Tabetha Stansbury

First and foremost, I attribute my success to God. My faith has always been my foundation and guiding force through every season of life, both personally and professionally.

Second, I credit my parents, who instilled in me a strong work ethic, determination, and resilience. They taught me to work hard, never accept limitations others place on me, and never view myself as less than because someone else may have more. They encouraged me to focus on what I can do, keep pushing forward, and never give up on my goals.

Finally, I owe so much to my husband, who is truly my biggest cheerleader. No matter what dream, opportunity, or challenge comes my way, he is always there encouraging me to take the leap and believe in myself. His unwavering support gives me the confidence to pursue goals I might otherwise think are out of reach. He constantly reminds me that the possibilities are endless and that I am capable of achieving far more than I sometimes realize myself.

Together, my faith, my family, and my husband's support have shaped who I am and have been the driving forces behind any success I've achieved.

The best career advice I've ever received was to never stop learning and never stop reaching for my own potential—not the potential someone else has placed on me, but the potential I see for myself.

That advice has stayed with me throughout my career. I'm a firm believer that learning can happen anywhere and in any capacity, whether through formal education, professional experiences, mentorship, or simply being open to new perspectives. Every opportunity is a chance to grow.

I've also learned the importance of never becoming complacent. Continue to challenge yourself, stay curious, and look for ways to improve. The moment you think you've learned everything is the moment you stop growing. Continuous learning and a willingness to push beyond your comfort zone are what create lasting success.

My advice to young women entering healthcare is simple: don't be afraid to think outside the box, and don't be afraid to share your ideas.

Healthcare is an industry built on experience, and sometimes you'll hear, "This is the way we've always done it." While there is value in experience and tradition, our world is constantly changing, and healthcare must evolve with it. Some of the best innovations and solutions come from people who are willing to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and look at problems from a different perspective.

Never allow yourself to be confined by someone else's expectations. Be willing to color outside the lines. Be creative, be curious, and don't be afraid to bring your unique personality and perspective to the table. What makes you different is often what makes you valuable.

Most importantly, remember that healthcare is about people. If you can positively impact someone's mental and emotional well-being, you've already made a tremendous difference. When people feel seen, heard, and supported, everything else becomes a little easier. Never underestimate the power of compassion, connection, and simply being willing to care.

So embrace your creativity, trust your voice, and don't be afraid to be a little different. Healthcare needs innovative thinkers, compassionate leaders, and women who are willing to help shape what comes next.

One of the biggest challenges in healthcare today is balancing tradition with innovation. There are still many organizations and leaders who operate from the mindset of, "This is how we've always done it," and while experience is incredibly valuable, our communities, technologies, and healthcare needs are constantly evolving. If we're not willing to adapt, we're at risk of falling behind the people we're trying to serve.

I've always believed in thinking outside the box and being willing to challenge the status quo when it can lead to better outcomes. Some of the greatest opportunities in healthcare come from being open to new ideas, creative problem-solving, and finding innovative ways to meet people where they are. The organizations that will thrive are the ones that embrace change rather than resist it.

Another challenge is ensuring that relationship-building, caregiving, and community engagement roles are recognized for the strategic value they bring. As a woman in healthcare leadership and community relations, I've occasionally experienced situations where the work of building partnerships, supporting communities, and driving engagement was viewed as less strategic than other operational functions. In reality, these relationships are often the foundation that allows organizations to grow, improve outcomes, and better serve patients and families.

The opportunity lies in continuing to elevate diverse voices and perspectives at the leadership table. When we create space for innovation, collaboration, and different ways of thinking, we strengthen healthcare organizations and ultimately improve the lives of the people we serve.

The values that are most important to me, both personally and professionally, are honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic.

I believe honesty is the foundation of every meaningful relationship, whether it's with family, friends, colleagues, or the people we serve. Being truthful, transparent, and authentic builds trust, and trust is essential in both life and work.

Equally important is a willingness to put in the hard work. It's easy to identify problems or point out what isn't working, but real change happens when people are willing to roll up their sleeves and be part of the solution. I've always believed that if you're going to raise a concern, you should also be willing to help make things better.

In both my personal and professional life, I value people who take ownership, stay committed, and are willing to do the work necessary to create positive change. For me, success isn't just about recognizing opportunities for improvement—it's about having the determination to follow through and make a difference.