Blog

Read biographies of feature guests for the 2017 Healthcare Networking Forum being held tomorrow September 27 at Fulton Market Company in Chicago's trendy West Loop neighborhood!

MODERATOR

Leticia Madrigal, Psychologist, Madrigal Consulting/ÁmateAhora

Leticia Madrigal creates a culture for leaders causing community health leadership, guiding families to come to terms with the state of our health through education, awareness of the importance of family health history. Mobilizing communities and the workforce to advocate for health, and exercise internationally.

Ámate Ahora means Love Yourself Now. Was founded 2012 as a NFP months after her father’s untimely death. Its mission is to educate, mobilize, and exercise. Producing annual health expos in the United States and the Dominican Republic, leading health challenges and fitness programs. She is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist from
Roosevelt University specialized in Wellness and Leadership. Certified Behavioral/Lifestyle Coach and Group Exercise Trainer by SCW the largest producer of fitness instructor training nationwide.

As a WomenHeart Spokeswoman for the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. She represents 47M women that live with or at risk of Heart Disease. She was diagnosed 2014, with valvular disease. She led the 2016 National Heart Disease Campaign, “I’m Fighting and Winning Heart Disease” included in 576 Burlington Stores
in 47 States & Puerto Rico. Addressed 26,000 of their associates standing for a Healthy Heart Workforce.

2017 Awarded a Philanthropy Award in the Dominican Republic by Agriculturalist Diogenes Langumas and State Legislator Antonia Suriel Mata. Is author in the book series, “Today's Inspired Latina Vol. III” and 2016 honored by receiving the Sor Juan Women of Achievement by The National Museum of Mexican Art, for Health and Community Activism Is a TEDx Speaker “From Tragedy to Power & Peace”. 2015 Finalist for Nueva Latina Estrella Award: Midwest Health Leader.

DISCUSSION PANELISTS

Susana Gonzalez, Associate Dean, Academic Operations, Chamberlain College of Nursing

Susana González is the Associate Dean of Academic Operations at Chamberlain University, College of Nursing-Chicago Campus. In this role she is responsible for developing and leading the central operations of the campus that support Academics, Simulation Learning Center, the Center for Academic Success, Clinical Coordination and Clinical partner site development and placement. She leads and provides pivotal leadership to ensure all campus departments collaborate and support positive student outcomes.

Throughout her career Susana, has role modeled true servant leadership and served on numerous committees and board of directors of key organizations on a local, State and National level. She continues to be at the forefront on health care issues for women, infants, children, and the nursing profession. She is active on several advisory committees for elected officials in the State of Illinois and she is an exemplar advocate for public policy changes especially with the profession of nursing and higher education. She is an exemplar role model and mentor to aspiring nurses who seek that healthcare career. Nursing students and new graduates face a challenge entering the field of nursing. She helps guide and support the novice nurse with time management skills and helping them find ways to deal with the stresses inherent within the profession. She takes it as an opportunity to truly make a difference in the mind and skill set within the nursing profession.

Susana volunteers on several board of directors; such as the March of Dimes-Chicago, the Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium, and is an active member of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses-Illinois as the Immediate-Past President and serves as a National board member where she Co-Chairs the National Policy and Advocacy Committee. She is an active member of Illinois HealthCare Action Coalition and the American Nurses Association-Illinois. In addition serves as a member of the Illinois Organization of Nurse leaders and Co-Chairs Policy & Advocacy Committee.

Susana has received numerous nominations, recognitions, and awards for her compassionate volunteer work. To highlight a few: The regional Volunteerism and Service Award from Nursing Spectrum, Mujeres Latinas en Acción- Community Service Award, Illinois Maternal Child Health Coalition; Loretta Lacey Award, MacNeal Nursing Excellence Community Service Award, ASPIRA Excellence in Health Award, March of Dimes Outstanding Nurse of the year award, Windy City Woman of Color- Educator and Advocate Award, Chicago Latino in Philanthropy Award, and Infant Welfare Society Nursing Director of the year. She has been profiled on WLS-TV Channel 7 during Hispanic Heritage Month. Most recently she received the annual National Association of Hispanic Nurses -Community Service Award and the March of Dimes-Jonas Salk, Nurse of the Year for her commitment to service.

