What inspired you to work in community health?

I love witnessing miracles of compassion and generosity that ripple through a family and a community. After 20 years of amazing nonprofit work in conservation, education and public health, I am still stunned by the impact we can make providing free medical care to low-income, uninsured residents of the Florida Keys.

What do you find the most rewarding about your work now?

Helping vulnerable individuals and their families.  Having access to health care—and being properly cared for when dealing with sickness or disease—allows each person to live their life with dignity.

Tell us about your proudest or most challenging moment or day during the pandemic.

Back when it was nearly impossible to get tested for COVID-19, Good Health Clinic was one of the very first facilities to make testing available to our community. It was an incredibly difficult feat to pull off, requiring dozens of pieces to align. On our first day of testing, I thought of all the partners and donors who gave support, the professional and personal acquaintances who became champions of our clinic. I marveled at our staff, who maintained focus and compassion while flawlessly executing their jobs—decked out in PPE and never once letting the weight of their own stresses slow them down.  In that moment, I was incredibly proud to be part of our mission, our community, and the healthcare profession.

What is the most exciting thing you and your organization have accomplished this year?

This year we implemented a mental health program and brought a Licensed Mental Health Counselor into the clinic. It was a long-term goal, and we were able to realize it now, when it is more important than ever.

In your life, who inspires you and why?

I find inspiration in all sorts of places, from the random old man who shares a moment of vulnerability with a stranger in a grocery store, to the historical figures who gift us timeless words of wisdom.  But most often, I am inspired by the family and friends who continually teach me who I am. I believe if you keep yourself open to wisdom wherever it shows up, you can’t help but be inspired to keep evolving as a person. Every day I feel blessed by the universe for the people in my life.

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.

I love post-apocalyptic fiction.  

What inspired you to work in community health/healthcare?

As a young student, I excelled in math and science and wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to use those talents to give back to my community. Growing up in the inner city, I was keenly aware of healthcare inequities—so many members of my community either had inadequate access to quality healthcare or none at all. Witnessing this first hand on a daily basis motivated me to devote myself to improving circumstances for the underserved.

What was your first job in community health/healthcare?

While I was in college, I worked as a secretary on the Labor and Delivery floor in a hospital in New Jersey. After I graduated, I got a job as a staff nurse on a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

What do you find the most rewarding about your work now?

I really enjoy mentoring young, up and coming leaders. Working together to ensure our most vulnerable populations have access to safe, high quality, and patient-centric care is very gratifying.  

Tell us about your proudest or most challenging moment or day during the pandemic.

I am most proud of the commitment, dedication and resilience of our staff and physicians. They have taken on COVID-19 like true warriors! Because of their tireless efforts, Memorial Healthcare System successfully led in all aspects of pandemic response, including testing, care management, and vaccinations. 

What is the most exciting thing you and your organization have accomplished this year?

Being appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the healthcare system has been a truly exciting and humbling experience. It has been both an honor and privilege to lead some of the most phenomenal CEOs and Vice Presidents through these unprecedented times. 

Have you ever had a mentor? If so, what was the most valuable thing they taught you?

One of the best mentors I have ever had taught me that integrity and courage are two of the most valuable characteristics a great leader can possess. They also taught me that protecting one’s integrity will be an ongoing struggle and that it must be protected at all costs because once compromised, it can never be fully recovered.

In your life, who inspires you and why?

I find inspiration from many people in my life.  My mother taught me, through her words and actions, how to be a survivor. She also instilled in me the belief that there is nothing in life that I cannot achieve as long as I’m willing to work hard. Oprah Winfrey has also inspired me. She triumphed over many evils in life and still managed to become a selfless humanitarian and true pioneer for women’s empowerment. She’s shown me it’s possible to thrive despite my difficult beginnings.  

Finish this sentence: I’m proud of myself for…

…having the courage to place a few cracks in not just a few glass ceilings, the fortitude to persevere through challenging times, the humility to know that I didn’t do it alone and the servant’s heart to recognize the importance of paying it forward.

