Executive Assistant, Office of the Chair
Here is what Shanna’s nominator had to say about her:
"Shanna is positive, helps when needed, creative, and is a wealth of knowledge".
Nominated by: Melinda Bell
Shanna's Bio
I joined the Department of Ophthalmology in 2011 and has served in various roles in the Chair’s Office supporting HR, Education, and academic administrative functions.
The key to any success that has been experienced has been due to opportunity provided by generous management staff and faculty who have invested, mentored, and believed in my ability to succeed in targeted areas. My greatest joy in return is to invest in those who I have had the opportunity to supervise, identifying their giftings, seeing their skills sharpened, and having the opportunity to encourage and promote next steps in their career trajectory. Ophthalmology has a great cohesive team, and I am honored to be a part of that team.
What advice would you give yourself early on in your career? To a woman entering your field today?
To a woman beginning her career, I would say: Make a decision to be “all in”. Give each opportunity and position your very best effort. Forgive people and offer yourself grace. Find the gaps and fill them. Make a positive difference every day for someone, whether it be a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand. What you give will come back to you in the form of new opportunities. True leadership, in my opinion...
Interim Director, Quality Built-In and Continuous Improvement
What do you like to do outside of work?
I’m very active outside of work. I’ve been swimming at least 1.25 miles/day nearly every day since 1984; my goal is to take one “lap” around the circumference of the earth (I have 7 years go to). This year I achieved the rank of Nidan (second degree black belt) in the Japanese martial art Aikido, and have trained with some of the top sensei in the art, including as an uchi-deshi (live-in student) for 10 days in Japan. I love spending time with my husband and our dog, and love to travel.
What's an issue you think remains overlooked or under-addressed in terms of women in the professional world?
Unconscious bias remains an important barrier for professional women. This ranges from systemic barriers such as pay inequity or childcare being seen as a barrier for women in the workforce (but not for men), to unconscious gender bias in work settings.
Why did you decide to join Women of UCSF’s team of volunteers?
I have benefitted from generations of women before me, and see that networking, peer support, and professional sponsorship are greatly needed in our organization. I want to help create...
Marketing Specialist, Campus Life Services
What’s on your reading list?
I love books and wish I could read and listen to more than I do, but I do my best. Right now, I’m reading The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony; a fabulous tale about wild elephants in an animal reserve in South Africa.
When I’m walking my dog, I listen to You Can’t Be Serious by Kal Penn – an insight into his life.
Before that I listened to both Red Notice and Freezing Order by Bill Browder – heart-wrenching and infuriating story about corruption in Russia.
Some of the books I always have around are The Confidence Code Claire Shipman and Katty Kay, What Great Brands Do by Denise Lee Yohn, and Everybody Writes by Ann Handley.
Can you tell us about an important role model or mentor in your life?
My career role model is a fearless leader who speaks up, shares what’s on her mind, asks the hard questions no one else wants to, and asks uncomfortable questions when it’s easier to back down. She does this for the sake of the project, but also to better her team and those who are...
Senior Manager, People & Programs, Healthforce Center at UCSF
What’s your role at UCSF and what is your favorite part about it?
I am the Senior Manager, People & Programs at Healthforce Center at UCSF. I oversee all of our people functions – including staffing, engagement, and operations – while also leading our leadership development portfolio that designs and delivers impactful learning and growth opportunities for the people of health care. I love working with people to figure out solutions to complicated problems, and this job allows me to do that in a way that supports our people and the greater health care eco system.
What advice would you give yourself early on in your career?
Take more risks. I spent most of my life taking the path well-traveled or one that others defined for me. Spending more time exploring my disparate interests and remaining open and flexible to where that might have taken me would have been a fascinating place to be as a young person. Maybe I would have arrived at my love for people and complex problems earlier in my career!
What’s an issue you think remains overlooked or under addressed in terms of women in the...
Senior Lean Consultant, Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy lots of outdoor activities with my husband including hiking, camping, backpacking, snowboarding, and scuba diving. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling to new places, cooking, and baking. I love trying different types of food, especially anything local to an area when I travel.
If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?
I would go back to Iceland and hike up to the most beautiful place I have ever seen. It was a large flat opening at the top of a mountain where you could spin 360 degrees and see snow capped mountains, glaciers, and beautiful green grass rolling hills. I would just hang out up there all day soaking up the beauty of nature.
What advice would you give to a woman entering your field today?
Always push yourself to be the best person you can be in your role and find the people who you can keep as lifelong mentors. It is wonderful to have successful people supporting you and cheering you on throughout your career. Be uplifting to your female...
Research Specialist and Clinical Psychologist, Hellen Diller Cancer Center
What's an issue you think remains overlooked or under-addressed in terms of women in the professional world?
Childcare! The United States lags far behind our peer countries in subsidizing childcare and supporting people with children. This is of course an issue that affects men as well, but at least for now, childcare responsibilities disproportionately fall to women. We need universal paid leave and subsidized, reliable, and affordable childcare for women to fully reach their professional and personal potential.
If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?
I’d go back in time and just spend one more regular day with my mom.
What brought you to healthcare? Can you tell us about your professional journey?
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology during a recession, I struggled to find work that was fulfilling and secure. So, I went to graduate school and earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, leading me to a fulfilling career at UCSF for the past 20 years. I was...
Director, Pharmacy Operations
What do you like to do outside of work?
Anything outside! Golfing, hiking, and exploring new neighborhoods are a few of my favorites.
Why did you decide to join the Women of UCSF Health's Committee?
Having a group of women who are dedicated to supporting each other and paving the way for future women in healthcare is a group I am proud to be a part of. I’m excited to have the opportunity to highlight my colleague’s successes and build professional relationships with other Women of UCSF Health!
What’s your role at UCSF and what is your favorite part about it?
I am our System Wide Pharmacy Operations Director. A few favorite parts about my job are the amazing people I get to work with every day, collaborating with many other departments and campuses daily, and implementing change that sets new standards for UCSF and our pharmacy profession.
What advice would you give yourself early on in your career?
Don’t be afraid of the ideas and paths that scare you. They often provide the most...
Senior Quality & Safety Program Manager, Cancer Center Administration
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like going to delicious places to eat with my family and sharing my curiosity for new food with my kids.
What's an issue you think remains overlooked or under-addressed in terms of women in the professional world?
Underestimation of capacity and work ethic by shear virtue of having a family.
What advice would you give to a woman entering your field today?
Be nothing less than your authentic, fierce self. Lead with love and your unique strength.
What’s a favorite movie or TV Show you’ve watched recently?
Mission Impossible
Why did you decide to join the Women of UCSF Health's Committee?
I joined the Women of UCSF Health’s Committee because I think it important that women at UCSF are committed to elevating and...
Educational Liason, Outpatient Services
What do you like to do outside of work?
I joined a group of amazing women, who come from a variety of backgrounds. We gather regularly to talk about books, have brunch, go on trips; and discuss empowering women. The group was started by a woman-owned small business that saw the need for women to support each other in a way that made them think about their lives and the impact they have on others. I never knew how much I needed to meet a group of women like this until I met them!
What’s on your reading list?
Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown
The Last Confessions of Sylvia P. by Lee Kravetz
Live with Your Heart Wide Open by Steve Flowers and Bob Stahl
Where the Children Take Us by Zain E. Asher
Why did you decide to join the Women of UCSF Health's Committee?
...