Susana is well prepared educationally with dual Master degrees MSN and MHA. Susana has led a professional and personal commitment to serve and improve the quality of life for all she encounters. She is a life role model for nursing education and community servant leadership. On a personal note: She lives by the philosophy that if there is something she can do for you now, then let it be so. For, we may not walk this path again.

José R. Sánchez, President/CEO, Norwegian American Hospital

José R. Sánchez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian American Hospital, is Chicago’s only Latino hospital CEO. He is a senior health care executive with 30 years’ experience in the operational, strategic and fiscal management of healthcare and multi-hospital systems. He began his career as a clinical social worker before advancing through the ranks of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), the largest public health system it the nation, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Executive of the Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network, comprised of three acute care hospitals, three diagnostic and treatment centers, and 20 community based health centers in Manhattan and the Bronx.

Since his arrival in Chicago, Norwegian American Hospital has had one of the most successful safety net hospital turnarounds in the country and has received national recognition in the areas of finance, information technology, innovation, and quality improvement.

Sánchez has been a licensed social worker since 1979. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the City College of New York and a Master of Social Work from Adelphi University.

Christina Urbina, Director of Operations & Women’s Health, Erie Family Health Center

Christina Urbina is the Director of Operations at Erie Family Health Center Helping Hands in Albany Park and Women’s Health. Erie Family Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of eight (8) free standing centers and five (5) school-based health centers. In this role she is responsible for the operational management of health center operations to provide access and great quality care to all patients in need, the development of systems and programs that cultivate Erie’s collaborative care team model to educate and empower our patient population which improve community health outcomes. Simultaneously, she is responsible for maximizing women’s health access in our outpatient setting by developing, implementing and management of initiatives for prenatal care services at Erie. She is a mission driven and patient-centered leader that enjoys advocating for patients and promoting professional growth of healthcare professionals to become value add members of patient care teams.

She is originally from Michigan and has resided in Chicago for the last 20 years living and serving in various Chicagoland neighborhoods. She attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor where she graduated with Bachelors degree in Sociology specializing in Health, Aging & Population, Social Welfare, Social Inequality and International Social Change. She holds an MBA, Health Care Administration from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois where she graduated with honors. During her MBA program, Christina Urbina completed an internship at Rush Hospital, Oak Park as a Quality Management Specialist focusing on process improvement initiatives to improve patient care and staff performance based on patient safety data outcomes.

Christina’s passion for continued personal growth and professional development of others is demonstrated through her involvement in The Chicago Safety Net Learning Collaborative consisting of 16 other community healthcare organizations. Including her volunteer involvement of sitting on the Alumnae Board of Mujeres De HACE; a professional development board that offers a structured development course for mid-management to executive level Latinas wanting to make a positive impact in their personal and professional lives.

As a business leader in the healthcare industry she follows the model of servant leadership to build highly talented teams and develop great morale to improve patient care, patient satisfaction and employee satisfaction. I am looking forward to meeting those interested in joining us provide quality healthcare to all in need.

James S. Williams Jr., Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Equity, U of Chicago Medicine

James Williams Jr. joined the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) in 1988 as part of the finance team serving in patient accounts, transplant, and admission services before joining supply chain and helping to start the Business Diversity Office. In 2013, James was tapped to launch the Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Department for the Medical Center. In this role, he is responsible for leading the execution of the first enterprise-wide Diversity and Inclusion strategy focused on transforming UCM to a more diverse, inclusive, and culturally competent organization delivering high-quality, equitable care to all patient populations. The department’s most recent work focuses on integrating equity into the operational frameworks of quality, patient experience, human resources and lean management.

James shares this work with national audiences and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. James is a graduate of DePaul University where he focused on Leadership and Strategic Change Management.

