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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.

October 19, 2023

IMPACT Coordinator and Research and Policy Analyst, CTSI

Aimée's Bio:

With 10+ years of experience in public health and wellness, Aimée is passionate about driving key strategic and operational initiatives, as well as overseeing complex projects. In addition to my program management skills, she is proficient in leveraging various software programs, such as Epic, RedCap, Smartsheet, and Asana to create digital health tools for patients, conduct data analysis, and identify new opportunities for process improvement. I also have extensive experience in launching impactful human-centric programs, offering training and leadership to diverse teams, devising communication plans, setting and executing strategic goals with C-level executives. She is always eager to learn new skills, collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, and contribute to the advancement of health equity and social justice.

She currently holds the roles of Program Coordinator for the Clinical and Translational Science Institute's (CTSI) IMPACT Program and Research and Policy Analyst for the CTSI TriCore. Prior to her role in CTSI, Aimée held the role of Project Manager for the Clinical Innovation Center (CIC). With CIC, Aimée ensured effective on-site collaboration with 2K participants for two COVID-19 (TrackCOVID and CHART) studies with supervision of clinical and staff operations by coordinating closely with staff from UCSF DeRisi Lab and Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network and bridged the communication gap with team members from departments, including technology, Center for...

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October 19, 2023

Clinical Nurse Manager, General Internal Medicine 

What brought you to healthcare? 

Ever since I was a little girl, I was always curious about hospitals, doctors, medicine and the way these spaces, people and medical technologies could help heal people who were hurting or ill. I felt called to be a part of this mission of healing and worked my way through college and nursing school to get to work at a leading healthcare institution with a demonstrated commitment to these same values. 

What is your role at UCSF and what is your favorite part about it?

I directly manage a team of nurse practitioners and oversee the clinical staff and operations of our large internal medicine practice. I love being a part of a strong team of clinicians and leaders at our practice, getting involved in clinical innovations and improvements with the aim of improving patient care and learning more about how to effectively lead in a sea of change and challenges. 

What advice would you give to a woman entering your field today? 

You can accomplish anything. Relentlessly pursue your passion and calling! Surround yourself with mentors to help you along your journey. 


Get to know the rest of our Women of UCSF Health team

October 19, 2023

Interim Administrative Supervisor, Office of the CNO - Adult Services 

Mary's Bio: 

Mary started her career at UCSF in 2001 working in the Department of Family, Community Medicine (FCM) as the Meetings and Training Coordinator where she trained Maternal, Child, Adolescent Health (MCAH) Directors how to use our tools to collect data and write publications. She left in 2007 to work in tech start up for 10 years; industries include Solar, Internet Privacy, B2B marketing and SaaS companies.  

Mary later returned to UCSF, School of Dentistry in 2015 where she was the Externship Program Coordinator & Partnerships. At SOD, Mary created partnerships with dental FQHC clinics around the bay area and Alaska for our Dental students to provide dental care for the underserved.

Mary shares it’s been a lot of fun learning about the public and private sectors but UCSF is where her she feels like she belongs. She found her true family when she became an Administrative Officer at UCSF Health July 2022; working alongside the most amazing CNO and Leaders in the office of the CNO. She was recently afforded an opportunity to assume the role of Interim Administrative Supervisor, currently overseeing a team of 3 Admin Officers.

Mary lives in Cole Valley with her husband and 5 year old son. On the weekends, Mary and her little family will explore the city, go on short trips, go camping, or simply just stay home to cook and sing karaoke. She is excited to have the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful community such as Women of UCSF...

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October 18, 2023

Director of Operations, Adult Services, Advanced Practice Providers

Alisa's Bio: 

I was born in San Francisco and raised in Piedmont, California. UCSF Health has been my first and only employer since obtaining my California Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner licenses.

What do you like to do outside of work?

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time competing in tennis and pickleball at local and national tournaments. In addition, I volunteer with a theatrical group that puts on original productions for school-age children of San Francisco.

If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?

I would spend the entire day exploring the underwater world. If I didn’t pursue healthcare as my career, I would have become a marine biologist.

What advice would you give to a woman entering your field today?

The possibilities for lateral or upward movement is endless. Seek out mentors and self-reflect on your professional goals early and often.

Why did you decide to join Women of UCSF’s team of volunteers?

Joining a group of women who are passionate and dedicated leaders in their own specialty is a source of constant inspiration

What’s your ideal weather...

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October 18, 2023

Stroke Program Coordinator, Neurosciences Service Line

Rebecca's Bio: 

My friends call me Bex or Becca.  Born and raised in SF, I found myself drawn to advocacy and had the dream of helping others. My personal health experience guided my path into nursing and into the stroke coordinator role. I have been a RN over 10 years now and began my career at Mills-Peninsula in Burlingame psych emergency then trained and worked in the Emergency department while obtaining my MSN in Clinical Nurse Leadership at University of San Francisco. I have worked various roles such as the assistant clinical manager of behavioral health at Stanford, adjunct instructor for Samuel Merritt EL-MSN program, and charge nurse in urgent care with PAMF Sutter and the was former stroke coordinator for Alameda Health. I am happy to be moving back to the bay area with my 2-year-old daughter and husband to be closer to family.  My favorite tv series is the office and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. My favorite books are Pride and Prejudice and LOTR.  Prior to becoming a mom my favorite hobbies included bowling and traveling. I look forward to working with and learning from this team.   I am constantly learning and trying to improve so please do not hesitate to let me know how I can assist you as a team member and if there are any areas of opportunity for myself. 

