Her Story
About Marsha (Nicole)
My career path started after a bad car accident at age 12 when I wanted to be a pediatric cardiologist. I realized in college I was better at managing and being a liaison. I started in banking as a customer service manager, then ophthalmology where I became certified as an ophthalmic assistant, surgical assistant, and ophthalmic scribe, working up to management. Now in cardiothoracic surgery as a liaison helping scared patients through open-heart and thoracic surgery, handling prior authorizations, tests, education, and managing staff. I grew up with Middle Eastern immigrant parents who showed me hard work, attended Albion College where I was an RA, mentor, and diversity mentor, learning to speak up and lead.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marsha (Nicole)
01What do you attribute your success to?
My parents and family. They are first-generation immigrants who came here with nothing, worked hard, faced adversity, cultural differences and language barriers, never took no for an answer, and showed me what hard work looks like.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Anybody can take anything away from you except for your education. So learn as much as you can wherever you are at, because at some point, it will be an asset to you, and it's something that no one can take away from you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do not ever let anyone tell you that you cannot do something. Only person who should decide that is if it is for you, and that is you. I tell that to my three daughters every day.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Gender bias and assumptions that women get jobs or promotions because of their gender rather than merit, and salary differentials between men and women especially in corporate America.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity. Do everything with integrity, make sure that it vibes with you, and that you are honest in what you are doing.
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