Sharon Zambrano

At the heart of everything I do is my family. I’m a proud mom of three, two boys and one girl and each of them has their own unique personality. They are truly my daily motivation. Everything I do is with the intention of preparing them to grow into strong, confident individuals who are ready for the world.

Balancing motherhood and a demanding career is not easy. Some days it really feels like I’m working two full-time jobs. But I try to be intentional with my time and cherish every moment, because I know how quickly it all goes by. I don’t take any of it for granted.

My husband has also been a huge part of my journey. His support, encouragement, and belief in me have helped shape the person I am today. He constantly pushes me to grow and reminds me to believe in myself, even in moments when I may doubt.

My family is my driving force. They inspire me to lead with purpose, to keep growing, and to show up as the best version of myself both at home and in my career. They’ve taught me that success isn’t just about titles or achievements it’s about the example I set and the legacy I leave behind.

I’m also very passionate about inspiring other women. I want women to know that they can do it! Believe in yourself. You are smart, you are strong, you are independent, and you are God’s beautiful creation. Don’t be afraid to step into your power and go after what you deserve.

For me, leadership truly begins at home and that foundation is what drives everything I do every single day.

The best career advice I’ve ever received, and something I carry with me every day is to trust the process and believe in yourself, even when it’s hard.

I want other women to know that you don’t have to have everything figured out. It’s okay to make mistakes, to ask questions, and to grow through every experience. Every step you take, even the challenging ones, is shaping you into who you’re meant to become.

Stay grounded, stay humble, and don’t be afraid to keep learning. Believe in your voice, believe in your value, and don’t let doubt hold you back.

If I can share anything from my journey, it’s this, keep going, trust yourself, and never underestimate what you’re capable of becoming.

My advice to young women entering healthcare is simple. Do not be afraid!

It is okay to make mistakes. It is okay to ask for help. And it is okay to take risks even when the outcome is uncertain. True leadership is built through growth, and growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Believe in yourself and understand that every experience, whether successful or not, is shaping your journey. Do not be afraid to speak up in meetings or share your ideas. Your voice matters.

As women, especially in today’s world, we must embrace confidence and independence. When you reach higher levels in an organization, you may find yourself being questioned more often. In those moments, boldness and self-belief become essential. You have to trust your knowledge, your skills, and the value you bring.

Healthcare can still be a challenging and often male dominated environment, but that makes our presence even more powerful. Women bring perspective, compassion, strength, and innovation that are essential to the future of this field.

Never underestimate your impact. Believe in who you are. Be strong. Be bold. And remember it is absolutely okay to take up space and use your voice.

The biggest challenges in healthcare right now continue to be work life balance and workforce pressures. It is a demanding field, and learning how to truly disconnect from work and be present at home is something many of us, including myself, continue to work on every day. The expectations are high, and the pace is fast, which can make balance an ongoing challenge.

Another major challenge is the shortage of healthcare professionals and the impact it has on teams and patient care. Many organizations are doing their best to maintain quality care while also supporting overextended staff, which makes retention, burnout, and workload management critical focus areas across the industry.

At the same time, there are incredible opportunities, especially in a teaching institution like UHealth. One of the greatest opportunities is the investment in employees through education, including tuition remission, which allows team members to continue growing professionally without the financial burden. That kind of support truly opens doors for career advancement and long-term development.

There are also strong opportunities for growth and leadership. I currently serve as a Practice Manager, and I see a clear path for continued advancement, including my long-term goal of becoming a Director. What makes this possible is the culture of development, mentorship, and internal growth that exists within the organization.

For me personally, being part of an institution that is not only family oriented and diverse, but also deeply committed to education and employee growth, makes a meaningful difference. It reflects a culture that invests in its people, and that is what creates real opportunity in healthcare today.

The values that matter most to me in both my work and my personal life are empathy, integrity, and honesty.

Empathy is what guides how I show up every day, especially in healthcare. I believe people don’t always remember what you say, but they always remember how you made them feel. Taking the time to listen, understand, and truly care makes a difference in every interaction.

Integrity is just as important to me. It means doing the right thing even when no one is watching, and holding myself accountable in everything I do. In leadership, I believe trust is everything, and integrity is what builds that trust.

Honesty is the foundation of strong relationships, whether with my team, my patients, or my family. It creates clarity, respect, and connection.

I am also a woman of faith, and that plays a big role in how I lead and live my life. It reminds me to stay grounded, to lead with kindness, and to always see the good in others.

These values guide me not only as a Practice Manager at UHealth, but also as a mother and a role model. I hope that by living these values consistently, I can inspire other women to lead with heart, stay true to themselves, and know that their impact truly matters.