Her Story
About Sobeida
Sobeida Santana-Joseph is a distinguished healthcare executive with more than 20 years of experience spanning oncology nursing, healthcare operations, quality management, strategic program development, and executive leadership. She currently serves as Executive Director at Valley Health System, where she provides operational and strategic oversight for a comprehensive cancer center encompassing oncology practices, ambulatory infusion, radiation oncology, supportive services, and multiple surgical specialties. Throughout her career, Sobeida has demonstrated a commitment to patient-centered care, operational excellence, and building high-performing teams.
Over more than 15 years with Valley Health System, Sobeida has advanced through progressively senior leadership roles, beginning in oncology nursing and progressing through disease team coordination, oncology management, director-level leadership, and executive leadership. Her tenure has included significant growth and development of the cancer program, expanding it from two employed oncologists to more than 25 clinicians. Her leadership approach centers on aligning organizational priorities with execution, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, improving systems, and delivering measurable outcomes across complex healthcare environments. She holds an MBA from Pace University, a Master of Science in Nursing Administration, as well as nursing and biology degrees, and maintains professional credentials including RN, NE-BC, and OCN.
Beyond her executive responsibilities, Sobeida is passionate about mentorship, advocacy, and creating meaningful impact within healthcare and the broader community. She has volunteered with the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and is involved with professional healthcare leadership organizations. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in integrity, truth, gratitude, humility, and a strong belief that leaders are shaped by the people who invest in them. Inspired by her mother, a first-generation immigrant from the Dominican Republic who emphasized hard work and the lasting value of education, Sobeida believes leadership is measured not simply by individual achievement, but by the people who rise alongside you and the positive impact you create for others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sobeida
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith and my mother, a first-generation immigrant from the Dominican Republic, who taught me the value of hard work, education, and opportunity. I believe we are not self-made; our success is shaped by those who invest in us. That is why I strive to carry that investment forward with dignity, purpose, and a focus on making a meaningful impact.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received was from one of my earliest mentors, who taught me not to tie my identity to a title. Instead, I learned to stay focused on my passion, purpose, and the impact I want to make.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering healthcare is to pursue work that allows you to make a meaningful impact while also making space for your well-being, professional growth, advocacy, and legacy. Stay grounded in your “North Star” and personal values as you grow into leadership, and be intentional about building a career that is both sustainable and aligned with who you are.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in healthcare right now is the workforce shortage, which directly affects access to care. I see a major opportunity to improve retention by reducing administrative burdens and rethinking how organizations support their teams. I also view AI as a positive development that can help healthcare professionals work more effectively rather than something to fear.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, truth, gratitude, and humility. I believe in creating transparent environments, having honest conversations, and recognizing the contributions of others. In both my professional and personal life, I strive to help people feel valued, empowered, and accountable while remaining humble and open to continuous learning.
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