Her Story
About Annette
Annette Alicea-Hurson is an accomplished educator, public administrator, and healthcare leader whose career has centered on empowering individuals through education, service, and leadership. She has served as an adjunct professor at Indiana University Northwest for more than two decades, teaching Puerto Rican history and culture as well as English as a second language to bilingual students. Through engaging lessons that incorporate history, music, food, dance, and personal experiences, Annette creates meaningful learning environments that encourage students to recognize their potential and succeed.
Beyond academia, Annette has built extensive leadership experience in public administration and healthcare services. She has held positions including Program Director at Help at Home and Indiana Mentor/Sevita Health, as well as Executive Director of a home care agency, overseeing programs and supportive services for individuals with special needs and other complex needs. Her leadership approach is grounded in meeting people where they are, developing staff, strengthening programs, and creating opportunities for both employees and those they serve to grow.
Annette earned her Bachelor of Science from Indiana University Bloomington on a full scholarship and later completed a Master of Public Administration at Indiana University Northwest. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community and cultural advocacy through her service as president of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Inc., where she supported scholarships, health fairs, and initiatives focused on culture, education, and the environment. Throughout her career, Annette has been guided by education, service, integrity, compassion, cultural awareness, and lifelong learning, with a commitment to helping others discover their own potential.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Annette
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to relationships, resilience, preparation, and a genuine commitment to helping others recognize their potential. For more than two decades in education, public administration, and healthcare leadership, I have focused on meeting people where they are, encouraging growth, and creating meaningful opportunities. My experiences have taught me the importance of communication, compassion, accountability, and staying positive through challenges. I believe people thrive when they feel seen, respected, and valued, and I carry that belief into every classroom, workplace, and community I serve.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my Spanish teacher, who encouraged me to move beyond my shyness and communicate with confidence. That lesson taught me that my voice has value and that every interaction is an opportunity to teach, encourage, and inspire others. I have carried that philosophy throughout my career, recognizing that education and leadership extend beyond the classroom and are built through relationships, communication, and example. I believe knowledge becomes most meaningful when it is shared and used to create opportunities for others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to find their voice, stay curious, and never underestimate the impact they can have on others. Embrace unexpected opportunities, build genuine relationships, and continue learning throughout your career. Remember that leadership is not defined by a title but by your ability to help others grow and become more confident and capable. Most importantly, be authentic and let your passion become one of your greatest professional strengths.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see both challenges and opportunities in education, healthcare, and public service, especially in meeting the diverse needs and experiences of the people we serve. The future requires professionals who combine expertise with empathy, innovation, collaboration, and advocacy. I believe there is a meaningful opportunity to connect education, healthcare, and cultural understanding to help students, patients, families, and communities thrive and build stronger, healthier, and more informed communities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are education, service, integrity, compassion, cultural awareness, and lifelong learning. I believe in empowering others through knowledge, respecting each person’s story, embracing diversity, and creating opportunities for people to discover their potential. Whether I am teaching, mentoring, leading, or serving my community, I strive to use my gifts to educate, uplift, and leave every community I touch stronger than I found it.
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