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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.

March 2, 2023

Administrative Director, Digestive Cancer Service Line, UCSF Health Adult Cancer Services 

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

Rebecca leads one of the largest departments in the Cancer Center. She is highly dedicated, gracious, helpful, and has a heart for all of the patients and staff she works with and beyond! CONTINUED: I've known Rebecca to come in on her day off to help train new team members. I've seen her advocate for many patients in a myriad of situations. Although constantly busy, she'll always make time to listen to others (whether staff members or patients) and do whatever she can to meet the need. She always contributes great ideas in meetings and thinks outside the box. Rebecca is amazing!

Rebecca's Bio:

My time at UCSF began several years before I was officially hired. I volunteered in the Cancer Center in my spare time, getting tea donations for the waiting rooms and handling various administrative tasks. I was looking for something that would give me a chance to contribute in a profoundly impactful way. Years earlier, I had graduated from University of San Francisco (USF) with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business, with an emphasis in Finance. After that, I worked as a Systems Analyst at Accenture. That was a great first job right out of college, but I craved more human connection and adventure, so I went to work at United Airlines. At United, I was a...

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March 2, 2023

Ultrasound Operations Manager for Parnassus Heights, Benioff Children’s Hospital at Mission Bay, Precision Cancer Medical Building, Mount Zion Medical Center, Joint Venture Golden Gates Women’s Imaging and UCSF/ John Muir Partnership at Berkeley Outpatient Center

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

P - Chelsy's ability to stay calm under pressure is legendary. She is the type of leader that listens first, processes and deliberates with care.  
R - She acts with great care to both patients and staff sonographers.  Chelsy is the kind of leader that advocates for the highest patient care while maintaining high consideration for her staff.  
I- Without compromise, Chelsy has lead this department through challenging waters over these past few years.  She has consistently shown up to her team as a fair and logical leader. 
D-Chelsy has a skill of identifying people's individual strengths. She gifts her staff with autonomy to excel and encourages everyone's achievements.  It is truly a pleasure to work under such strong mentorship. 
E- Chelsy is the type of leader that invests in her people's growth.  She not only looks for opportunities to invest in her staff's educational/career growth, but can also weave win-win opportunities out of undesirable situations.  For example: during Covid shut down, Ultrasound department took the opportunity to acquire ACR accreditation for all 5 sites. This was a massive undertaking that was facilitated by staff downtime. 
Chelsy gives her all to our department....

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March 2, 2023

Nurse, USCF BCH-Oakland Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) 

Aday's Bio:

I was born in Mexico City and immigrated to the east bay with my parents and siblings when I was four years old. I came from very humble beginnings. I grew up with loving and supportive parents. Through their encouragement and support, I obtained an Associate of Nursing Degree from Solano Community College in Fairfield and began my nursing career at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland (BCHO). I am proud to say that I have been at BCHO for the past 34 years and counting! 

I follow my mom's motto, "Never give up, learn as much as possible, and always give back to your community." So, in 2019, I returned to school and completed my Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing with honors at Samuel Merritt University. In other words, Si Se Puede! 

I love my work as an RN in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at BCHO. I care for some of the smallest and sickest babies. I feel honored and privileged to be a part of a family's NICU journey. Although, I have also challenged myself to do more for our unit and community. I now chair the NICU Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Anti-racism (DEI/AR) Brave Space and Co-Chair UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals Chicanx, Latinx, Campus Association (BCH CLCA). I am currently involved with many of our...

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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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