Olivia Haloi

My mantra is simple - work to impact, not to impress. I attribute my success to a combination of purpose, continuous learning, strong relationships, and the values I learned early in life. Growing up, I observed my father’s incredible work ethic and both parents’ giving nature showed me the importance of serving others, staying humble and doing your work with integrity. That foundation shaped who I am and inspired my commitment to healthcare.

I have always been clear about my “why” - improving outcomes for patients and communities. That clarity keeps me motivated and resilient, even in complex healthcare environments. I am committed to continuous growth, investing intentionally in my mindset, skills and leadership capacity. I celebrate small wins as evidence of progress, but I never lose sight of the larger goal. I also believe deeply in investing in people, building trust, collaborating effectively and lifting others. Sustainable success is never achieved alone. I have learned that success isn’t just about what you accomplish, but how you grow and how many others you bring along with you.

The best career advice I have ever received was from my dad, who always encouraged me to be my own cheerleader. Early in my career, I realized you can’t always wait for others to recognize your readiness or advocate for your growth, you have to believe in yourself first. He also reminded me that, at the end of the day, I have to answer to myself about whether I have lived a fulfilling life. It’s not about titles or external validation, but about knowing I stayed true to my purpose and made a meaningful difference. My mom added another perspective that has guided me just as deeply. She would say, don’t focus only on doing things right, focus on doing the right thing. That distinction shaped my values and my leadership. It reminded me that integrity and courage matter more than perfection or approval. Together, their advice gave me the confidence to step into new opportunities, use my voice and pursue leadership roles that expanded my impact in healthcare and beyond. It taught me to trust my purpose, advocate for myself and never hold back from spaces where I could contribute, grow and lead authentically.

I would tell young women to trust their voice and step forward, even before they feel fully ready. Don’t limit yourself, some of the greatest growth comes from taking on challenges that stretch you. Seek mentors, continue learning and be your own cheerleader. Healthcare is complex and constantly evolving, and your perspective matters in shaping better, more equitable systems. Most importantly, lead with integrity, walk the talk and remember that the work you do has the power to impact not just individuals, but entire communities. This field needs leaders who are willing to advocate for patients and communities, especially those who are most vulnerable. Don't rest on your laurels. Growth requires curiosity, courage, and the willingness to keep stretching beyond what feels comfortable. Keep asking hard questions. My journey started in clinical medicine and over time I realized I could create even greater impact at the population level. That required stepping into unfamiliar spaces, continuing to learn and believing in the value of my voice at leadership tables. When you lead with integrity and focus on making a difference, you won’t just build a career, you will build influence and impact.

As a first generation immigrant and a professional woman of color, one of the biggest personal challenges has been navigating spaces where representation is limited and where I have had to establish credibility more intentionally. At times, that means ensuring my voice is heard and my contributions are recognized. I have addressed this by consistently delivering results, staying prepared, and leading with confidence and integrity. At the same time, our field itself is at a critical moment. In healthcare, one of the biggest challenges right now is sustaining prevention-focused infrastructure while addressing growing health disparities, workforce capacity, and the complex biopsychosocial factors that influence health. We have the science, the treatments, and the data, but ensuring equitable access and building systems that truly reach the most vulnerable populations remains a significant challenge.

I also see this as a tremendous opportunity. My perspective allows me to bring cultural awareness, an equity focus, and community insight that strengthen decision-making especially in building trust, which is essential for effective health interventions. More broadly, there is an opportunity for healthcare and public health leaders to reimagine systems that are more equitable, proactive, and community-centered. These experiences have made me more resilient, more intentional in how I lead, and deeply committed to mentoring and creating opportunities for others.

The most important values to me are integrity, purpose, compassion, authenticity, and accountability. Integrity guides how I lead. I believe in walking the talk and earning trust through consistent actions. Authenticity is equally important to me. I believe in showing up as my true self, leading with honesty and transparency and creating space for others to do the same. Authentic leadership builds trust, fosters inclusion, and allows people to feel seen and valued. Purpose keeps me grounded in why I do this work, which is to improve health outcomes and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Compassion is essential in healthcare, especially in public health, where we serve vulnerable communities. It reminds me to lead with empathy and design systems that truly meet people where they are. And accountability ensures that I follow through, deliver results and hold myself and my teams to a high standard. These values shape not only how I lead professionally, but also who I am personally.