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.

I come from a long legacy of survivors — my mom is a holocaust survivor and my dad was the descendant of a slave.

What inspired you to work in community health? 

I lost a dear friend of mine to breast cancer 22 years ago. She delayed making medical decisions because she was uninsured. Shortly after she passed away, I started volunteering with the American Cancer Society. Two years later, I left my job in the fashion industry, took a $40,000 pay cut and went to work running the American Cancer Society’s Manhattan Breast Health Partnership in New York. Every year, my team and I helped over 3,000 uninsured women like my friend access breast cancer prevention services as well as diagnostic tests.  

What was your most challenging moment during the pandemic? 

Prior to becoming Vice Mayor of Lauderhill, I ran a company called MD Marketing Network. Like most entrepreneurs, I saw my business go from a thriving enterprise with multiple projects to being on life support during the early days of the pandemic. I used this as an opportunity to pause and pivot. I decided to focus exclusively on my political campaign. During this time, I created the Dunn Wisdom Morning Show, going live on social media every weekday morning, speaking to the community, encouraging them and offering support. I also completed my ontological and mindfulness coaching certification during the pandemic. So, although it was a challenging time, it was also quite productive!

What is the most exciting thing you and your organization have accomplished this year? 

I’m proud of co-founding the Lauderhill Health and Prosperity Partnership, which helped the city win a $3.8 million grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services to address COVID-19 health literacy. This year, we also created Lauderhill Shines, a capacity-building initiative offering education, mentoring, access and support to entrepreneurs. To date, we have helped launch over 50 businesses in the City of Lauderhill. 

Have you ever had a mentor? If so, what was the most valuable thing they taught you? 

Yes, my grandmother. The most valuable thing I learned from her is to always try your best and treat people kindly. She was an entrepreneur as well. I grew up watching her serve her community, always being generous and kind to our neighbors. This is how I choose to live my life today.

In your life, who inspires you and why? 

I am inspired by the girls in my Hibiscus Girls Leadership Academy, a six-month leadership program for high school girls. Watching them balance schoolwork with extracurricular activities while dreaming about their future reminds me that we are all united in our humanity. 

Finish this sentence, I am proud of myself for… 

…being resilient. There were plenty of times along my journey when I overcame profound challenges, like losing a child and being homeless. Although I wanted to quit, I kept going. I asked for help and allowed myself to be supported. I’m proud of that.

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.

I was in a beauty pageant in college.

What inspired you to work in community health? 

As a child, I was hospitalized for several weeks and learned firsthand that everyone needs health insurance, and that healthcare is a human right.  

What was your first job in community health? 

I worked as a legal services staff attorney helping poor people in Miami-Dade County overcome barriers to care and coverage.

 What do you find the most rewarding about your work now? 

Joining forces with our clients, some of Florida’s most vulnerable citizens, to address barriers to healthcare—both for themselves and others. By bravely sharing their personal narratives, they can raise awareness in a way we can’t with other advocacy tools. For example, after allowing us to film a video about her struggle, one of our clients, Alene Shaheed, was featured in a New York Times story that explored the need for more home and community-based resources for Medicaid recipients struggling to remain independent and out of a nursing home. 

What is the most exciting thing you and your organization have accomplished this year? 

I am most excited about our leadership role in helping to pass the extension of postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months for new moms in Florida.  I can personally claim no credit for this success — it was spearheaded by our Executive Director Alison Yager.  But I am proud that I encouraged Alison to organize and lead this effort. 

Have you ever had a mentor? If so, what was the most valuable thing they taught you? 

I’ve been fortunate to have had several amazing mentors, including my old boss for over 20 years at legal services, Kent Spuhler. The most valuable thing he taught me was to “go forth and do good.”

In your life, who inspires you and why? 

The late Paul Farmer is the most inspirational person I’ve ever encountered. Among other things, he touched and saved countless lives, helped transform the health care systems of some of the world’s poorest nations and co-founded one of the most profoundly positive and impactful nonprofits in the history of nonprofits, Partners in Health. He spoke truth to power. Perhaps most inspiring, he was humble and collaborative. 

