Inspired by Mission & Embracing Inclusion

About Me

A defining moment that inspired my future career path occurred at the age of 8 when I served as an advocate for my paternal grandfather, who suffered from lung cancer. Raised in rural South Louisiana in the 1920s, my grandfather had only attained a third-grade education and could not read or write. My grandfather relied on me to help him navigate his healthcare journey. I accompanied him to every doctor’s visit, asked questions, took notes, and reviewed all medical correspondences to ensure that my grandfather (and grandmother) understood and followed the physicians’ instructions. I was thrilled at the responsibility of caring for my elders and having them actually listen to me and follow my instructions as an 8-year-old! These experiences influenced my choice to pursue a career in healthcare and advocate for patients regardless of their educational background and demographic profile. For me, every patient matters. I put this belief to work again when, as a senior in high school, I became a certified nursing assistant, which allowed me to manifest the qualities from my heart to tend to the needs of patients at the bedside.??

Years later, I became the first member of my family to attain a doctoral degree and an executive-level role in healthcare. I have worked and lived in various diverse communities, from the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans East to rural Dublin, Georgia to the large and complex medical environment of Houston. In each of these communities, I have been blessed to lead initiatives to establish and enhance specialty services; promote health & wellness to the community via weekly television broadcasting (Dublin, Georgia) and monthly radio broadcasts (New Orleans); and improve engagement initiatives for employees, medical staff, and the community.

In CommonSpirit Health, I have had the privilege to serve as President of St. Luke’s Health - The Vintage Hospital since December 2018. Prior to CommonSpirit Health System, I served as the inaugural CEO for a newly constructed hospital in New Orleans East (LA) in 2013, which was the area most significantly devastated by Hurricane Katrina eight years prior. I also served as CEO of a newly constructed hospital in Pearland, TX in 2015.???

Fostering Inclusivity in the Workplace

For the past 22 years, having served in the role of President, Chief Operating Officer, or Associate Administrator, I have strived to ensure that the hospitals where I serve embody a culture where diversity and inclusion are valued and belonging is part of the institutional fabric. ? Additionally, as I strive to bring my authentic self to the workplace, my goal is to ensure that others can do the same.?

I recognize that historical and cultural norms are important, yet I also understand the necessity to disarm established stereotypes and implicit biases that may exist. When biases or exclusivity abound, then we shut out a large range of humanity from our hearts and minds, and from our ability to understand people who are different from us.

In addition to always striving to have an open mind and open heart, I remain diligent in maintaining an open-door policy for hospital staff, medical staff, patients, families, and community stakeholders. There is a special place in my heart for persons who are the most vulnerable members of our society. Solving the complex issues facing the health and wellness of marginalized and vulnerable communities rests upon the shoulders of leadership within the healthcare industry. If healthcare organizations are to be true to their missions, then addressing healthcare disparities in the communities must start with addressing disparities that may exist within respective organizations.

I recognize that having a diverse leadership team is an important prerequisite. The Vintage's Hospital's leadership team, hospital staff, and medical staff encompass diverse multicultural and multi-generational demographics. Since 2018, the hospital's employee engagement and medical staff engagement have improved each year, to achieve results among the top quartile within the Texas Market.

Making a Difference

I am passionate about promoting initiatives to grow the pipeline of future leaders. Through my involvement with various professional, academic, and civic organizations, I have served as a mentor, coach, ally, sponsor, and adjunct faculty member for healthcare administration students and early careerists of all backgrounds. Many of my mentees have gone on to become top leaders at the hospital and health system levels.???

Ultimately, I am inspired by the Mission of CommonSpirit Health – in summary, it is to “make the healing presence of God known in the world by improving the health of the people we serve.”? I consider this mission a wonderful privilege and responsibility. It is also an incredible honor to be used by God in this mission. I share with my team that each of us is placed in the world for a mission. There are people on this planet whom only you will be able to reach, because of where you live, what you have been called to do, and what God (or your higher power) has made you to be. When we embrace God’s (or our higher power’s) agenda for our lives, to be used for a purpose that is greater than our own, then our job is more than just a job, it can impact the health, well-being, and destiny of someone else as well as have significance that is beyond us individuals. What a wonderful opportunity we have, every patient, every encounter, every day!