What year did you graduate?
May 2022.
Who is your current employer and what is your title?
CalOptima Health, Administrative Fellow.
What led you to Concordia University Irvine?
I completed my undergraduate degree at UC Irvine, very close by. I realized that Orange County had a lot of scope for career growth in the healthcare field, and I was looking for a school that would offer a more intimate environment for my graduate degree.
What is one thing you valued the most about your time at Concordia?
What I valued the most was the camaraderie and lifelong connections I made with my cohort as well as how much the faculty were really vested in my academic success and professional growth.
How did the MHA program at Concordia University Irvine prepare you for leadership roles in the healthcare industry?
The classes were rigorous, the faculty always made sure to connect the content to case studies and real-world applications, and lastly, the program’s connections with the American College of Healthcare Executives really opened doors in advancing my career.
Can you share an example of a project or experience from the MHA program at Concordia University Irvine that had a tangible impact on your career?
I had the honor and privilege of having a 1:1 class with Dr. Sinardi as my professor for a semester. This experience was extremely valuable to me as I gained insights from her experiences and career.
What unique opportunities did the MHA program at Concordia University Irvine provide you?
Early on in the program, I was eager to get involved in something that would supplement all that I was learning. Dr. Sinardi immediately connected me with Dr. Tricia Kassab, a seasoned executive who was looking for help on a project from a student. This was the start of my involvement in ACHE and an incredible mentor/sponsor relationship with Dr. Kassab, who is very much a part of my journey in healthcare today.
How did the MHA program at Concordia University Irvine contribute to your growth as a healthcare professional?
Before the program, I had no idea what networking meant and why it was so important. The CUI MHA program taught me that it’s less of ‘what’ you know, and more of ‘who’ you know, at the end of the day. This ideation helped me to come out of my shell and connect with other leaders and professionals in healthcare, which incredulously catalyzed my personal and professional growth.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering the MHA program at Concordia University Irvine to advance their healthcare careers?
Like anything, what you put into the program is what you will get out of it. One thing that helped me, was continuously introspecting and reassessing where I was (after each semester), and where I needed to be, and went after the things that I felt I needed to get to my goals, whether it be a mentorship program, internship, or a case study competition.