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Our Stories

Storytelling is what connects and brings us together. So let’s celebrate, inspire and empower each other by sharing our stories.

October 8, 2021

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October 8, 2021

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October 8, 2021

Senior Project Manager, Women’s Health and Adult Services

What do you like to do outside of work?   

I love spending quality time with my two daughters (1yo and 10yo). We particularly love watching movies and exploring the many hidden hiking trails in our neighborhood with our Goldendoodle, Archie. I enjoy acrylic pouring, baking, and making custom gifts for the people I love.

If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?   

Bora Bora, Tahiti. We planned to babymoon in Bora Bora but unfortunately those plans were cancelled due to Covid.

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

Erica Rajabi is the Vice President for Women’s Health and Adult Services at Mission Bay. I’ll never forget the first time I met Erica at the Mt. Zion campus and the overwhelming feeling of “I would absolutely love to work and learn from her”. Erica is a quintessential human being, an exceptional leader and has truly been such a pilar and instrumental mentor in my life. I am beyond privileged to learn something new from her every day, directly and indirectly. Under Erica’s leadership she has helped me harness my potential and advance my dexterity to the best of my ability. Her daily work ethic and true commitment to quality work is immensely contagious and inspires me to perform to the best of my capability. It is through her support and guidance that I am motivated to push myself beyond what I think I can every single day. I read a quote...

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October 7, 2021

Head shot of Kat LiWhat do you like to do outside of work?   I enjoy trying new restaurants, baking sweets, and trying my hand at making fresh pasta (inspired by taking TruffleShuffle cooking classes!) 

What advice would you give to a woman entering your field today?   Be curious, ask questions, take training courses that are interesting even if it’s not related to your job. Join different committees to network and meet people you don’t work with directly or a regular basis.  

What’s on your reading list?   I love cookbooks--on my list: Life Is What You Bake It, Korean American, Bread Book, Cooking at Home, To Asia, With Love, Mooncakes and Milk Bread, and Joshua Weissman.  

Why did you decide to join the Women of UCSF Health's Committee?   I was privileged to serve on the Women in Technology (WIT@UCSF) leadership team for two years and had a blast getting to know my team intimately while also building community with WIT members and providing professional development. I joined the Women of UCSF Health committee to meet new people, absorb knowledge, and lend my skills in achieving the goals of this committee.  

Get to know the rest of our Women of UCSF Health team here.

 

 

October 6, 2021

Head shot of Christina MantelProgram Manager, Department of Psychiatry and Behavorial Sciences

Christina's Bio:

I am a first-generation American, with a heritage that combines German and Dutch ancestry. My educational journey led me to UC Berkeley, where I earned dual Bachelor's degrees with honors and earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology. I am fluent in German, French, and English, and I have had the privilege of studying and working in both Germany and France. My passion for traveling has led me to explore four continents, nurturing my intrinsic curiosity and talent for connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Meeting new people and uncovering the rich tapestry of their unique life stories brings me genuine joy. 

My unique skill set includes the ability to advocate for and empower individuals to recognize their inherent brilliance. This capability has proven to be of immense value in my current role as a Program Manager in the UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Mental Health Service. In this capacity, I collaborate with esteemed faculty on clinical and research endeavors related to PTSD, Substance Abuse Disorder, and, most recently, pioneering research about the impact of psychedelics on PTSD and Depression. A significant part of my role is guiding faculty members on their career advancement and...

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October 6, 2021

Head shot of Jenny TaAdministrative Officer, Women's Health and Obgyn & Reproductive Sciences 

Why did you decide to join Women of UCSF’s team of volunteers?  

I decided to join Women of UCSF's team of volunteers because I've always been a firm believer in the idea that change starts from within a community. This fantastic group embodies the spirit of unity and empowerment that's so essential in today's world. The chance to contribute to a cause that not only supports women but also fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose was irresistible. I wanted to be part of a team that actively drives positive change and celebrates the achievements of women from all walks of life. Together, we can create a more inclusive and inspiring future for everyone, and I'm thrilled to be a part of this transformative journey with Women of UCSF.

If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?  

If I could whisk myself away for a single day, I'd choose the oh-so-charming city of Kyoto in Japan. It's like a storybook come to life! Picture this: serene temple gardens that look straight out of a fairy tale, locals wearing vibrant kimonos that'd make any coloring book envious, and street food so tempting, even a teddy bear would be tempted. I'd take a leisurely stroll through the historic Gion district, where my little adventurer kids might even spot a geisha, and we'd giggle over matcha ice cream while gazing at the absolutely breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousand vermilion torii gates. It's a day of...

