THE VALUED VOICE

Women health care leaders reflected on their industry experience and shared advice to colleagues looking to make the most of their careers at the 2021 Women in Health Care Leadership Conference in Pewaukee on Nov. 12.
 
Panel moderator Candace Sanchez, director of HIT Strategic Partnerships at Advocate Aurora Health, led a discussion among senior leaders from across Wisconsin health care organizations on career paths, empowering women leaders and the future of health care. Speakers included Bellin Health President and CEO Chris Woleske, Froedtert Hospital Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Richelle Webb Dixon, Advocate Aurora Health Aurora Sinai Medical Center and Greater Milwaukee Patient Service Area President Carrie Norbin Killoran and Wisconsin Hospital Association Vice President Jennifer Mueller.
 
Reflecting on the importance of supporting other women on their leadership journey, WHA’s Mueller noted the importance of mentorship. “I have been a mentor for many people in my 25-plus years in health care leadership—both men and women. They have included coworkers, young professionals and students, two of which specifically requested a mentor who was a woman in IT.”
 
Mueller and the other panelists encouraged professionals interested in growing their careers to say “yes” to opportunities, even if they are out of their comfort zones. The women leaders also stressed the value of volunteering. All the panelists had doors open to them as a result of their work in professional associations and other community initiatives.
 
The 2021 Women in Health Care Leadership Conference was sponsored by the Wisconsin chapters of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives.