Putting Patients First (PPF) Blog: How did you first hear about the National Health Council and what made you want to become part of the NHC team?

The NHC is a member of Independent Sector, the organization I worked for previously, so I followed the NHC’s work for a number of years through that relationship. Once I started to take a closer look at the organization’s work, I was also impressed by the consistent patient-focused approach, commitment to health equity, and the thoughtful partnerships that the NHC was part of to advance their mission.

As I considered becoming part of the NHC team, I also reflected a lot on how chronic diseases have affected a number of my family members, friends, colleagues, and their families. 

PPF Blog: What other work have you done that will help you in this new role?

In over 10 years working in membership at Independent Sector, I saw the power of working together across missions to accomplish shared goals. I also learned more about how deeply important it is to advocate on behalf of your mission and encourage your networks to be engaged advocates as well. You don’t have to be a policy expert to be an effective advocate, and in fact, personal stories can go far in demonstrating how policies affect communities and individuals.

Some members of the NHC may also be interested to know of my enthusiasm for volunteerism. In addition to many years as a volunteer myself, Independent Sector also shared an annual updated value of volunteer time to demonstrate the significant contributions of volunteers. The updated value is released in partnership with the University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute, and I’m a proud Terp!

At Independent Sector one of the members that became most special to me was an organization working on maternal mental health. After becoming a mother myself, this area of health became even more vividly important to me.

I got my official start in the nonprofit sector at a breast cancer advocacy nonprofit, and that was foundational in seeing the power of empowered advocates in health policy. 

PPF Blog: What’s your favorite thing about working at the NHC so far?

The positivity of the staff and how dedicated my new colleagues are to their work, but they also care about their team members and like to have fun together.

As well, even in the health community, I am finding there is still such a variety of missions and ways that NHC members make a difference through their work. I am starting to connect with more members and can’t wait to get to know more of the incredible organizations that are part of the NHC’s membership.

PFF Blog: Tell us something about you that’s not on your resume. What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy visiting museums, and the American Writers Museum in Chicago was a recent good one to explore. I always love trying new coffee shops, bakeries, and brunches both at home and especially while traveling. I got back into Zumba classes about a year ago and love the way those classes are so fun they make you forget you’re exercising.

While some of my interests aren’t as easy to pursue regularly as a parent of a young child, I love sharing some of my favorite things to do with my daughter like reading and art and seeing what interests her most. In addition to being a mom, I’m excited to be a new aunt as well.