 Finish this sentence. I’m proud of myself for… 

…starting a new nonprofit when I was 64 years old because there was an unmet need in Florida for an organization such as ours. 

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.  

I am still rollerblading at age 68.

What inspired you to work in community healthcare? 

My mother was the charge nurse at the San Fernando General Hospital in Trinidad. When I was a young girl, maybe four years old, she would take me to work with her and I would sit at the nurse’s station with crayons and paper. One of those times, we were in the pediatric burn unit, and I could hear children crying. My heart ached for them, and I felt their sadness envelop my entire being. Sneaking past beeping monitors and IV tethers, I would approach their beds and regale them with vivid, playful stories. Seeing their sadness transform into laughter ignited a fire in me to help and heal. 

What was your first job in community healthcare? 

I worked as a volunteer secretary for our pre-med American Medical Student Association in my undergraduate years at the University of Central Florida. As a member of the founding team, we challenged boundaries that contributed to health disparities. We rallied on the steps of Capitol Hill for health care reform. 

What do you find the most rewarding about your work now? 

Connecting with and serving my patients as an Internal Medicine physician and advocating for health equity. 

Tell us about your proudest or most challenging moment or day during the pandemic.  

Losing so many precious lives to COVID-19, especially in vulnerable communities, was heart wrenching. Balancing the needs of my patients, colleagues, family, and other commitments required new ways of thinking and acting. I am very proud of my family, patients, colleagues, and fellow leaders for being so nimble during this pandemic. Though our world is forever changed, we are emerging with a stronger appreciation of the need for inclusive medicine, science, research, and community building.

What is the most exciting thing you and your organization have accomplished this year? 

This pandemic opened new avenues to collaborate, teach and connect. Despite the challenges imposed by the pandemic, we were able to grow our Caribbean Diaspora Health Initiatives through innovative media programming, digital disease prevention education and the advancement of an app that facilitates the entry of more underrepresented individuals into healthcare fields. We also launched a successful continuing education program—the Excellence in Healthcare and Medicine Clinical Symposium— which connected thought leaders and experts with the larger healthcare community.

Have you ever had a mentor? If so, what was the most valuable thing they taught you? 

My mother, Meharoon, showed me how to stay grounded in humility. She believed it was our privilege to care for patient’s lives. She also taught me early on the importance of continually expanding your knowledge base and transcending the confines of a clinic space to embrace the voices and needs of our richly diverse community.

In your life, who inspires you and why?

A: I am inspired daily by my four children—Zarina, Anisa, Nadia and Adam— and my husband of 25 years, Jason. Also, my family, colleagues, students, and close friends. Lessons learned from each of these interactions help me continuously refine the way I live and care for those around me.

Finish this sentence: I’m proud of myself for… 

…breaking barriers in pursuit of innovative ways to harness positive changes in science, medicine, healthcare and more.

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.  

Together with my second daughter Anisa, we planted over 20 pots of herbs and vegetables that I plan to include in the dishes prepared on In the Kitchen with Dr. H, my Caribbean health cooking show that you can watch on Facebook or YouTube. 

What inspired you to work in community health/healthcare? 

I arrived in the U.S. from Kingston, Jamaica in the summer of 1968. My family of six crammed into a small two bedroom apt in a three-story walk up in Brooklyn. The block had several children. Some spoke Spanish, some spoke English. Initially, I wasn’t allowed to play with them because, as my parents said, “Them too rambunctious!” One of their favorite activities was roller-skating. They would hold onto the back of a bus and skate behind it, letting go as they reached the bottom of the hill, where I watched them from my window. One day, a new girl joined them. They were all laughing and screaming, “Mira! Mira!” — “look at me” in Spanish—when the bus abruptly stopped. The experienced riders adjusted and let go. But the new girl lurched back and hit her head. Adults ran to help. The bus driver called for an ambulance. Blood gushed from her head. We waited and waited. “Where is the ambulance?” everyone asked. The police arrived. Still no ambulance. Finally, an older black gentleman said, “Ain’t no ambulance coming. They never send no ambulance here.” When it became clear he was right, the cop lifted the unconscious girl into his squad car and drove her to the hospital himself. I was ten years old. I knew this wasn’t right. I knew there was something more we could do. The something I could do was become a doctor. 

