Influential Woman · Hospice executive, cancer survivor and author
Samantha Banta
Hospice Area Manager, LightBridge Hospice and Palliative Care
Vista, CA
Her Story
About Samantha
Samantha Banta is a hospice executive with approximately five years of experience in the field. Originally from South Africa where she worked in corporate sales, she now focuses on community education and outreach regarding hospice and palliative care. She builds relationships with hospitals, doctors' offices, and skilled nursing facilities to connect patients and families with clinical teams. As a cancer survivor and author of the recently published book The Unspoken: A Cancer Survivor's Guide to the Parts Nobody Talks About, she draws on personal insights from her journey and hospice work to advocate for open conversations about end-of-life care. She has been nominated for San Diego Magazine's Rising Star in Healthcare. Her advice to young women entering the industry emphasizes self-care, noting that healthcare roles often extend beyond traditional hours and require prioritizing personal well-being even during time off.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Samantha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I’ve always tried to work hard, be kind to people, and do the best I can with whatever is in front of me. I’ve also been very fortunate to have wonderful people around me who have supported me, taught me, and opened doors along the way. I think a lot of it comes down to showing up, being willing to learn, and genuinely caring about the people you meet along the way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I think the best advice is to trust your instincts and be open to where life takes you. Your career doesn’t always follow the path you thought it would, and sometimes the unexpected opportunities turn out to be the most meaningful ones.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take time for yourself. You cannot pour into others when your own cup is empty. Healthcare, and hospice in particular, is rarely a Monday-to-Friday, 9-to-5 career. Your phone may ring at all hours, and the work can be emotionally demanding. Learning to set boundaries, truly disconnect when you take time off, and prioritize your own well-being is essential. Taking care of yourself allows you to continue showing up fully for the people who need you.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, dependability, compassion, and trust are incredibly important to me, both personally and professionally. Working in hospice is an honor. Families allow us to walk alongside them during one of the most difficult and vulnerable times in their lives, and that trust comes with a responsibility that should never be taken lightly. I believe in showing up, doing what you say you’re going to do, and treating people with kindness, dignity, and respect. I also think humility is important, because no matter how much experience you have, you will never know everything. There is always more to learn, and always something you can learn from the people around you.
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