Why did you decide to join Women of UCSF’s team of volunteers?  I saw other Bay Area organizations take on a deliberate effort to support women and the impact that it had on individual women that I knew personally.  It made me think about how great it would be if UCSF could have that same impact for women in our community.  With the group of volunteers leading this effort, I am certain that is the case!

What’s your role at UCSF and what is your favorite part about it?  I’m the Chief Strategy Officer for UCSF Health and in this role get to work with the most amazing colleagues to design and implement an exciting vision for our future.  I love everything that has to do with the growth of our missions - especially insuring that those who are the most sick - can find their way to us for care when they need it.

Can you tell us about an important role model or mentor in your life?  I’ve been fortunate to have many great role models and mentors throughout my career.  Each of them had more confidence in my ability than I had in my own and helped me to grow into new roles with tremendous support and coaching.  The most important advice I have been given by a mentor was to find an organization that shares your personal values and mission and then stick to these values everyday.  It is much easier to face tough challenges and remain motivated when you believe in what your organization is trying to accomplish.

What advice would you give yourself early on in your career?  Be you, remain curious, forgive yourself for making mistakes and learn from them, and most importantly, treat everyone with respect in all situations.

What’s your ideal weather?  The Bay Area weather is perfect - sunny but cool!  I was born in Hawaii (too humid), lived in LA (not bad), Las Vegas (too hot), Phoenix (even hotter), Detroit (no comment).  There is no comparison to SF!

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