Manager of Administrative Operations, UCSF Health, Cancer Services

Here is what Andrea’s nominator had to say about her: 

Andrea was nominated for the Women of UCSF Health Spotlight by 11 colleagues: Diana Lu, Nihari Patel, Paula Chung, Jennifer Dille, Isidra Gomez, Sam Sandhu, Xueni Zhong, Lena Mouton, Cherie Adrian, Christa Sundberg, and Laurel Bray-Hanin.  Some highlights from their comments:

“Andrea is simply Incredible. She is a real life superhero. She's hardworking, extremely intelligent, and relentlessly kind. her oversight is massive and yet she always makes time to help those who reach out to her. She's a "safe-place" - always there to listen and offer sound advice on even the most challenging of personnel issues. Over the last 6 years working with her in several capacities, I have watched her grow into a Director role and mentor her direct reports to be just as wonderful as herself! She has been the backbone of the Cancer Center- guiding us all through some pretty heavy times. I have enormous respect for this exceptional woman.”

- Isidra Gomez

“Andrea goes above and beyond every day in her role and supporting the staff in her department and all the Administrative Directors, Managers, and Supervisors in every department in the Cancer Center.  She brings a professional and positive attitude to every situation, even in the most difficult scenarios. She always makes our new hires and everyone in the Cancer Center feel welcome and that they matter.  She sends recognitions to her staff and others regularly, and makes you feel that your work matters.  Her attention to detail is incredible, and we can always count on her to take care of critical issues.  Andrea is the kindest person I know, very supportive, professional, and hard-working.  Always gives more than 100% every day to all of us in the Cancer Center. Andrea is AMAZING!” 

- Christa Sunberg

Andrea’s Bio:  

My career at UCSF started back in September 2015 when I joined UCSF’s Cancer Services Team as an Operations Analyst. Leaving my job of 9 years was not an easy decision but I was truly honored to join this world-renowned institution. I have the opportunity to work alongside so many bright minds, hardworking and caring individuals.  I began my journey at UCSF nearly 8 years ago and I still remember how welcomed and excited I felt that first day. Since then, I have made it my priority to ensure every new employee joining Cancer Services is welcomed with the same open arms I was. We have a solid and comprehensive onboarding process that I am most proud of.  The new employee arrives on their first day with access to systems, a schedule outlining their first 4-6 weeks filled with shadowing and training experiences unique to each role. Setting up new employees for success is something I am truly passionate about. If we can improve our employee engagement and retention one small step at a time, we have won as an organization.

My current role as Manager of Administrative Operations is one of the most rewarding positions I have held. I am challenged to new heights, continue to grow in ways that I didn’t knew I was capable of.  I am empowered to make changes to better support the initiatives at UCSF.  Helping others is a passion of mine and being a mentor and resource for our leadership team has allowed me to grow professionally.  I oversee a team of supportive, talented, hardworking, and intelligent individuals and could not do my job without them. I love learning and will continue to do so personally and professionally.  

Can you tell us about an important role model or mentor in your life?

My parents.  As a daughter to two Nicaraguan immigrants, I learned the value of hard work early on in life. My parents worked relentlessly to provide for our family of 6 all while living in a country where they barely spoke the language.  They worked long hours and often juggled multiple jobs so that we always had just what we needed. They taught us the importance of having integrity and a strong work ethic. One of my dad’s favorite sayings was “if you are on-time, you are late” and he lived by that. Watching them work hard and being able to purchase their first home is a memory I cherish deeply in my heart.  I owe them every single one of my successes and achievements. I am who I am today because of their sacrifices.

What brought you to healthcare? Can you tell us about your professional journey?

My plans were to leave the Bay Area for college and study Architecture, but plans took a turn after losing my dad to lung cancer during my senior year of high school. Instead, I graduated high school and began working at a community clinic where I would later establish my long-standing career in healthcare. My first role was at the front desk as a Medical Receptionist checking in patients.  I was then promoted to an Eligibility Screener where I would help families apply for Medi-Cal and other healthcare county programs. Though I loved the work I did and enjoyed helping families gain access to healthcare, my goal was always to go back to school.

About a year into returning to school, I was promoted into our Human Resources Department into an entry level position and fell in love with helping others in a different capacity. I always knew I was too squeamish for a career on the clinical side of healthcare but I found meaning in being a resource, advocate, and a safe place for our employees. While still working at the clinic, I juggled being a young mom and after several years I finally obtained my Bachelor of Science in Business with HR Management degree. Though grateful for the opportunities I had there, I was ready to embark on a new journey at UCSF and have been able to flourish here in ways I would have never imagined.

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF through Our Spotlight.