Mentorship Matters: Recognizing the Impact of Women in Leadership at Valley Children’s

The women in leadership at Valley Children’s not only understand that mentorship matters, they live that principle every day. Put simply, they are the kind of leaders that create other leaders, the visionaries of the future who will go on to solve big problems, dream big dreams and inspire today’s young girls to be tomorrow’s trailblazers.

I have often wondered if, when five young mothers set out seven decades ago to open a children’s hospital in the Valley, they realized the impact they would have not only on the lives of Valley children, but on generations of women who followed in their footsteps. What seemed remarkable and audacious at the time became a call to action for countless women who have led our organization since.

I think history puts this into perspective: When we opened our doors in 1952, Valley Children’s had just one female physician. Today, that number is nearly 300. More than 80% of Valley Children’s pediatric residents are female, and our very first fellowship program was launched and is piloted by an all-female leadership team. Women now comprise 54% of senior and executive leadership at Valley Children’s. They hold leadership positions in every area of the organization, from medical education to patient care, from facilities to finance and beyond. They are medical directors, department managers, program coordinators, senior vice presidents…the list goes on.

Seventy years ago, these statistics might have seemed impossible. But I think what’s most remarkable about the female leaders of this organization is not the titles they hold or the work they do in their executive functions. It’s the mentorship they show others.

The women in leadership at Valley Children’s not only understand that mentorship matters, they live that principle every day. Put simply, they are the kind of leaders that create other leaders, the visionaries of the future who will go on to solve big problems, dream big dreams and inspire today’s young girls to be tomorrow’s trailblazers.

As a student or young professional just starting out, this type of mentorship – the kind that sees you and believes in you – can make all the difference.

This month, as we recognize Women’s History Month and honor the legacy our founding mothers established 70 years ago, I want you to take a moment and reflect on all the women in your life who have mentored, believed in and inspired you. If you can, reach out and thank them. But also take a moment to reflect on yourself and all the ways you could serve as a mentor to someone else, because mentorship matters. 
 

About the Author

Beverly Hayden-Pugh is Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Transformation Officer at Valley Children's Healthcare. She began her career with Valley Children's in 1983 as a staff RN in the pediatric oncology unit and has served in a variety of leadership positions throughout the organization. Beverly has led the organization in attaining Magnet Nursing Designation, a prestigious recognition achieved by less than 5% of hospitals nationwide, and in developing a Magnet culture that supports excellence in nursing practice.