May is Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of these communities.
12.10.18
Looking out at a room of 13 freshmen from the Mercy High Women in Medicine Program, Chief Quality Officer Tonii Geden said, "Diversity in health care is important—it makes a huge difference in how we move forward." We see 10,000 people a year, all from different walks of life, making a staff full of diverse identities, backgrounds and experiences critical.
This particular panel, and annual visit from Mercy High, focused on why having women in leadership is so important for the future of health care.
So why come to Health Care for the Homeless for this discussion? Currently, over 78% of our 259-person staff identifies as female. That's 201 women lending their unique expertise and experiences to our daily work. This representation carries into leadership roles, too. Of our 31 chiefs, directors and vice presidents, 74% are women, and of our 36 managers and supervisors, 72% are women. That puts us ahead of the curve, considering a 2017 study of large hospitals that showed women making up just 32% of hospital executive teams.
After a welcome, Fallsway clinic tour, and donation of three boxes full of hygiene products, gloves and hats, the students finished the day with nine inspiring staff members, like Tonii, who shared their insights and experiences in getting to the positions they now hold here at Health Care for the Homeless. Below is some of the advice they gave to the next generation of medical leaders:
Want to join these inspiring employees and many more?
May is Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of these communities.
Gregory Rogers is a Senior Community Health Worker (CHW) with years of experience in addiction counseling. A vital part of a client’s care team, CHWs work with clients to navigate care both in the clinic and out in the community. See how Greg spends his days!
An artist, gamer, and movie lover, Curtis McLaughlin has been part of the Health Care for the Homeless Art Group for more than five years. Get to know Curtis in the lasted edition of "Pass the Mic".
Client storytelling is a staple of the nonprofit business model, ever present in advocacy, clinic tours, fundraising—and news articles like the one you are reading right now.