Michelle Lavagnino, DrPH(c)

I attribute my success to the discipline, resilience, and teamwork I developed through my experience as a Division I collegiate athlete. Athletics instilled in me a strong work ethic, the ability to perform under pressure, and the importance of collaboration toward a shared goal. These foundational skills continue to guide my professional approach, enabling me to navigate complex challenges, remain adaptable in demanding environments, and consistently contribute as a reliable and results-driven team member.

As a hardworking, disciplined former Division I athlete who’s intelligent and curious, your biggest career advantage is your ability to outwork, outlearn, and stay resilient longer than most people. Focus on paths where effort compounds over time including roles with high ceilings, measurable performance, and strong leadership. Prioritize environments where top performers win big, keep the athlete mindset of structure and discipline, and follow areas that genuinely spark your curiosity so your motivation stays sustainable. Ultimately, the largest career growth and wealth come from creating value that scales beyond just your own time and effort.

Women who are hardworking, intelligent, and disciplined should lean into their ambition unapologetically and seek environments where performance matters more than politics. Advocate for your ideas, negotiate your value, and don’t wait to be perfectly ready before taking on bigger opportunities. Build a strong network of mentors and sponsors who will open doors, and surround yourself with people who respect your competence. At the same time, maintain the confidence to set boundaries and define success on your own terms, whether that means leadership, ownership, impact, or flexibility. The key is to play the long game, trust your abilities, and position yourself where your work and voice carry real influence.

Long-term care is facing significant pressure from staffing shortages, tight reimbursement, complex regulations, and increased public scrutiny, which make it harder for nursing homes to operate and adopt new programs. At the same time, the industry has major long-term opportunity due to the rapidly aging population, rising mental health and chronic disease, and growing demand for both facility-based and home-based care. Technology, new care models, and outcome-focused programs are beginning to transform how care is delivered, but many providers still need guidance to implement them effectively. This creates a strong opportunity for professionals who can bridge clinical innovation, education, and practical implementation, helping organizations improve outcomes while navigating financial and operational challenges.

In both my work and personal life, I value honesty, transparency, hard work, strong relationships, and trust. I believe in being straightforward and authentic in my communication, holding myself accountable, and consistently putting in the effort required to achieve meaningful goals. Building genuine relationships is important to me, and I strive to create environments where people feel respected, supported, and able to rely on one another. Ultimately, I believe that when honesty and transparency guide actions, and trust is built through hard work and integrity, both professional success and personal fulfillment naturally follow.