Time is running out to register. The 2017 Healthcare Networking Forum is tomorrow. Don't miss out. Register soon >> http://bit.ly/2fwCxZl

A master’s program can be a great way to switch careers or build momentum in your current track. But it’s important to think hard about what you’ll get out of a graduate degree before you make the investment, because some master's degrees are much more valuable than others.

Every year, Forbes turns to compensation site PayScale to reveal the best and worst master’s degrees for jobs. READ MORE AT FORBES

One week away! Read biographies of the feature guests for the 2017 Sales and Entrepreneurship Networking Forum being held Wednesday January 18 at the new Harvest Moon Chicago in Wicker Park.

MODERATOR

Karla Mina, Radio Host, Market Overdrive, CEO - Equity Partners

Karla Mina, an agent associated with the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Halsted office, is a triple threat within the local real estate industry. In addition to her recognition as a successful agent, Karla Mina is highly active in local real estate organizations, and has cemented herself as a go-to authority on local industry analysis. “Real estate is my true passion, from the long term relationships I have forged over the years, to the countless contributions I’ve been fortunate enough to make within the local community,” said Karla Mina. “It’s been an immensely gratifying ride so far, and I hope to continue my success well into the future.” Karla Mina was named a member of the Coldwell Banker International Sterling Society in 2013, which recognizes the top 16% of all independent sales associates across the company. The veteran Realtor also earned the top residential real estate sales producer designation in the Coldwell Banker Lakeview office for 2014. All of which are the result of her commitment in providing personalized service to her client base, while educating them on the long term implications of each home, to ensure they’re getting their perfect property.

She has further asserted her status as a poster child for real estate, through a number of on-air news/lifestyle programs, and publications, including Chicago Agent Magazine, HGTV’s “Designed to Sell” and “House Hunters,” in addition to ABC News, LXTV’s “Open House”, and host of AM560’s “Market Overdrive” radio show. Mina is also deeply rooted in the local community and industry, serving on the WTTW Channel 11 Community Advisory Board, which supports learning programs for children, the Chicago Association of Realtors – Young Professionals Network and a representative for the National Association of Hispanic Realtors. Through these roles, she has built up key equity in the business, ultimately providing her the ability to continue growing her empire.

DISCUSSION PANELISTS

Elvia Solis, Agent & Owner, State Farm

Elvia Solis was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. Elvia came to Chicago when she was only 18 years of age. She worked full time and went to college taking evening classes attaining her Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from DePaul University.

Elvia started her career with State Farm in 1996. She initially began her career with State Farm as a receptionist, but after displaying strong leadership skills, she was soon promoted to office manager.

Just ten years ago, Elvia realized her dream of owning her own business and was appointed as a State Farm Agent in a “New Market”, which meant that when she opened her agency, she had zero policies on the book! In its first year, her agency became one of the top producers in the country. Also, since opening her agency, Elvia has qualified for several rewards as a State Farm agent such as trips to different parts of the world and the “Chairman’s Circle Award”, another recognition to only the top 3% of agents in the country. Her business has grown rapidly and her agency now services two locations in Pilsen and Bridgeport.

In addition, Elvia is also a dedicated business owner in her community and has been a volunteer and board member at “Mujeres Latinas en Acción” (Latin Women in Action). Elvia completed the training for domestic violence. She served as one of the representatives taking calls from the domestic violence hot line. She has volunteered at the Vagina Monologues with Mujeres Latinas en Accion and presented one of the monologues in the Spanish version.
She has also been a featured presenter and speaker on behalf of State Farm at financial literacy workshops that were held at events such as “Feria de la Mujer” (Fair for the Hispanic Woman) and “Tu Casa y Tu Dinero” (Your Home and Your Money).

Personally, Elvia is a passionate runner, she has completed 5 full Marathons and one ultra-marathon. She is currently a yoga student, even though she would like to teach in the future, she enjoys being a student of the practice.