What has been an important success in your career? Have you had a key breakthrough moment?  

...
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October 18, 2023

Nurse Manager, Pediatric Surgical Specialties

Lauren's Bio: 

Hello! I am originally from Philadelphia and moved to the West Coast 8 years ago.  First for the opening of the Pediatric Hospital at Mission Bay, then Portland, Oregon.  I returned to the Bay Area right at the beginning of 2020 (..womp womp..)  

My earliest background is in Pediatric ICU as a nurse.  I’ve also worked in Global Medicine Business Operations and Care Coordination.  I was previously the Neurotrauma Program Coordinator in BCH Oakland and am now the manager of Pediatric Surgical Specialties at Mission Bay. 

Can you tell us about an important struggle you have overcome in your career? 

I have learned a lot in every position I have ever taken, but it was only once I got older that I gave myself the permission to leave a situation that wasn’t fulfilling me.  I’ve always been so worried about “how it will look” or if someone may think I am a failure, but I realized that I am most productive and successful when I am happy and content in my job.  And sometimes that means side-steps…instead of always the next step ahead.  

What’s on your reading...

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October 18, 2023

Assistant Director, Ambulatory Administration

If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go? 

I love to travel and explore new places. I’m all in for a new experience. But one of my favorite places on the planet is Big Sur. It’s local, convenient and a great place to clear the mind. It never disappoints.  

What has been an important success in your career? Have you had a key breakthrough moment? 

My breakthrough moments have primarily occurred when I’ve taken a risk. For example, pursuing opportunities that interest me when I was uncertain that I was the right person, or I felt I was missing one skill from the 99 listed.  When I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and taken the risk, I’ve usually had a breakthrough.  

What advice would you give yourself early on in your career? 

  • Get comfortable with your strengths and the value you bring.  
  • Ask for what you want.  
  • ...
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October 18, 2023

Associate Director of Talent Acquisition, Human Resources

Jessica's Bio: 

Jessica has an MBA from Golden Gate University, Yale School of Management Executive Education, LEAN Fundamentals Certified Practitioner and received Recruiter Certification from LinkedIn and Workforce Planning from the Lean Human Capital Institute. She is responsible for leading a team of forty talent scouts that assist UCSF and UCSF Health in achieving its mission to leading revolutions in health worldwide by recruiting top talent. She is the Co-Director of Advancing Excellence in Staff Recruitment supporting UCSF’s Anti-Racism Initiative. She also partners with several community programs focused on employment equity and inclusion. Jessica serves as a Board Member at San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development Information and Communications Technology Committee, Bay Area Council Gender, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s Job Forum, and Healthcare Anchor Network focusing on tackling the underlying economic and racial disparities in public health.  

She is currently active in several committees at the University of California San Francisco focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Select memberships include Differences Matter, Eliminating Workforce Disparities, Council on Campus Climate, Culture, and Inclusion (4CI), DCIP Recruitment and Hiring...

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October 18, 2023

Administrative Officer, Department of Quality and Patient Safety

Connie's Bio:

I was born and raised in Berkeley, California.  I went to college in Washington State and also spent eight years in Houston, Texas.  I am happy to be back in the east bay, where I live with my husband, 3-year-old son and our dog.  I have worked in the legal field, non-profit field, and joined UCSF seven years ago and have been here ever since! 

What do you like to do outside of work?  

In my free time outside of work, I enjoy chasing after my 3-year-old son, going to the beach, and going to concerts. 

What's an issue you think remains overlooked or under-addressed in terms of women in the professional world?  

The work/life balance issues that women (particularly mothers) face today is the professional world is an important and under-addressed issue. 

If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?  

Greece 

What brought you to healthcare?...

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October 18, 2023

Speech-language Pathologist, Craniofacial Department 

What’s your role at UCSF and what is your favorite part about it?   

I am a speech-language pathologist on the craniofacial team at Oakland Children’s hospital. My favorite part of this role is providing weekly speech therapy to help patients improve their communication. Speech therapy is meant to be fun and motivating for children so sessions can get a bit goofy and are tailored to fit the child’s interests. It’s also a really special way to develop relationships with the entire family and provide support through the triumphs and struggles of the therapy process. 

If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?   

I would go to Barbieland.  

What’s a favorite movie or TV Show you’ve watched recently?   

I’ve been enjoying the TV show Heartstopper recently. 

Why did you decide to join Women of UCSF’s team of volunteers?   

...

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