Blog

Our Stories

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

February 24, 2023

Dr. Sara LaHue is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at UCSF and Visiting Scientist at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. She previously worked at the Women’s Choice Clinic (Oakland, CA) and now serves as the Director of Education for Sex and Gender Enriched (SAGE) Neurology at UCSF. 

February 23, 2023

Diana Greene Foster, PhD, is a demographer and professor at the University of California, San Francisco. She led the United States Turnaway Study, a nationwide longitudinal prospective study of the health and well-being of women who seek abortion including both women who do and do not receive the abortion. She is leading a study of the health, legal and economic consequences of the end of Roe in the United States and a Turnaway Study in Nepal. She is the author of over 120 scientific papers as well as the 2020 book, The Turnaway Study: Ten Years, a Thousand Women and the Consequences of Having – or Being Denied – an Abortion.

February 23, 2023

M. Antonia Biggs, PhD, is an Associate Professor and social psychologist at UCSF’s Advancing New Standard in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) Program. Dr. Biggs’ research is dedicated towards better understanding the challenges faced by people wanting to access sexual and reproductive health services and the psychological consequences of denying people wanted care. Dr. Biggs is leading a national study assessing interest in alternative models of medication abortion provision, changes in prevalence of self-managed abortion, and people’s attitudes towards criminalizing self-managed abortion. Her work aims to inform clinical and public policies that will improve care and ensure bodily autonomy and well-being. Dr. Biggs holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology from Boston University.

February 23, 2023

Andréa Becker, PhD, is a medical sociologist and postdoctoral research fellow at ANSIRH. Dr. Becker's work examines how social inequality manifests at every stage of human reproduction—from contraception and sterilization, abortion and birth, to sexual experiences. Her forthcoming book Unchoosable (NYU Press, 2024) analyzes contemporary hysterectomy experiences from a trans-inclusive and reproductive justice framework. In addition to academic work, Becker regularly contributes to popular media outlets, including The New York Times, Slate, and The Nation.

February 3, 2023

Director of Finance Management Team, Institute for Global Health Sciences

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

"Ellyn is the rock that holds the department's finances together. She is amazing at her job and in addition is a great listener, problem solver and advocate.  I have been working closely with Ellyn for 5 years and she has unofficially stepped up to be a mentor, providing not only technical insight but emotional support as well. Ellyn is a great partner and comes to work every day with an open mind, heart, and sense of humor. She willingly shares her knowledge and ideas. I am so fortunate and continuously thankful to be working with her."

Nominated by: Heidi Frank 

Ellyn's Bio: 

My career at UCSF began as an Admin Assistant at the UCSF Foundation Office assisting with cultivating gifts for research needs. Growing up in different cultures and countries, when Institute for Global Health Sciences (IGHS) had an opening my interest perked, especially reading about the exciting work IGHS was doing around the world. It has been 18 years since and there is no looking back.  I am now the Finance Director for IGHS and still working with the same supervisor, Georgina Lopez. Time flies when you’re having fun. This is the most important aspect of the work environment. One needs to be happy and excited about the work. The staff and faculty at IGHS create an environment where we want to help and provide support in...

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February 3, 2023

Manager of CT Operations, Radiology & Biomedical Imaging 

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

"Jessica is a servant leader, that allows us to go out and take the lead without micromanaging; allow us to present our ideas and guides us along the way. Jessica is also very empathic; and she does whatever she can to create a positive and trusting environment with supervisors and staff."  

"Jessica focuses on individual growth of every employee she supervises. She is always there for us and the department. She is a chief that is not only capable but also continues to scan when needed. She listens and comes to us for counsel when she is deciding. She appreciates when we have input about department policy, she states that we are her connection to what is happening on the floor daily." 

"Her management skills have continued to improve throughout her tenure as Chief. At the management level she prioritizes patient care and is an advocate for our patients. Jessica is a knowledgeable CT tech which makes her an excellent resource." 

"She is the most supportive manager I’ve ever worked with. She continuously checks up on us to see how we’re doing and provides encouragement." 

