Leadership
Being a health care leader has always meant carrying the weight of responsibility, knowing that decisions can shape lives. For years, I believed leadership was about being strong, unwavering, and always in control. But life has a way of humbling you, especially when you face an invisible disability…
Growing up in Great Falls, Mont., raised by two military veterans and public servants, I was deeply influenced by my parents' unwavering commitment to serving our community. They recognized — and taught me early on — that small actions can make a big difference.
My paternal grandmother was born in 1913 as the youngest of five children and the only girl. She had three sons and no daughters. When I arrived, I was the first girl born into the family in over 50 years. As a result, my grandmother and I developed a very special bond.
I was raised by my mother, who was a nurse, and an elder sister, who both prioritized education. During a visit to Kentucky State University, I was inspired to pursue higher education there. I studied political science for three years with the intention of pursuing law. However, unforeseen…
I never drew out a map that ended with me being a hospital CEO, but I’m so humbled and blessed to have the opportunity to serve as the CEO of Sinai Chicago, the largest private safety net health system in Illinois. My map actually started in West Africa, where my father grew up before he moved to…
In my 22 years at Endeavor Health, my role has been enriching and full of opportunities for personal and professional growth. There were challenges along the way, where I was underestimated and encountered bias. However, these were exceptions and I’ve remained at Endeavor Health for so long, in…
My father was a military surgeon and I have always been influenced by his commitment to serve others. His career inspired most of my siblings and I to work in health care. From an early age, my parents taught all of us the importance of servant leadership and engrained a passion for giving back to…
In my role as president and chief executive officer of Swedish Health Services in Seattle, I’m constantly focused on excellence. What are we doing well? What can we do better? What is the best path to achieving our goals and aspirations as caregivers and health partners to every patient in every…