Christina Urbina, MBA-HA
Christina Urbina, MBA-HA, is a Senior Healthcare Executive with more than 17 years of experience leading strategy, operations, and service line development within large, mission-driven healthcare systems. Based in Elmwood Park, Illinois, she currently serves as Executive Director of Women and Children’s Health Services at Cook County Health, where she is responsible for advancing access, quality, and outcomes for women, children, and families across a safety-net hospital system. Her leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of healthcare systems, policy environments, and the operational realities of delivering equitable care.
Throughout her career, Christina has held progressive leadership roles overseeing maternal and child health programs, women’s health operations, and system-wide initiatives focused on performance management, grant administration, and service expansion. Her background spans healthcare operations, quality improvement, and strategic planning, with earlier experience in clinical coordination, quality management, and organizational leadership. She is recognized for her collaborative, data-informed approach to problem solving and her ability to guide teams through complex change while maintaining focus on patient-centered care and organizational mission.
Christina holds an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Concordia University Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Michigan. She is an alumna of the America’s Essential Hospitals Executive Leadership Fellowship and an active contributor to professional and community organizations supporting maternal health, reproductive equity, and leadership development. Guided by values of humility, honesty, and service, Christina remains committed to strengthening healthcare access through partnership-driven solutions that support the long-term health and well-being of the communities she serves.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare Administration
• America’s Essential Hospitals Executive Leadership Fellow
• University of Michigan – Bachelor’s Degree, Sociology (Health, Aging & Population; Social Welfare; Social Inequality; International Social Change)
• Concordia University Chicago – Master of Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare Administration
• America’s Essential Hospitals Executive Leadership Fellowship
• Mujeres De HACE Leadership Program Graduate (DePaul University)
• Certificate in Population Health Excellence (Johns Hopkins)
• “40 Under 40” recognition (earlier career)
• National Association of County Organizations Award for innovation in Women & Children’s services
• America’s Essential Hospitals (Executive Fellow Alumni)
• Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (Mujeres de HACE – Executive Auxiliary Board Member)
• State Infant and Maternal Mortality Risk Review Committee
• Undergraduate Alumni Association (Board Member)
• La Casa Norte
• Snow City Arts
• Volunteer involvement with reproductive justice organizations in Chicago
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being of service. Serving communities, patients, and teams is my professional sweet spot, and it consistently guides my leadership approach and decision-making.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to be clear about where they want to serve and ensure their work aligns with that purpose. Perseverance is essential, as healthcare is constantly evolving and requires resilience and adaptability.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The current healthcare landscape is heavily influenced by external policy changes, which create ongoing challenges. At the same time, these shifts present opportunities to rethink systems, strengthen partnerships, and find innovative solutions that preserve access to care.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Humbleness and honesty are the values that ground both my professional leadership and personal life. They guide how I engage with teams, partners, and the communities we serve.