Her Story
About Monica
I started my healthcare journey when I was young and didn't really know what I wanted to do, so I went to Robert Morris University back when it was still a university in Chicago and got my Associate's in Science in Medical Assisting. I started working at Mount Sinai Hospital on the west side of Chicago in ophthalmology, and then when COVID happened and they started giving us less hours, I went to work at Rush as a medical assistant from 2020 to 2021. While working at Rush in pediatrics, I realized I loved, loved, loved working with kids. I initially thought I wanted to be a doctor and went back to school to get my bachelor's in biology, finishing in December 2024. But when I tried to study for the MCAT, I just couldn't focus, and I figured that if I couldn't focus for this, it wasn't really what I wanted to do, because I know that when I really want to accomplish something, I'm gonna get it done. I knew I still wanted to work in healthcare because helping patients is something I'm very passionate about. So I went to get my master's in healthcare management from Dominican University, which I finished in December 2025. Now I'm an Administrative Fellow at La Rabida Children's Hospital, where I can gain more experience for a management position. I work directly with the CFO and CEO, and their guidance has been very, very helpful. I've been supporting operations everywhere in the hospital - I've helped with IT operations, pharmacy operations, environmental services, the outpatient clinic, and Joint Commission preparation for our audit that opens in July. I've developed policies for the outpatient clinic and environmental services department. For the past 3-4 years, I've also been helping Dr. Andre Ivey coordinate fundraising events for his nonprofit organization in Tanzania that trains surgeons and supports educational services there. We hold a small gala with about 100 people attending, and we've helped bring surgeons to train at Northwestern, Lurie's, and other hospitals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Monica
01What do you attribute your success to?
Watching my grandpa work diligently various hard labor positions all his life. It has created a tremendous impact on my mindset and work ethic. Alongside watching my mom combat adversities faced as a young mother. It’s what drives me to keep going, knowing that they could face anything and still accomplish their goals has molded my drive to succeed.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
That closed mouths do not get fed, and that the worst thing someone can say is no.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To look for opportunities to learn more because the more you know the bigger asset you are to the company. Along with keeping a calm composure and making an effort to build relationships with people. Networking is extremely important because you never know who someone else will know, that might be willing to help you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges in healthcare right now are severe turnover rates and staff shortages.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in work and life are to be kind, compassionate, patient, resilient, and open-minded.
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