Mar 8, 2024 | Faces of HDGH
This month, to celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we sat down with Donna Wellington, a senior executive at Henry Ford Health and board member at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, and Sharmaine Tanario-Battagello, a Social Worker in our Withdrawal Management Centre, to talk about this year’s theme (“Investing in women: accelerating progress”), their experiences as women in healthcare, and the power of representation.
About Donna. Donna is an accomplished healthcare leader with over 25 years of leadership experience at Henry Ford Health in Detroit, Michigan. She currently serves as the SVP, Chief Ambulatory Officer and VP System Primary Care, where she is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, operational management and integration of ambulatory care services ensuring high quality patient centered care across the ambulatory footprint. Donna is highly experienced in hospital operations, ambulatory care, and behavioral health services. She has held roles such as VP Operations at Henry Ford Hospital, COO Behavioral Health, Nurse Administrator and Senior Administrator at various Henry Ford Medical Group departments such as Women’s Health, Dermatology, Urology, Primary Care and Pediatrics. Donna's impact extends beyond Henry Ford Health as she serves on multiple boards including the Ontario Hospital Association and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. Donna was named a 2020 honouree to the prestigious Top 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women and is a fellow of the AHA and Carol Emmott Fellowship.
Personally, International Women’s Day is a reminder of the incredible potential and power of all women everywhere. It is a momentous occasion that resonates deeply with me as a celebration of strength, resilience, and empowerment. It is a day to recognize and acknowledge the remarkable women who are making a significant impact in our community, country and the world, inspiring change. Yet, despite progress made, there are still persistent challenges and disparities that women face worldwide. The annual recognition of International Women's Day for me is symbolic reminder of being inclusive of all individuals, as we not only honour the contributions and experiences of women but also reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive, succeed, and contribute fully to the betterment of society.
The impact of organizations investing in women is profound and wide-ranging. When organizations invest in women it can strengthen the workforce by enhancing decision-making, boosting employee morale, and driving overall business success. It is not just a moral imperative; it is a smart business decision that benefits everyone involved.
On the flip side, the lack of investment in women creates a lack of gender diversity which can result in a homogenous and insular work culture that hinders organizational growth, and minimizes the diverse range of perspectives, ideas, and talents that women bring to the table.
In healthcare specifically, the absence of women leaders can lead to a lack of understanding of women's health issues. Women healthcare leaders bring increased advocacy for initiatives that address gender-specific health concerns, promote equitable access to healthcare services, and advance policies that benefit women's health. This is an important voice at decision making tables.
I have been very fortunate to work at an organization (Henry Ford Health) that wholeheartedly champions diversity, inclusion and equity by fostering an empowering environment where every individual’s unique strengths and perspectives are celebrated and valued.
I think everyone, however, can think of a time when they did not feel included. Many come to me as a child in school, playing on teams, etc. – there is a universal feeling of exclusion. A sense of disconnect and a lack of recognition from others is demoralizing and can hinder one’s sense of belonging, motivation, and create self-doubt.
Rather than letting self-doubt consume me, I chose to take a proactive approach. I reflect on the situation – consider the context, people involved, and my own perception. I seek out feedback from trusted individuals and, depending on the situation, may provide feedback (assuming innocence) so that they are aware of how I felt and what we could do better so no one else feels excluded.
That being said, it is important to engage fully when sitting at the table discussion and more importantly ensuring when leading the table discussion to be proactive to foster a sense of belonging, inclusivity and wellbeing to ensure all voices are heard.
As a leader, every day I strive to create an environment where inclusion is not just a buzzword, but a lived reality for everyone on our team. I firmly believe that diversity is our greatest strength, and I make it my mission to ensure that each and every individual feels heard, valued, and respected. I lead by example- actively seeking out different perspectives, and encouraging open and honest communication. I foster a culture where differences are celebrated, not feared, and where every voice is not only welcomed but actively sought out. By promoting empathy, understanding, and collaboration, I empower my team to embrace their uniqueness and leverage their individual strengths to collectively achieve greatness. I feel there is no better feeling than being able to be your authentic self every day at work. I strive to create an environment of inclusivity, where innovation flourishes and relationships deepen creating a space where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we are a team united by our shared vision and boundless respect for one another. I recall a speaker ending her talk with the following: “If you can’t be who you are, where you are- then change where you are NOT who you are!” I strive every day to create a space for staff to be WHO THEY ARE.
One memorable lesson I've learned as a leader is the fervent importance of using my voice and staying true to myself. There will always be noise and distractions, so it is essential to speak up for what I believe in, share my unique perspective, and advocate for what is right. By being authentic and genuine in my words and actions, I hope that I create trust and respect from others but also pave the way for meaningful change in addition to creating a safe place for others to feel they can speak up. Embracing my voice as a powerful tool for positive impact has not only enriched my leadership journey but I hope has made a difference in the lives of those around me, fostering a culture of authenticity, empowerment, and genuine connection.
About Sharmaine. Sharmaine is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker II at our Withdrawal Management Centre, with nearly 15 years of experience at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. She is registered as both a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, lending her expertise to support patients in their journey towards recovery. Previously, Sharmaine worked as a Program Developer in our Bariatric program before transitioning to her current position. Prior to returning to Canada, she was employed in the United States, working at various institutions including Henry Ford Health, St. John Hospital, and Beaumont.
I was in my late teens and working at a weight loss clinic, the services were based on sales not helping individuals deal with many of the psychological and emotional struggles that are often attached to obesity. While working in this environment I realized I wanted to focus on psychology so I entered into my undergraduate with a focus on psychology and sociology. Once I completed my undergraduate studies I completed a masters in organizational psychology. Even though the work was very rewarding, I realized many corporate struggles involve employees who are also struggling personally. I moved out of the corporate domain and back into individual client care under a Master in Clinical Social Work.
Since graduate school I have worked in different community agencies and hospitals from the Toronto Ontario area to Michigan, most of my work had a focus in either addiction or mental health or concurrent disorder.
When looking into substance use disorder both research and lived experience have demonstrated that women react differently to substances, lifestyle of addiction, and engage in recovery differently than men. Substance use treatment often lumps client care together and neglects to look at significant differences between clients. When addressing the matter of female biology, social issues attached to women and society, and psychological issues faced by women; having even more focus on women’s treatment and women caring for women has been shown to increase recovery stability.
Prevailing reasons to invest in female-focused recovery services, which are also often identified in research studies:
Healthcare in Canada still falls under a very Western perspective, but I have been fortunate enough to see strides in ethnocultural and racial elements being added into our healthcare process. Canada still has a significant way to go in their healthcare inclusion but maintaining a positive advocacy process helps to provide a voice to the often voiceless.
I believe the continued development of women’s specific care issues being addressed in all hospital departments will add to the amazing medical system we already have.
Know your history regarding medical care for patients/clients from underrepresented backgrounds and maintain updated information about your underrepresented communities' expressed medical needs and desired care.
To dive deeper into the significance of International Women’s Day and to discover ways to get involved in creating a more equitable world, we encourage you to visit the following:
Whether it’s participating in local events, supporting women-led initiatives, or advocating for policies that promote gender quality, every action counts. Let’s continue to educate ourselves, uplift each other, and work towards a future where every woman and girl can thrive without barriers. Happy International Women’s Day!