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."
...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...
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...
Specialty Projects and Chief Administrative Officer, School of Dentistry
Here is what Saiqa's nominator had to say about her:
"Saiqa Anne is a well-informed and strategic administrator in the School of Dentistry who supports women around her to explore opportunities. She is gracious with her time in helping others explore career opportunities at UC that help them argue their skills and advance their careers within the university."
Nominated by: Ranae Waneka
Saiqa's Bio
I have been a research administrator for over a decade, and I have worked internationally implementing change programs in research, setting strategic priorities and research strategy. I am a trainer, speaker, writer and curriculum designer with an interest in post graduate education, adult learning, and post-doctoral training, and particularly with labor diversification in the workforce. I am a mixed method social scientist and advocate for visually led presentation of data to support data driven decision making.
I have most recently worked on Special Projects in the School of Dentistry, and prior to that I held other roles at UCSF. I was Chief Administrative Officer in Cell and Tissue Biology, managed all incoming research income, about $1.6 billion including collections, as the Contracts and Grants Revenue Manager, and prior to that as the Manager of Operations...
Project Director, Division of General Internal Medicine
Here is what Jasmine’s nominator had to say about her:
Jasmine is an absolute superstar in her work as a Project Manager for research teams. I do not think my unit and our research portfolio would have survived the added pressures of COVID-19 on our work and our staff without her. Jasmine partners with me to supervise 3 clinical research coordinators (2 full-time and 1 50%-time person) while also fulfilling her many complex job roles and tasks. The CRCs also give me consistently stellar reviews of Jasmine and her work on their team- for example, how she supports their learning, skills-building, goals, and well-being, and also how they consider her to be a wonderful and inspiring role model. During her 15+ years at UCSF, Jasmine has constantly pushed herself as an adult learner and in doing so, has helped all those around her to learn, which very much includes me. Despite technically being her supervisor, I learn as much from Jasmine (and probably more) than she learns from me. Believe it or not, Jasmine is enrolled in the UCB graduate program in public health and recently passed her oral exams for her doctoral degree while also working as my unit's Project Manager and raising a family! I am committed to supporting Jasmine in her career in any way I can - whether at UCSF or beyond. I just hope it continues to be at UCSF.
Nominated by: Veronica Yank
Jasmine's Bio:
My passion is bringing science to under-resourced...
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...