April 2022: Workforce Development

The Value of Professional Organization Membership—A Young Professional's Perspective 

As I reflect on my path as an aspiring healthcare leader, I am grateful for the role NAHSE has played in my career journey. NAHSE not only provides a community of colleagues, leaders, and mentors that share similar aspirations as me, but they are also people who look like me. I grew up in an underserved community both in Tema, Ghana and Bronx, NY, where you rarely see Black people (certainly not women) introducing themselves as healthcare leaders or executives. When I graduated college and even up to five years ago when I was working at a foster agency, I wasn’t thinking of one day being a healthcare executive. Joining NAHSE made this Black female young professional see the possibility of one day being a healthcare leader who can serve her community and all communities by advancing health equity and mitigating disparities.

Why did you choose to serve as chair of the Young Professionals Committee?

I want to see people of color succeed, and I desire to be the person who I needed when I began my journey in healthcare leadership. This commitment drove my decision to serve as NAHSE YPC Conference and Event Co-chair and the Connecticut Chapter Young Professionals Committee Chair.  I've spoken to several colleagues who, just like myself, either grew up in underserved communities or weren't fortunate to have attended prominent schools that provided programs for building and sustaining our careers post-graduation. I experienced both these challenges. Coming across NAHSE three years ago was the turning point I needed as a young professional venturing into the healthcare industry and figuring out my interests. Quickly, I recognized that NAHSE sets itself apart as an organization that values the advancement and elevation of all, irrespective of their educational pedigree.

Seeing local NAHSE leaders serve ignited my own passion to serve my peers and community. I saw many examples of leaders investing their valuable time in the advancement and development of Black health care leaders and their community. Their example spurs me forward. Serving as YPC Co-Chair at a national level and Chair at the local level is a humbling opportunity that allows me to advocate for my peers, organize educational events for our career growth, and develop social events so we can build our network and support one another towards the advancement of our community.

What is your vision for NAHSE CT’s Young Professionals Committee?

As someone who moved from one underserved community in the Bronx, NY to another in Hartford, CT, I see the need for the future generations of BIPOC* healthcare leaders to help build their communities. Connecticut is becoming one of the fastest growing small states in the country, and its future depends on strong cities and forward-thinking leaders. Our job as an organization is to support educational institutions and health care corporations in cultivating their young leaders so we have young individuals interested in staying and investing in our communities and the state of Connecticut. The future of health care is innovation, but it is also our young leaders.

*Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

What is your charge to young professionals?

I strongly urge every aspiring healthcare leader to join their local chapter of NAHSE. My vision for all young professionals is to be our own advocates and also be support systems for others. Let’s continue being the generation that challenges the status quo and finds new ways to elevate the quality of health care services rendered to BIPOC individuals and underserved communities. As young professionals to be successful in our career aspirations, we need spaces where we can learn and grow with curiosity and support. To push the envelope and make real change, we also need to be coachable and willing to learn – and unlearn. I can’t think of a more inclusive organization than NAHSE that gives you space to be your true self while on your journey of learning. NAHSE helps make your aspirations a reality through mentorship, coaching, opportunities for active participation in leadership roles, educational and social networking events, academic scholarships, and career sponsorship. If you are looking for a way to develop as a leader and give back to your community, join us!

Here are 3 ways to make the most out of NAHSE CT and your career as a young professional.

1.       Join a local committee: Lead or support a committee towards the advancement of your chapter.

2.       Stay engaged: Build relationships with each other (peer-to-peer) and attend NAHSE CT events to continue learning new ways to build and sustain your career in healthcare.

3.       Identify a mentor: Learn and seek professional counsel from leaders invested in helping you become the best version of yourself.

Victoria Okyere is an administrative fellow at Hartford HealthCare and serves as NAHSE CT’s Young Professional Chair. She is passionate about advancing care delivery and improving access through a health equity operational lens, coordinated care collaboration, and community health engagement.