Communication and Engagement Manager, Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor
Here is what Kim's nominator had to say about her:
“Kim LaPean is an ally for all women of color. She always advocates for those who are not typically seen or heard. She makes space for women of color and sponsors us when we are not in the room. Kim is an advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She definitely should be celebrated!"
- Ailene Estalilla, Organizational Development Manager Finance, Administration & Operations
Kim's Bio:
I joined UCSF Finance & Administration as their first communications and engagement manager in January 2018. My role is to support internal communication and employee engagement within the Senior Vice Chancellor’s office, as well as support a network of department communicators. Before that, I spent 14 years at the University of California, Berkeley in communications roles for the health center and Student Affairs.
What’s on your reading list?
I’m an avid reader but I’ve had a hard time...
Assistant Professor, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Here is what Amanda's nominator had to say about her:
"Amanda is absolutely committed to maternal mental health and builds strong partnerships across psychiatry, OB, and the community. She is amazing."
- Christina Mangurian, MD, MAS, Professor, Psychiatry
Amanda's Bio:
I started at UCSF as a medical student in 2006 (I still have my acceptance letter in a plastic sleeve - this says a lot as I am notorious for throwing most things away) and stayed for an extra year to do a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship. After graduating in 2011, I matched at Stanford for residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology and then fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine. When I was interviewing for jobs after fellowship, I felt like I was returning home the day I interviewed at UCSF and was thrilled to accept a faculty position in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. My primary clinical location is at Mission Bay where I care for patients with complicated pregnancies, particularly those with neurologic disorders. In addition to my clinical role, I am the Medical Director of Perinatal Mental health and co-direct our Perinatal Wellness Program which provides embedded mental health services to pregnant people receiving perinatal care at UCSF. It is an honor to be part of this institution and Women’s Health...
Human Factor Designer, Clinical Innovation Center
Here is what Jan's nominator had to say about her:
“I'm nominating Jan for the Spotlight feature for a variety of reasons, mostly because I want EVERYONE to know how important her work is to our overall mission at UCSF. Given all of the life transforming work happening at UCSF on a daily basis, our patients - and even we can sometimes get lost in systems and process that may be overly burdensome and, ultimately, undermine outcomes of care and experience. What to do about that? Engage a service designer, like Jan! I met Jan a few years back when she worked with a multidisciplinary team on the Delirium Reduction project at Moffitt-Long. I was intrigued by her role (what's a "Service Designer"?) and quickly appreciated her skills ability to help clinicians work better together to prevent harms of delirium for hospitalized adults. Since then, we've interfaced on other multidisciplinary projects (like Integrated Spine Service and Patient Mobility) and I always appreciate her perspective, ideas, and ways of communicating. A few years later, I sought out her expertise when I considered developing my knowledge and skill in human centered design. Jan was generous with her time and offered ways for me to connect with the growing community at UCSF/ZSFG. Through her professional "lens", she brings empathy and curiosity to the important clinical...
Operations Manager, Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation
What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy anything food related - cooking, eating, watching people cook, going to grocery stores to explore new produce or ingredients. I also like spending time with my toddler and three dogs.
What’s your role at UCSF and what is your favorite part about it?
I work at the Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation, a support department for the Department of Nursing, as an Administrative Analyst. My role grants me access to see how the decisions my department makes a direct impact on the nurses at the bedside. That could be the support of an Evidence-Based Practice Fellowship program, partnering with wound care nurses and skin champions, and plan for the annual Nursing Inquiry Conference - all these things make me feel as though I am directly supporting our nurses who are caring for our patient population every day.
Can you tell us about an important struggle you have overcome in your career?
I entered the workforce at a time when many of my peers would balk at my opinions or ideas due to my age. Many of my recommendations were dismissed because my peers or leadership would see my ideas as being disruptions rather than process improvements. It took a lot of work to prove that my ideas were valid and important and now I am in a place in my career where many seek for my opinion.
What advice would you give to a woman entering...
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...
What 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.
Program 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...
Administrative 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...