Sabrina Casado

I attribute my success in large part to my parents and my children. My parents instilled in me the importance of respect, honesty, humility, empathy, and a strong work ethic, while my two adult children, who are currently in college—one studying to become a physical therapist and the other studying psychology—continue to be a major source of motivation and purpose for me.

My children are my “why,” and they inspire me to continue developing new skills and growing professionally. That commitment to continuous learning recently led me to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist, a role that is especially meaningful to me because it allows me to support people who may be experiencing mental health challenges or addiction. I believe you never know when someone may be struggling, and being able to help others is deeply important to me.

One of the most influential professional mentors in my career has been Whitney Haggerson, the Vice President of my Health Equity and Medicaid team. I admire her intelligence, transparency, accessibility, and compassion. Even while managing numerous responsibilities, she consistently makes time to answer questions, provide guidance, and support her team.

What has impacted me most is her ability to lead with both competence and humanity. She is honest about challenges and willing to acknowledge when she is having a difficult day, which creates an environment where people can support one another rather than feel pressured to appear perfect.

Working alongside Whitney has reinforced my belief that effective leadership is not simply about expertise or authority. It is about creating an environment where people feel supported, respected, and comfortable asking for help. Her example has influenced the way I approach teamwork, service, communication, and supporting others in my own career.

I would encourage young women to advocate for themselves because your career is ultimately your responsibility. You are in charge of the skills you develop, the knowledge you gain, and the direction you take within your field.

When you encounter something that does not seem right, think about what you can do to change the situation. Ask for help when you need it, and do not become discouraged when things do not immediately go as planned. Instead, identify what is happening, consider what you can do to improve the situation, and look for a solution.

Above all, continue advocating for yourself, remain patient, and be intentional about your work. Keep learning, developing your skills, and looking for opportunities to grow and make a meaningful contribution.

One of the biggest challenges in healthcare is the pace of change within the industry, particularly regulatory changes that affect how services are delivered. Changes in healthcare policy and funding can have a significant impact on people who rely on programs such as Medicaid, particularly individuals with lower incomes. Government funding also plays an important role in the healthcare system.

Another significant challenge is administrative burnout. Healthcare is a very busy industry, and administrative professionals may sometimes be responsible for supporting multiple leaders or teams simultaneously. Different personalities, priorities, and working styles can make that responsibility even more demanding.

At the same time, I see significant opportunities for growth within healthcare. Professionals should continue learning and developing new skills so they can adapt to the changing environment and expand their career possibilities. Personally, while I currently work as an Executive Assistant, I do not want to remain in that role indefinitely. I am interested in eventually moving into a more personally meaningful position where I can work directly within the community or contribute to a nonprofit organization.

Respect, honesty, humility, empathy, and a strong work ethic are among the values that are most important to me. I believe in treating people with respect regardless of who they are or where they come from.

Growing up in New York City exposed me to people from many different backgrounds and cultures. I learned not only to respect people but also to appreciate and cherish their customs and differences. My parents were strong examples of these values. My father worked as a contractor for Con Edison, and my mother also worked hard. Their example taught me the importance of dedication, responsibility, and perseverance.

I also learned to take responsibility at an early age, including serving as a translator for my parents. Those experiences shaped the way I interact with others today and reinforced my belief in treating people with dignity, maintaining a strong work ethic, and approaching others with empathy and understanding.