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February 3, 2023

Clinical Nurse Specialist, Department of Nursing

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

“Lori has been an outstanding mentor and clinical leader within the Pediatric Heart Center for nurses and physicians, committed to providing the highest level of care for the Pediatric Cardiac population.  Her leadership has helped build a nationally recognized program, and her mentorship to the bedside nurses has allowed them to achieve the Beacon Award of Excellence. She is a clinical leader throughout the Children's Hospital by participating in multiple councils and providing expertise for the Pediatric Cardiac population.” 

Nominated By: Angela Collins

Lori's Bio: 

Lori’s journey at UCSF has been both professional and personal.  After receiving her Master of Science Degree in Nursing from UCSF School of Nursing, she began her career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in the UCSF Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), later transitioning to the PCICU.  Her professional priority has been focused on the education and mentoring of nurses, implementation of evidence-based care, program development, nursing research, patient safety and a strong collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. Lori is a strong nursing advocate, detail oriented and not afraid of change.  Most recently, she has been a leader in the development of a new program focused on the growth and neurodevelopment of newborn infants who require surgery for...

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January 13, 2023

Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation

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

"On top of everything Michelle Sison does as a Nursing Professional Development specialist at the Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation to support Clinical Care Partners, she spearheaded DEI efforts for the Department of Nursing as a whole. She is in collaboration with the Diversity team on the campus side and BCH Oakland DEI committee in an attempt to centralize and share DEI efforts for all of the Department of Nursing. In addition to being amazing at bringing people together to make an impact on UCSF Health's culture, she is a humble human being, supportive team member, and advocator."

Nominated by: Christina Luu 

Spotlight Bio

I’m a first-generation Filipina American and was born and raised in San Francisco, just a few blocks from the beach. I grew up in a large Filipinx community, so I learned a lot about my heritage and immigrant experiences. Having lived in Spain twice, I have first-hand experience of living in a different country and navigating a health care system in a different language for a very ill partner. My medical Spanish was limited, so compounded with the stress of being a primary care giver, I often felt helpless. Additionally, I have a hearing impairment so comprehension...

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January 13, 2023

Specialty Projects and Chief Administrative Officer, School of Dentistry

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

"Saiqa Anne is a well-informed and strategic administrator in the School of Dentistry who supports women around her to explore opportunities. She is gracious with her time in helping others explore career opportunities at UC that help them argue their skills and advance their careers within the university."

Nominated by: Ranae Waneka

Saiqa's Bio

I have been a research administrator for over a decade, and I have worked internationally implementing change programs in research, setting strategic priorities and research strategy. I am a trainer, speaker, writer and curriculum designer with an interest in post graduate education, adult learning, and post-doctoral training, and particularly with labor diversification in the workforce. I am a mixed method social scientist and advocate for visually led presentation of data to support data driven decision making. 

I have most recently worked on Special Projects in the School of Dentistry, and prior to that I held other roles at UCSF. I was Chief Administrative Officer in Cell and Tissue Biology, managed all incoming research income, about $1.6 billion including collections, as the Contracts and Grants Revenue Manager, and prior to that as the Manager of Operations...

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December 1, 2022

Project Director, Division of General Internal Medicine

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

Jasmine is an absolute superstar in her work as a Project Manager for research teams. I do not think my unit and our research portfolio would have survived the added pressures of COVID-19 on our work and our staff without her. Jasmine partners with me to supervise 3 clinical research coordinators (2 full-time and 1 50%-time person) while also fulfilling her many complex job roles and tasks. The CRCs also give me consistently stellar reviews of Jasmine and her work on their team- for example, how she supports their learning, skills-building, goals, and well-being, and also how they consider her to be a wonderful and inspiring role model. During her 15+ years at UCSF, Jasmine has constantly pushed herself as an adult learner and in doing so, has helped all those around her to learn, which very much includes me. Despite technically being her supervisor, I learn as much from Jasmine (and probably more) than she learns from me. Believe it or not, Jasmine is enrolled in the UCB graduate program in public health and recently passed her oral exams for her doctoral degree while also working as my unit's Project Manager and raising a family! I am committed to supporting Jasmine in her career in any way I can - whether at UCSF or beyond. I just hope it continues to be at UCSF.

Nominated by: Veronica Yank

Jasmine's Bio:

My passion is bringing science to under-resourced...

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