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October 6, 2021

Assistant Director, Revenue Cycle Optimization

What’s your role at UCSF and what is your favorite part about it?   

My role is Assistant Director in Revenue Cycle Strategy. I drive operational excellence by leading business process improvements and strategic initiatives that support Revenue Cycle goals. The best part of my role is collaborating with so many departments across the organization, and that I get work with such extraordinary individuals in Revenue Cycle Strategy. I love how deeply connected my work is to our True North pillars of Financial Strength, Patience Experience, Strategic Growth, and Our People. 

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

I studied Public Health as an undergraduate at UC Berkeley, before moving on to IT roles implementing electronic health record systems at Kaiser Permanente, New York-Presbyterian, and here at UCSF Health. After completing my Master of Public Health in Healthcare Management at Columbia University I made the transition to working in Revenue Cycle. I’ve had the opportunity to work in many roles, making some vertical and lateral transitions along the way. I love working in healthcare because I see my job connected to serving others and transforming care delivery. Though I’m not providing any clinical treatment, I strongly feel that, in my own way, I’m directly caring for our patients.

What advice would you give yourself early on in your career?  

You can develop managerial...

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October 5, 2021

 

Why did you decide to join Women of UCSF’s team of volunteers?   I’m hoping to build some community outside of my regular role. I think this is a great opportunity to meet new people and share ideas.

If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?   The Philippines – I’ve always wanted to visit. My partner and I have friends from the Philippines, and we’ve heard it’s beautiful, the food is delicious, and the people are very welcoming and kind.

What’s on your reading list?    So many things! Braiding Sweetgrass, Klara and the Sun, Mediocre, Between the World & Me, The Water Dancer, Under the Udala Trees, The Color Purple, The Color of Law, Me & White Supremacy, Crying in H Mart, Disability Visibility

What’s a favorite movie or TV Show you’ve watched recently?   Ragnarok – a Norwegian film about Norse mythology set in the present day. I’m learning Norwegian as a quarantine project and listening to the language in a movie setting is such a fun challenge.

What’s your ideal weather?    Snow! I love the snow. I love to ski and wear big, puffy coats, and enjoy warm tea on really cold days.

Get to know the rest of our Women of UCSF Health team here.

October 5, 2021

 Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine 

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

“Jeanne was recognized last year by the American College of Emergency Physicians with the National Emergency Medicine Excellence in Bedside Teaching Award - one of only 2 faculty in the country to receive this award. Jeanne also volunteered for the Navajo nation treating Covid-19 patients and made significant improvements in the care of Covid-19 patients in the emergency department at Parnassus.” 

- Jeffrey Tabas, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine 

Bio: 

After completing a master’s degree in Latin American Studies at UC Berkeley, I took a USAID-funded research position for the Population Council in Lima, Peru, where I spent two years evaluating the quality of public sector reproductive health services. Witnessing such large gaps in unmet need for quality healthcare led me to change careers, from public health researcher to physician. My life at UCSF began as a medical student in...

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October 5, 2021

 Project Manager and Senior Clinical Analyst, Department of Pediatric Cardiology

 Here is what Deborah's nominator had to say about her:

 "Deb is an exceptional analyst that has gone above and beyond to help organize the systems within the Pediatric Heart Center. She is a minority as an African American Woman in the IT world and she embraces that challenge and demonstrates expertise and outstanding organization!”

  - Angela Collins, Assistant Unit Director, Pediatrics Interventional Cardiology

 Deborah's Bio:

Deborah is a Project Manager and Senior Clinical Analyst for the Department of Pediatric Cardiology, where she serves as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion, implementing training opportunities for the team and ensuring departmental initiatives consider issues relating to equity and bias.  She drives quality improvement processes by identifying opportunities, diagnosing issues, and recommending and documenting solutions. Deborah has been in the medical field for 12 years where her passion for patient advocacy and health equity is the driving force of her life work. She honors participation, leadership, and expertise arising from many sources and life experiences to identify health challenges and develop lasting solutions. She encourages openness and authenticity to communicate our struggles and collectively heal and progress.  Deborah earned her Master's in...

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