate studies while working multiple jobs

Ross University School of Medicine (2021)

2025

Attending physician in Renton; EvCC Foundation keynote

Public Record

Verified quotes & community profiles

Sourced from The Everett Herald, Lynnwood Times, Pacific Medical Centers, and WSU Medicine.

“It's nice to let the houseless population know that we are willing to meet them where they are at, literally and figuratively.”

“I got to bring my long journey full circle back to Providence Hospital, where I first volunteered for my high school senior project, the time I truly decided that I was going to become a doctor. I'm home now.”

“I am passionate about primary care and health advocacy. I believe in building strong, collaborative physician-patient relationships through cultural humility, patient education and shared decision-making.”

“By supporting EvCC and the EvCC Foundation, you are quite literally changing lives and supporting the future of our community.”

“She works primarily with low-income patients, a focus she is better equipped to understand based on her own experiences.”

“My very first donation will be to the EvCC Foundation—the foundation that jump started my educational journey 14 years ago.”

Global Reach

Where we serve

Rooted in Washington State—from Everett and Snohomish County to Renton and Seattle—with heritage and global health partnerships reaching the Horn of Africa.