Influential Woman · Hospital

Keya Hornsby

Notary

Sr. Executive Assistant, Houston Methodist

Katy, TX

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Associate Applied Science in Business Management Cert Chief of Staff certification Cert Lean Six Sigma white belt Cert Certified pharmacy technician with specialization in chemotherapy Cert Compounding Cert Repackaging Cert IV certified Cert Notary Member NAHSE (National Association of Healthcare Executives) Member NOVA

Her Story

About Keya

My career began in high school when I got a job through a business leaders program with the Food and Drug Administration as an administrative assistant, where I did filing and other basic tasks. That experience started my career path in being an assistant. At some point, I transitioned into pharmacy and worked as a pharmacy technician for a number of years, but eventually I decided to come back to what I know. I applied for a position in our pharmacy department and got it, then progressed from administrative assistant to Executive Assistant, and two and a half years ago, I was promoted to Senior Executive Assistant at Houston Methodist Hospital. In my current role, I support a vice president and nearly 500 employees as the only EA. My typical day starts with calendar management - making sure my executive's calendar is straight up to par with no interactions or meetings bumping up against each other, confirming people are going to be in meetings, and then communicating with my executive. I do so many things, but checking that calendar is always the first thing I do when I come in. My most notable professional achievement so far is becoming a Chief of Staff - I just got my Chief of Staff certification and I'm very, very proud of it. I also just got my Lean Six Sigma white belt and I'm currently working on my yellow belt.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Keya

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to my drive. I mean, it wasn't always easy, but I just kept going. You know, I had a husband that passed away many years ago, and then just kept going. Now the husband I have now, Dwayne, he's wonderful, and he's very supportive of everything that I want to do and want to achieve. Having that support system has been crucial to my success.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've ever received is don't be afraid - just jump out and if that's what you want to do, just do it. Another piece of advice that I really like and always tell people is reach out, don't burn out. Ask people for help. Don't try to do everything yourself and don't burn yourself out. Take those PTO days - that's what they're for.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to young women entering this industry is to be strong. Pay attention to details. Document, document, document - keep old documents. It's not as hard as you think it is, and have a very good listening ear. I also want young women to realize that being an executive assistant is an actual career. It pays very well, and people don't realize that. Even if you don't go to college, this is something that you can move up in. You start at, like, a receptionist, and then a secretary, and then you go to administrative assistant, then executive assistant, and then a senior. You're building your resume, because in this career, your resume is what talks - who have you supported and how good are you at being supportive. It doesn't happen overnight, but once you get there, you can make up to a six-figure salary in this career, especially when you get to C-suite. You gotta start young, though, you gotta get out there.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenge in my field right now is just keeping everyone together. Right now, I support over almost 500 employees, and I'm the only EA. So you have executives, you have leaders, and supervisors, and that's the challenge - keeping everybody together, and keeping everybody upbeat, and motivated, and just having that great personality. You know, you have your bad days, but my biggest challenge is just staying upbeat and motivated every day while keeping everybody together and happy.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me are family, God, and friends. In my work life, it's the same - God and family work environment. Having a positive work environment is crucial. People around you that you mesh well with, those things are important, because it gets you through the day.

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