After 15 years in the same career, I realized I wasn’t growing, only enduring. Walking away took courage and faith, but it led to clarity, renewed purpose, and peace of mind.
Dana Elaine Siliven B.A. · In Her Own Words
Conflict is inevitable, but how we respond defines us. By staying calm, setting clear boundaries, and leading with integrity, I learned that professionalism transforms tension into progress.
How Women Dealt With a Belligerent Colleague and Found Strength in Professionalism
Explore moreMy mother taught me quiet strength, the kind that endures without complaint and keeps moving forward. From her, I learned that grace under pressure is its own form of power.
How Women Broke Free From the Perfectionist Trap and Learned to Thrive With Progress Over Perfection
Explore moreHer Story
Dana Siliven is a dedicated Quality Manager Manager at Washington University in St. Louis, where she brings analytical precision and a deep commitment to excellence to every initiative. With a Bachelor of Arts from Maryville University of Saint Louis, Dana has built a career focused on elevating healthcare standards, streamlining processes, and ensuring that systems work efficiently for both patients and professionals. Her ability to combine data-driven insights with compassionate leadership has earned her the respect of colleagues across disciplines.
Beyond her role at Washington University, Dana also serves as a consultant for Med Match Solutions, where she applies her expertise to help organizations strengthen operational effectiveness and enhance patient outcomes. Her professional philosophy centers around integrity, continuous learning, and collaboration—values that underpin her approach to leadership and quality improvement.
Dana believes that kindness is a powerful tool in leadership, shaping trust and culture more deeply than numbers alone ever could. She is passionate about mentoring others, fostering teamwork, and creating environments where people feel valued and supported. Through her work, Dana continues to make a lasting impact on the healthcare community while embodying the empathy and professionalism that define her career.
Her Interview
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance and curiosity. I started out studying English and working in medical records at St. Luke’s, but my drive to keep growing in the healthcare field led me to leadership—where I now coach physicians, make key decisions, and help shape stronger clinical teams.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to “face it till you make it” rather than “fake it till you make it” - to show up with confidence and determination even when things feel uncertain.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: work hard, stay focused, and never stop pushing yourself to grow. Most of all, keep your kindness and compassion. It will serve you well in the long run.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now is remaining positive when there is a lot of uncertainty in the air.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are creativity, discipline, and perseverance, whether it’s writing, dancing, horseback riding, or working toward publishing my book.
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