Her Story
About Verena L.
Verena L. Luna is a healthcare operations executive with 33 years of experience in healthcare administration and more than 25 years in leadership. As Director of Operations for Nicklaus Children's Hospital, she oversees numerous outpatient centers, leading strategic growth, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and multimillion-dollar capital projects. Throughout her career, Luna has been instrumental in transforming the organization's outpatient footprint from two centers to 11, collaborating and guiding every stage of expansion—from planning, branding, construction, and electronic health record implementation to policy development, team building, and operational activation. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she is equally passionate about developing high-performing teams and mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders, with a special commitment to advancing women into leadership roles. Luna earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration from Barry University, graduating cum laude, and is completing her Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification to further strengthen her expertise in process improvement and operational efficiency. In addition to her executive role, she recently founded The Operations Collective LLC, an executive management and consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations optimize operations, strengthen leadership, and achieve sustainable growth. She also serves on numerous organizational committees focused on environment of care, emergency management, workplace violence prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness, reflecting her commitment to excellence across every aspect of healthcare delivery. Grounded in her faith and supported by her husband, Luna credits both as the foundation of her personal and professional success. She believes that leadership is measured by the lives it impacts and has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed. Her community involvement includes volunteering with Diaper Miami, Feeding South Florida, and hospital toy drives that support children and families in need. Recognized for her outstanding leadership with the prestigious Role Model award approximately a decade ago, Luna continues to inspire through servant leadership, operational innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving healthcare for patients, families, and the professionals she mentors.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Verena L.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to my faith. I pray often and believe that God has guided me throughout my journey, from growing up as a seven-year-old girl in Cuba to building a successful career. I also credit my husband for being a constant source of encouragement and support, pushing me to grow, pursue my goals, and believe in what is possible. Together, my faith and the support of those closest to me have helped shape the person and leader I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to believe in myself and recognize my own potential. I have learned that confidence, determination, and the willingness to take action are essential for creating the future I want. When you believe in your abilities and commit to your goals, you can turn your vision into reality.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to believe in themselves, keep moving forward, and never stop reaching for their dreams. Challenges are part of the journey, but persistence and a strong mindset can help you overcome obstacles and achieve things you may have never imagined. Stay focused on the future, continue learning, and trust that your hard work will create opportunities.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is maintaining momentum while continuously developing new leaders. I have seen many leaders come and go, and it can be challenging to repeat processes and reinforce expectations. However, I view those moments as opportunities to mentor others, understand their experiences, and help them and their teams grow stronger. Investing in people and helping them succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of leadership.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and accountability are the values that guide me in both my work and personal life. I believe trust is built through being truthful, taking responsibility for my actions, and following through on my commitments. These principles shape the way I lead, support others, and build meaningful relationships.
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