- How did you get into health care philanthropy?
About 13 years ago, I had just returned to the US from working for an international education-focused non-profit in China and was about to get married. I needed to find work in the town where my new husband and I would make our home. Though I did not set out initially to make health care philanthropy my career, it found me. The first organization that offered me a position was the local non-profit community hospital. They needed a database administrator/gift processor and I wanted to do something fulfilling and meaningful and had a background in computer information systems. It was a perfect match.
- Why did you choose to make health care philanthropy your career?
My father was ill the majority of my life and my mother worked in health care, so being around hospitals and health care was oddly comforting to me. After spending some time in my new job I quickly fell in love with the way that health care philanthropy brings together all that it means to be a vibrant community – incredible support, selfless volunteers, unparalleled health care, and generous givers. Thus began what has become a lifelong journey to ensure rural health care remains a cornerstone in communities.
- What has been the #1 factor in your career success so far?
The greatest factor in my career success so far has been support. From my family, to the development team, my fellow executive team members, the board members for our organization, and the community our organization serves, they have all been incredibly supportive of me, my career and our health care organization. Without this support I would not be where I am today.
- What is your greatest passion and why?
My greatest passion is helping ensure the future of safe, high quality, accessible health care, especially for those in rural America. I want for my daughters to inherit a predictable health care system that serves them well, helps them reach or maintain optimal health, and treats them with kindness and safety every step of the way. I want them to look back on the work of my life and know it made a difference for them and those they love. As an active member of my community, knowing that each day my work impacts the lives of those in my community and means they will receive the very best care where they live helps me stay passionate about what I do.
- What are your future aspirations?
My future aspirations include helping others find ways to make health care more accessible in rural areas. I hope to find new ways to invest in my community and those I serve to continue to make our community a highly desirable place to call home.