What was your first job in community health/healthcare? 

A: My first job was doing blood pressure screenings. I was in 9^th grade in New York City at the time. I was in a pre-med program funded by the economic opportunity act to get more Black students, who were historically underrepresented in medicine, into the field. 

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your patients?  

After 38 years in the field, many of them working on the front lines of the HIV epidemic, I’ve seen how health outcomes are influenced by social determinants. It all comes down to access to money and power. To give you an example, one of my patients is Haitian. She doesn’t speak English. She has a job in the flower markets. It’s incredibly hot and the working conditions are terrible. If you have any kind of chronic disease, this kind of a job is very hard on the body. Ultimately, she couldn’t continue. But when someone like her quits, our society calls them lazy. What we really need to do is look at the boss. Insist on better working conditions. Most people would work if they were treated with dignity. If they were given a lunch hour or were able to take a water break. It is the system that is broken. Not the people. 

What is the most exciting thing you and your organization have accomplished this year? 

Bringing together the leaders of this community —the pastors, the nurses, the doctors—to educate residents about the Coronavirus and help get more people vaccinated. We now have this incredible infrastructure that we can use moving forward to continue to educate and support people and help provide better access to healthcare and education. 

Have you ever had a mentor? If so, what was the most valuable thing they taught you? 

Yes, it’s impossible to become a doctor without mentors. One of the first ones was a woman named Alice Miller, who ran the pre-med program at the high school I attended in New York. When we were starting out, she would bring in older Black medical students and physicians so we could see there were others who looked like us doing this work. Later, when I attended George Washington University School of Medicine, I was one of four Black women out of a class of 20. There, Gerald Thompson and Dr. Freeman were also great mentors. They taught me to believe in myself.  They were tremendously supportive to all the Black residents. They told us, “You are going to have challenges, but you’ve got the skills.” They gave us resources—they brought in tutors, they built us up. Just having someone who believed in you, and helped you acquire all the knowledge and skills you needed to make it to the next step, made all the difference. 

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.  

I’m pretty klutzy. I drop a lot of things! People think I’m incredibly capable, but I can also be absent-minded. My son bought me a T-shirt that says, “clumsy, clumsy.” He knows!  

What inspired you to work in community health/healthcare?

As a Clinical Psychologist, I was trained to think about health and mental health primarily on an individual level. However, I noticed common themes across many of my clients — mainly, that context matters and that their environments played a much bigger role in their health and well-being than could be contained within the four walls of my office.

What was your first job in community health?

I started at college counseling centers at the University of Colorado, Boulder and the University of Virginia. Universities are like villages. They often serve as a microcosm of the larger community. I learned a lot about the interrelatedness of social determinants of health and the need for equity, capacity building and empowerment across all levels of the university. 

Tell us about your proudest or most challenging moment or day during the pandemic.

I think many of us struggled with a sense of helplessness especially seeing the communities we serve be disproportionately impacted. On a personal note, I experienced a health crisis during the pandemic. Eight days after giving birth to my son, I suffered a “widowmaker” heart attack caused by what’s called spontaneous coronary artery dissection, a rare type of heart event that tends to occur in younger, previously healthy women with no history of heart disease. This experience of survival and recovery, especially in the context of the pandemic, has given me a much more nuanced and personal understanding of the importance of access to healthcare, the ability to advocate for your medical needs, and of having resources and a support system. 

What is the most exciting thing you and your organization have accomplished this year? 

I would say the most exciting thing UHP has done is continue to strengthen and activate many partnerships across our key initiative areas — age-friendly communities, healthy streets and public spaces, and food access, security, and justice. 

