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 can be more challenging. These experiences have influenced my nursing career.  

I’ve worked at three large hospitals in the Bay Area, including UCSF Health, in a variety of areas: adults, pediatrics, oncology, research and ambulatory specialty clinics. During an international medical mission in Ecuador in 2014, I received news that I was selected as a Health Policy Fellows Program in Singapore. This was the turning point for my career development. Since then, I obtained my Master’s in Nursing Education and participated in many different UCSF education and training programs. Currently, I’m a Nursing Professional Development Specialist in the Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation and am the coach of the Nursing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council that was started in October 2020. The council’s textured-hair care initiative was published in the December 2022 American Journal of Nursing, “Equitable Patient Care Includes Equitable Hair Care.” On my team, I’ve led a hiring practices taskforce to update and implement a more equitable process to decrease barriers which could have limited opportunities. Personally, I’m back in school, working towards a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. Many of my achievements have been through my learnings, in collaboration with others or have been built upon what others have already endured and accomplished. I appreciate the community at UCSF who are committed to making changes.   

What’s your ideal weather?   

In San Francisco, 68F and sunny - but while traveling, hot and humid! 

What do you like to do outside of work? 

International travel. I just requested a 52-page passport after filling up the standard 28-page book. Looking forward to Mexico City/CDMX and a 3rd trip back to South Africa in the next few months. 

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

My cousins Dr. Kathy Abriam-Yago and Rosie Abriam are two role models who’ve provided great support and inspiration since I was a child. They’re 25+ years my senior who are active community leaders who advocate for historically oppressed groups. I’m fortunate to lean on them to learn from their challenges, successes and celebrate our family and heritage. Proudly, they’ve been recognized as two of the most influential Filipinas in the country. 

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