Her Story
About Melissa
Melissa Jackson is an emerging healthcare administration professional with experience in hospital operations, human resources, research, and community engagement. She currently serves as an Administrative Fellow at Healthcare Outcomes Performance Co. in Phoenix, Arizona. Previously, she completed administrative and HR internships with Stanford Children’s Health at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital and Broward Health. Her background includes healthcare research, data analysis, and community event coordination, supported by her graduate study. She earned a bachelor's degree in health science and a master's degree in health administration from the University of Central Florida in 2025. Jackson's areas of specialization include project management and strategic planning. She is a member of NAHSC, ACHE, and Alpha Kappa Alpha, and she placed fifth in a case competition at UCF.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to my hard work and my mindset of never giving up. If I did give up, I probably wouldn't be where I am today. I always think about the future. I also attribute my success to my parents who made it easy for me to focus on school, and to my mentors who have guided me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received is don't just take one no, continue to try. It only takes that one yes. Even after many no's, the 51st try might get that one yes, so remain optimistic and don't give up.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Dress the part, always dress professionally and look your best. Always say yes to every opportunity and every learning opportunity. Look towards certifications and enhancing skills, never get complacent. Have a mentor to lean on and network with people.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is job security and finding a position that pays enough to live comfortably, especially with rent being expensive. Getting a job in healthcare was harder at times, and finding respectable pay after earning bachelor's and master's degrees.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In work: innovation, always moving forward and accepting what's new; operating as a family with kindness and hope like at Stanford Children's. Personally: creativity, using it in content creation and social media; family, as my parents have been supportive financially, emotionally, and mentally.
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