Have you ever had a mentor? If so, what was the most valuable thing they taught you? 

I have been very fortunate to have had several mentors. They taught me what it means to be a compassionate, empathic leader. This includes embracing vulnerability, prioritizing relationships, and being grounded in social justice values. 

In your life, who inspires you and why? 

The women in my life who show me every day what it takes to be resilient, strong, and loving. My mom’s unconditional love, my sister’s compassionate heart, my mentors’ fierce kindness and conviction, my mother-in-law’s selflessness, my sister-in-law’s steadiness, my co-workers’ passion, and my late grandmother’s fighting spirit—they all inspire me every day. 

Finish this sentence: I’m proud of myself for…

…taking risks professionally and personally. Whether it’s moving across the country for a new professional opportunity or taking on the physical and emotional vulnerability of IVF, I think those are the moments that have brought me the most growth and opportunity. 

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.  

I have dual citizenship in the United States and the European Union. I have lived in three countries, 4 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. I have moved houses at least 25 times throughout my life. These many adventures have helped shape the lens of how I see and understand the world and people around me. 

What inspired you to work in community health? 

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.” I have seen this inhumanity but also been inspired by the many people and organizations committed to changing our healthcare system. 

What was your first job in this field? 

I served on a board member of the Jessie Trice Community Health System, an organization that provides primary medical care services to underserved areas.

What do you find the most rewarding about your work now? 

Without a doubt, the people. We operate on a “collective impact model” which essentially means that we intentionally bring people together across various sectors in a structured way for the purpose of solving a complex problem—in our case, health disparities. I work with over 65 organizations and 100 individuals daily. Smart, compassionate, highly committed and collaborative, these people all share a vision of what it means to remove barriers to good health. 

Tell us about your proudest or most challenging moment or day during the pandemic.  

During the pandemic, our city was designated an All-American City by the National Civic League. This award recognizes our organization’s use of inclusive civic engagement to address critical issues and create stronger connections among residents, businesses, and nonprofit and government leaders. The application process consisted of several steps. Shortly after we were selected as a finalist, we went into lockdown. We had to figure out how to move through the remaining steps of our application virtually during a time when remote working was new and unfamiliar. Given the constraints, winning felt amazing. 

What is the most exciting thing you and your organization have accomplished this year? 

We have been granted several opportunities to highlight our work at the local, state and national level. This past year, our initiative was featured at the Center for Disease Control’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Annual Conference as a best practice model. 

Have you ever had a mentor? If so, what was the most valuable thing they taught you? 

I recently had a conversation with a woman who I deeply respect. We were talking about me taking on a new role, one which she occupied. I said, “I cannot possibly step into those gigantic shoes you wear.” She replied, “You don’t have to, because you have your own stilettos.” It reminded me to believe in my strengths.

In your life, who inspires you and why?  

My late mother. She was a phenomenal woman: beautiful, strong, courageous and determined. She taught me the importance of being kind, working hard, giving back, showing gratitude and being there for the ones you love. When things are tough, I think about her strength and all the things she accomplished despite the many challenges she endured, and I feel instantly motivated.  

Finish this sentence: I’m proud of myself for… 

…learning to say no and being okay with saying no. 

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.  

I can be a bit of a recluse. There are times when I crave and need solitude.

What inspired you to work in community health/healthcare? 

I have always had a passion for helping others. Growing up, several of my family members suffered from mental health problems like anxiety and depression. I was the family member they came to for a helping hand, so it was a natural fit when I discovered psychology in college and went on to get my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.

What was your first job in community health? 

I worked as an admissions counselor for The Village South, a Miami nonprofit substance abuse treatment center that is part of the Thriving Mind network. I helped people seeking treatment for substance use. 

What do you find the most rewarding about your work now?

Today, I continue to help individuals in need, but from a system level. As the Chief Operating Officer for Thriving Mind South Florida, I am responsible for programming across a whole network of behavioral health agencies that serve the uninsured and underinsured population in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Ensuring individuals in need have access to quality behavioral health care is the most rewarding part of my work. 

