Her Story
About Zenobia
I have been in the healthcare field since 2004, bringing over 22 years of dedicated service to this profession. As Director of Product and Strategy for the past four and a half years, I focus on strategic planning for our organization, providing product support for our product portfolio, and really driving innovation through technology. I look at data insights to improve outcomes for the communities we serve. My most notable professional achievement has been earning my Doctorate of Nursing Practice this past May, with my research centered around promoting mammogram screenings in underserved communities using a faith-based intervention. What I'm really passionate about is improving outcomes for underserved communities - I'm really an advocate for the underdog. During my doctoral program, I had the opportunity to get a concentration in health equity, which aligns perfectly with my commitment to serving vulnerable populations. I always say that nursing is God's hands on earth - we're here to help and serve vulnerable people and support people when they're most vulnerable.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Zenobia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would have to say, undoubtedly, my faith. My spiritual background and spiritual upbringing have been foundational to everything I've accomplished. I also attribute my success to my parents, who have been very grounded, very grounded individuals. They were my first examples of servant leadership - they were both in careers where they really had to serve others. My family, all of my aunts, are in the healthcare field, and so I was really surrounded by people who had dedicated their lives to service, both professionally as well as community outreach. My faith and my parents have been the cornerstones of my success, most definitely.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that the worst thing they can tell you is no. So ask the hard questions and reach for the impossible. Don't let fear of rejection hold you back from pursuing what seems out of reach.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say seize every opportunity, whether it be professionally or from an educational perspective. Seize every opportunity to network, and seize every opportunity to learn and to grow. Don't let any chance pass you by to expand your knowledge, build connections, and develop yourself both professionally and personally.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
With nursing, there are always nursing shortages, so recruiting talent and raising up the next generation of nurses so that they're ready and well-prepared to come into the workforce is still a challenge. I would also say that technology is changing at an unprecedented rate. It used to be that technology changed every three years or so, but now it seems like it's changing every three months. One of the challenges and one of the things that I'm encouraging staff is to stay abreast of the changes, to continue to keep yourself marketable and knowledgeable of what's going on in the field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is absolutely essential to me - doing the right thing for the right reason when no one is watching. I also believe strongly in having a strong work ethic, working until the work is done. These values guide everything I do, both professionally and personally.
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