Her Story
About Summer
I have been in healthcare for about 15-16 years, and my career has taken an interesting journey. I started as an RN, primarily working in the OR bedside with patients. I was specialty trained and airway trained, doing a lot of anesthesiology, surgery, and recovery work. I was also put down into resource, so I covered everything from neonates to geriatrics - I have seen it all when it comes to patient contact and patient health. My career then evolved into a clinical liaison role where I worked for a prosthetic company. We provided prosthesis for patients who had amputations, and that involved a lot of patient guidance and counseling. As you can imagine, patients that have had a limb loss face a life-changing event, and being able to offer that solution was absolutely awesome. That experience kind of pushed me into this role now in healthcare construction, which I had no idea I was ever going to get into, but I actually really enjoy it. Because I know the healthcare environment so very well, a lot of things just make sense. Today, my work involves a lot of client management, key communication, and relationship building. My most notable professional achievement is strategic partnerships - I thoroughly enjoy working with people, which I've done my entire career, but being able to strategically think through a problem and offer a solution is definitely my forte.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Summer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I actually contribute my success to my oldest daughter. She's the one who kept my feet grounded and inspired me to do great things. Having her in my life has been the driving force behind my achievements and has motivated me to continue pushing forward in my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is the five Ps: prior preparation prevents poor performance. This principle has guided me throughout my career and has been instrumental in how I approach my work. My nursing mentor taught me this, and it's something I've carried with me as I've evolved through different roles.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is that it is a love and a passion, and if you don't love it, it's not meant for you. When you truly find what you love to do, it is such a pleasure. That's what wakes you up in the morning. You have to have that genuine passion for the work, because that's what will sustain you and drive you forward in your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The field right now is a very male-dominated field, but it's nice to be able to stand on my own two feet and bring what I have to the table and for it to be heard. I think that is a blessing, but it can also be a little difficult sometimes, being able to manage the biggest ego in the room. Despite these challenges, it's enjoyable, and I'm grateful that my expertise and perspective are valued.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family values are definitely most important to me. Having that work-life balance is a big thing for me, and I think that just having those family values, people can see that you're genuine. Being able to take that through into my professional career is something that I've always done. It's about being authentic and maintaining that balance between my personal and professional life.
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