Tell us about your proudest or most challenging moment or day during the pandemic. 

One of the most challenging and proudest moments during the pandemic came early in the COVID-19 crisis. As we began to navigate our “new normal,” our network facilities were challenged with virus outbreaks. So we quickly had to shift our operations to allow for social distancing and new protocols. This meant asking regulating bodies — like Medicaid and other health insurance providers — for flexibility in funding and/or rules. My team succeeded in setting up flexible payments, providing healthcare workers with personal protective equipment, and relaxing oversight protocols to ensure workers could serve as many individuals as possible during uncertain times. 

What is the most exciting thing you and your organization have accomplished this year? 

We are especially proud to have helped our provider network continue to maintain quality treatment and prevention services for over 75,000 individuals despite the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19. 

Have you ever had a mentor? If so, what was the most valuable thing they taught you? 

My mom immigrated to this country from Cuba when she was only 16. At that young age, she had to work and was unable to finish school. Despite this, she succeeded professionally and personally. She instilled a strong work ethic in me, pushing me to always persevere in the face of challenges. She worked numerous jobs so I could go to college and have a better life than she did. 

In your life, who inspires you and why? 

My daughter. I did not truly understand love until I became a mother myself. I want to make the world a better place for her. 

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.  

I have a minor in dance and used to compete in dance competitions growing up. 

What inspired you to work in community health? 

I came to healthcare by way of community organizing. WeCount! rallies day laborers, domestic workers, farmworkers, and plant nursery workers in South Dade around immigrant and worker rights. Our membership was particularly hard hit during the pandemic. 

What do you find the most rewarding about your work now? 

Our member’s testimonials. Hearing how empowered and motivated they feel to contribute to the growth and success of WeCount! is extremely gratifying. 

Tell us about your proudest or most challenging moment or day during the pandemic.  

It was very hard witnessing the dire need many individuals in our community faced during this pandemic. As lockdowns forced  jobs to shutter, our community struggled with the financial repercussions, and many were excluded from the majority of government interventions, including stimulus payments. Our members also faced challenges accessing healthcare, a longstanding problem that was exacerbated by the pandemic. The first mutual aid program in Miami-Dade allowed us to begin to address some of these crises. Using these funds, we were able to distribute over $250,000 to more than 700 people and their families. Later, as the pandemic raged on and misinformation spread, WeCount! began doing outreach and education, serving as a trusted messenger to promote safety and sanitation best practices as well as vaccination. Over the last two years, we’ve distributed thousands of personal protective equipment, like face masks, and educational materials to workers throughout South Dade. 

What is the most exciting thing you and your organization have accomplished this year? 

WeCount! launched our worker-led campaign, Que Calor!, to grant protections around hydration, shade, rest for outdoor workers in Miami-Dade County. We increased our campaign circle from roughly 20 workers to over 200 participants through the year.

In your life, who inspires you and why? 

My team and their unrelenting commitment to our mission—and our members.

Finish this sentence: I’m proud of myself for…

Graduating with my second bachelor’s degree in economics in 2021, amid the chaos we’ve experienced in the last two years. 

What inspired you to work in healthcare? 

My own healing journey drew me to the field. When I was a sophomore in high school, I wanted to become a lawyer. But then I became pregnant with my first son, and my dreams of becoming “something in life” suddenly seemed very out of reach. It was a long, hard season in my life. After I gave birth, I remember my post-partum nurse sitting with me. As she took my vitals, she said, “This isn’t the end for you, it’s the beginning.” Shortly after that, I realized I wanted to work in healthcare. 

What was your first job in healthcare? 

I worked in a hospital as a labor and delivery nurse. I always volunteered to take care of the teenage moms. Helping bring their babies into the world gave me so much joy. Holding a mother’s hand while she fought tiredness and despair and then seeing the happiness that flooded through her when she got to the other side of that pain…I related so strongly to that rollercoaster of emotion. I loved being a women’s health nurse. 

What do you find the most rewarding about your work now? 

