MS in Business Management and Leadership
Class of 2023
What were some of the most defining aspects of your time at CUNY SPS?
The two most defining aspects of my time at CUNY SPS were: one, encountering faculty and non-faculty CUNY SPS team members that were focused on me and my personalized needs for success. They knew me by name and there was always a genuine connection with each of them. Two, reaching my two educational milestones—securing the degrees of BS in Health Information Management and MS in Business Management and Leadership, while working full-time, via the CUNY SPS online program along with a highly diverse group of professionals and non-professionals.
What is the best piece of advice, or most important thing you learned at CUNY SPS?
The most important lesson that I learned at CUNY SPS is that my journey was not unique; that many of us were pursuing our educational goals in the online program, faced similar fears, and that each student, faculty and staff member encountered along the way were a source of inspiration and encouragement. At CUNY SPS, I learned that with discipline and commitment to our common goal, nothing is impossible to achieve.
Who influenced you the most? Please feel free to include anyone from the CUNY SPS community including faculty, staff, or fellow classmates.
The faculty, my advisors, and classmates were the most influencing factors in completing my degrees. We learned from each other, encouraged each other, and related to each other’s lived experiences. They saw me as an individual and I saw each of them. Although it was an online program, the human touch never was absent from our interactions and learning. Connecting at our commencement ceremonies and recognizing each other was a transcending experience.
How has your CUNY SPS influenced your current job, and your career overall?
CUNY SPS propelled my career growth from an Assistant Vice-President Revenue Cycle Management role to that of Vice-President. As in any field, in healthcare your experience can take you far, but C-Suite positions require educational degrees. CUNY SPS provided me with the opportunity to secure my degrees while still working full-time. Each of my degrees served as professional and personal foundations for growth and equipped me with knowledge that has enhanced my problem solving ability and communications skills.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is contributing to an organization focused on providing critical medical services to an underserved community. My contribution is ensuring that our revenue cycle activities result in financial growth and viability in order for the organization to meet the needs and demands of the community served.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years from now, I see myself in my current role, and expanding the professional and personal growth and potential of each of my team members. Their success will be a measure of how successful I am in my leadership role.
OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What show/s are you currently watching? I enjoy watching SVU (Special Victims Unit), crime, horror, sci-fi, and movies that highlight humanity’s fragility but its most compassionate actions.
What is your favorite meal? Anything spicy resonates with my palate, and desert is always a must.
What is your favorite line in a movie? My favorite line in a movie is when in AVATAR the main characters, Jake and Neytiri, say to each other, “I see you.” This line resonates with me because it speaks to seeing the “real you” with all your imperfections; it implies that unconditional acceptance.
Favorite or most recent book you read? My two favorite books, of many books I can reference are: Embraced by the Light by Betty J. Eadie; and The Shack by William Paul Young.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, none, all? Yes to all, except TikTok, but limited activity as social media is found to bring us closest to those far away and isolates us from those most closest to us. However, it is the latest means of communication and connection in both the personal and professional arenas.
List 3 things you would bring to a deserted island.
A knife (preferably a large one like a machete) that can serve for protection and as a tool to build shelter and aid gathering edible items.
A fire starter tool – fire is critical to staying warm, keeping critters away, and cooking potential food.
A large journal/blank book – to keep a record of events, my thoughts, and emotions, a means to communicate my lived experience to others.