Her Story
About Raisa
I've been in HR for 25 years, with nearly 15 years specifically in healthcare. My career began at Colgate-Palmolive, a manufacturer of home products like toothpaste and deodorant, then I moved to a manufacturing company that made electronic components and little parts for Boeing planes. Eventually, I transitioned into the field of healthcare hospitals, where I currently oversee human resources operations for a New York City hospital. As of Monday, I'm making an exciting move to our corporate office that oversees all of the hospitals within the New York City Health and Hospitals system. I hold a Bachelor's of Business Administration in Human Resources Management and an Executive Master's of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations from Baruch, which I completed in 2009. Throughout my career, I've focused on building strong bonds and working relationships with people, earning their trust and implementing meaningful changes. When I told people I was leaving my facility, many were very sad because of the amazing changes we've made together over the years. I'm someone who typically highlights my staff and every single person in the hospital rather than attracting attention to myself, but I've learned that if I don't speak up for myself, nobody else will.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Raisa
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think having a good work ethic is a good piece of advice. And then, finding something that you love doing is very important, probably most important in somebody's life. If you don't find what you love doing, it's going to be challenging for you, even getting up and going to work and wanting to be there.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges sometimes can be getting people to be on the same page as you, and change management can be a challenge. Change is not always easy for everybody, and as a matter of fact, it's a challenge for many people, and it could be a challenge for different reasons for each different person. It's just knowing how to get everybody on board, whether it's a combination of training, hand-holding, being there for them, and explaining why, and the backstory, and things of that sort. And even then, I think it's difficult for people to get there, but eventually, people do, most of them, at least.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Credibility, consistency, honesty, and loyalty. I think those are all important in work.
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