I love serving my community, my nurses, and my patients. As a CEO, I try to make decisions that will not only improve healthcare for all women and children, but to eliminate disparities in access. Understanding what people need—and helping them find it—is the most rewarding part of my job. 

Tell us about your proudest moment during the pandemic.  

Early in the pandemic, we had a woman who was pregnant and intubated due to COVID. We had to deliver her baby early in order to save her life. Due to our pandemic visitation policy, she was alone; her husband wasn’t allowed to see her. I agonized over this. How could we not let him see his wife before she went off to surgery, knowing that it might be the last time he saw her? So, I sat with my team and her physicians to discuss the pros and cons of letting him in to see his wife before she went into surgery. In the end, we worked with our hospital administrators to close off a hallway in the hospital so her husband could kiss and pray with her before she went in. Our patient survived. The husband was so appreciative, he couldn’t stop crying. 

What is the most exciting thing you and your organization have accomplished this year? 

This year, we have accomplished so many amazing things that make me proud of our teams at Holtz Children’s Hospital and The Women’s Hospital at Jackson Memorial. We attained a vaginal birth after a C-section certification (known as V-BAC); we reduced the C-section rate of our patients, and we ramped up emergency services at Holtz Children’s Hospital. Our organization also opened Jackson West Medical Center, which allows us to provide healthcare to some of the county’s fastest-growing residential and commercial communities in the West Miami-Dade area.

Have you ever had a mentor? If so, what was the most valuable thing they taught you? 

Pride goes before a fall, so always stay humble. And don’t forget, all every person wants is to be loved and chosen. If you provide those two things, people will follow you. 

In your life, who inspires you and why? 

My mother. She is a single mom, fierce and fearless, with the resilience of an angel. If she sees someone hungry, she will not rest until that person gets something to eat. She has taught me to be a good human, and I love her for that. My husband is also an inspiration for me. He and I have been together since we were 14 years old. He was supportive when I got pregnant as a teenager. He is selfless and always puts others first. 

Finish this sentence: I’m proud of myself for… 

…never giving up. 

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.  

I got engaged in a McDonald’s parking lot. We were only 19 years old. He was so excited he couldn’t wait to get to the restaurant where he had planned to propose so he literally got on one knee in the parking lot of McDonald’s. 

What inspired you to work in community healthcare? 

I have always wanted to help others, particularly underserved individuals. 

What was your first job in community health? 

My first job was when I was a teenager in my homeland, Haiti. Along with members of my church, I helped feed needy individuals in our community. It was so fulfilling to see the smiles we put on their faces.

What do you find the most rewarding about your work now? 

As the President of the Haitian American Nurses Association, I find it incredibly fulfilling to be able to support nursing students. We offer a scholarship that allows many of them to finish their studies. As a nurse practitioner, my most rewarding experience comes from providing care to those in need. It’s challenging to make some patients compliant with their treatment plan. But when they tell you that you make them feel important, you realize you are making a big difference in their lives. 

Tell us about your proudest or most challenging moment or day during the pandemic.

My proudest moment during the pandemic was when I was able to use my musical talent as a pianist to calm the community. I played soothing music via Facebook and YouTube when our people needed it the most.   

What is the most exciting thing you and your organization have accomplished this year? 

The most exciting thing we accomplished at the Haitian American Nurses Association this year was acquiring a larger office space so that we can provide more education programs to the community.

Have you ever had a mentor? If so, what was the most valuable thing they taught you? 

One of my favorite mentors gave me the following advice: Don’t sweat the small stuff, stay positive, be as transparent as possible, and always communicate clearly. 

In your life, who inspires you and why? 

My Dad, the Reverend. Dr. Mariot Valcin. He was a minister for many years, and I’ve always adored his leadership style. He is organized, compassionate and caring. He also delegates well and has great interpersonal skills.  

Finish this sentence: I’m proud of myself for… 

…my three beautiful children. They are self-sufficient, kind, respectful, and loving. 

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.  

I am a pianist and a therapeutic musician.