What is your current role at Yale? What other Yale groups are you involved with (volunteering, committees. etc.)?
I have been the Clinical Lead Administrator in the Department of Therapeutic Radiology since summer of 2012 – I oversee the hospital-based radiation oncology section of the Smilow Cancer Center. In addition to being a United Way Champion, I am actively involved in a number of university-wide and medical school initiatives, including but not limited to:
- Chair of the BOLT Operating Group
- Mentor in the Strategic Mentor Program; have mentored several other junior female M&P and C&T staff members
- Captain of Smilow’s Closer-to-Free Bike Team, Hunter Accelerators
- Yale University’s Diversity Champion for the Medical School
- Founding member of the M&P Engagement Committee
- Workday Service Group committee member for Unit Financial Management
- Member of several affinity groups including LGBTQ and hosted the very first medical school diversity luncheon in FY15 which was attended by over 130 people with all affinity groups
What makes you “Uniquely” you?
I try to use my energy and influence to help others, especially those who are unable for whatever reason to help themselves or are disadvantaged in some way. I am fiercely passionate and enjoy the hard work of running a clinical department in these challenging times in healthcare. I was born and raised in Brooklyn – NYC and still maintain much of the street smarts I learned there! I am a single mother of 2 great kids and a rescue puppy. I have studied a number of topics in depth ranging from Marine Biology, Sociology, Spanish Literature, Public Health, Nursing, and Business; I am fluent Spanish and can speak, read and write on a college level. I hold a B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in Spanish, M.A. in Applied Social Research and an M.B.A. from the University of New Haven’s Emerging Leaders program. I have served as an Adjunct Professor in the University of New Haven’s Master’s in Healthcare Administration program and have taught classes on grant-writing and sponsored research administration, including a 3-credit course I taught for 22 mid-level YNHH managers here at 300 George Street. I have also completed 54 credits towards my Ph.D. in Sociomedical Sciences from Columbia University and hope to someday complete my doctorate.
Tell us about how you became a “working woman” of Yale?
After relocating to Connecticut in 2003, I was commuting 5-6 hours daily from Monroe to the Weill Cornell Medical College on the Upper East Side in NYC in ObGyn. After meeting with the Chair of Yale’s ObGyn department, he recruited me to work as the Grants Administrator here in New Haven. It was a great opportunity to join the Yale family and I was thrilled! After ObGyn, I was promoted to Operations Manager in Therapeutic Radiology and have been here since 2010. Yale is a great place for working women - the university is committed to being a destination employer and especially for Working Mothers!
Can you share how you have benefited as an employee of Yale?
Since joining the M&P staff here at Yale, I was able to finish my M.B.A. and get it partially paid for by the Employee Tuition Reimbursement benefit and have been able to put my business administration skills to excellent use working in two department’s business offices. I have made numerous invaluable connections with other staff members and world-renowned faculty. I have taken over 20 courses at the Learning Center ranging from Mastering Difficult Conversations to participating in a 360 degree evaluation and career coaching.
What advice would you provide to new women employees at Yale?
The best advice I can give to new women employees is to get involved in the Yale community as soon as you arrive! Volunteer, go to meet and greets and enjoy all the awesome benefits Yale has to offer. When you land here, find a female mentor and work with her to drive your career path - there are many of us here who would be happy to help!
Can you share how you have shown commitment to the greater New Haven community?
Since my arrival in New Haven in 2008, I have volunteered as a United Way Champion each year. I have engaged in fund-raising for the New Haven Downtown Soup Kitchen and for Smilow’s Closer-to-Free Bike Ride, raising over $5,400 cumulatively over the last 3 years. I host as many events as possible using local New Haven venues and employees.