I am the Associate Vice President of Human Resources and Quality Assurance with responsibility for directing and overseeing all HR functions, developing strategies, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and the organization’s goals.
As a child, I understood as a child does but when I became an adult, I put away childish things. This reflection paraphrases Bible scripture that has shaped and directed my career decisions. Growing up, I accepted the differences in the 2 different worlds in which I was raised. Suburban in which all my needs and many of my wants were met. Urban, in which I noticed that life wasn’t as “pretty” and “plentiful” for others but my life, because of my village, was not adversely impacted. I lived in one and played in the other. I saw through the lens of a child and was content.
When the time came to put on my grown-up glasses, I saw the differences differently. I saw disparities fueled by dysfunctional systems, bias, injustice, discrimination, and covert and overt agendas designed to oppress and create socioeconomic disparities between the haves and the have nots. While attending law school, I began to understand the intentionality that supported the disparate systems. I experienced family members, friends, and communities victimized by unjust systems and some who committed to being change agents. I determined that I would work in spaces where I could positively affect change.
Life and people motivate me! I am motivated and inspired by people who see “what can be” regardless of “what is.” I am excited when I have opportunities to engage with people – professionally and personally – who are passionate and view life through a lens of positively impacting others. Experiencing people who refuse to accept oppressive systems that demean and marginalize others encourages me to speak and walk boldly even if doing so may create challenges for me. I grow and press through all that comes my way so that I can be and give better.
Although I am not a millennial by any stretch of the imagination, my work history paralleled that of a millennial. I changed jobs every 3 – 5 years until MSHN. What makes MSHN different? The people, the culture, and the opportunity to have a voice in the decisions that impact lives of the community we serve and those who serve. Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are foundational for MSHN. I attend meetings during which we encourage staff to use their voices because they matter. I wake up (most) mornings looking forward to coming to work. I know that I am going to work hard although sometimes the needs and demands will feel overwhelming. However, I also know that every day will bring laughs/smiles because of unplanned but welcome breaks to connect with coworkers. I give and I receive.
Outside of work, I am a top tier grandmother (“MiMi”) of three little boys (4 ½, 11 months, and 4 months) who I see multiple times a week. I also enjoy going to church, participating in my church’s theatre ministry, hanging out with my husband, adult daughters and friends, cooking/eating, reading, watching crime dramas, line dancing, and sitting on my back porch by myself with a cup of mushroom coffee and my devotionals. These are the times when I really feel most grateful for my blessings.
What Brings Me Joy at MSHN
I define joy as a state of being rather than a feeling that results from situations/circumstances. My joy comes from knowing that I work for an organization that impacts lives for the better and that my role is integral to achieving the impact. MSHN is people-centered as evidenced by a culture that encourages relationship and team building, community, and connectedness.
Favorite MSHN Memory
One of my most cherished memories is our first Juneteenth celebration held in 2023. The majority of our staff are African-American and when our Board approved Juneteenth as a company-wide holiday, we felt it important to commemorate and celebrate the holiday with staff. Employees joined together to learn about the origin and significance of Juneteenth, eat, chat, participate in Juneteenth related activities, and to celebrate the accomplishments of staff (we even held a ceremony for the staff who had children graduating from Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, High School, and College).