Alberto Ortega, Senior Director, Strategic Account Management

Alberto Ortega develops and executes strategic sales plans that result in the achievement of sales, market share, account retention and market growth targets. In 2014, he helped to win $26M in new business and $39.5M in 2015. As a Senior Director of Strategic Account Management, Alberto works with clients such as Allstate, Ford Motor Company, and Harley Davidson to enhance client relationships and to retain existing business impacting revenues up to $100M. Prior to his role in business development, Alberto worked with the Sodexo Office of Diversity and Inclusion to align senior leadership with clients and influencers, support sales and operations cross functionally, and promote the corporate brand on both a local and national level.

Alberto holds a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago in addition to a Bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago. He sits on the Board of Directors of La Casa Norte and maintains active membership in: the Chicago United Leaders’ Council, The Executives’ Club of Chicago Leadership Circle, The City Club of Chicago President’s Club, and the Chicago Commons’ Emerging Leadership Council. He leverages diversity and inclusion to form strong partnership with leaders in business and community to create business-and-community impact.

Natasha Solis, Director of Sales & Business Development , Rival Systems LLC

Natasha Solis is the Director of Sales and Business Development at Rival Systems, a Fintech startup that specializes in advanced multi- asset trading and risk management software. She was hired as employee number one in 2015 and has spent considerable time creating and bringing awareness to the Rival brand. In that short time her sales team has expanded into Europe, the company now has 23 employees and Rival has made a name for itself as a major player in the derivatives options space, winning multiple international awards. Natasha has used her vast network and consultative selling approach to advise on complex software sales of ultra-low latency trading, risk management and market access solutions to proprietary trading and market making firms, hedge funds, investment banks, and FCMs worldwide.

Over the last 15 years, Natasha has forged an impressive record of success throughout her career, with prior assignments as Sales Director for technology companies, WhenTech and Orc. Previously, she was Sales Director for the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), which gained her significant and relevant knowledge of exchange operations. Natasha spent her early career in VP roles at the brokerage firm, Advantage Futures and Wall Street investment bank, Jefferies, which allowed her to build substantial relationships with legions of professional traders and institutional clients across asset classes. Solis’ knowledge from working multiple aspects of the derivatives trading industry, her experience with international trade relations and fascination with travel have helped her to expand her global client base and open up new territories for every company she has been employed.

Natasha has been a supporter of many charitable organizations. Most recently achieving runner-up in the Woman of the Year Campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). She also received the Champions for Cures Award from LLS in 2016. Natasha raised over $60,000 in a ten week period that went towards finding a cure for blood cancers. This achievement won her a research award that she donated to the memory of her two grandmothers who have both passed away from cancer.

Natasha Solis was born and raised in Chicago, attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and obtained her degree in Economics and International Business with a minor in Spanish, that she completed during a semester abroad at Universidad at Granada. She holds a Series 3 - Futures Broker license and volunteers her time at numerous organizations. She is a member of Women in Listed Derivatives, 100 Women in Hedge Funds, the Futures Industry Association- Operations Committee, the Junior League Club of Chicago and was an original Securities Traders Association of Chicago – Women’s Collective Board member.

Natasha has been featured in Market Voice Magazine, Financial Technology Forums News, Chicago Magazine and CS Modern Luxury Magazine. She is a Metropolitan Leadership Institute graduate class of 2006. Natasha has a passion for travel, has lived in multiple cities in Spain and has visited 35 countries. Most importantly, Natasha is the proud mother of two wonder children, Eivissa (8)and Croix (6).

Tanya Flores, Director of Training & Development - Sales Trainer, AcademiaTriunfadores.com

Tanya Flores was born in Chicago and is a CEO, serial digital entrepreneur, sales trainer, speaker, investor, YouTuber, and a socially-conscious leader. She is the Founder of Positive Impact Academy and the Director of Training and Sales for Academia Triunfadores, where she currently serves over 78,000 subscribers with sales advice and insight.

Tanya is the curator and co-organizer for TEDxPilsenWomen and creator of the Sell to Impact™ training program, where she helps entrepreneurs and sales professionals, to achieve greater business and life results.

Tanya is a graduate of DePaul University and has received leadership awards and recognitions from The Archdiocese of Chicago and Rotary International. She is married to a stroke survivor with aphasia, with who she raises two beautiful girls. She loves horses, obsessed with journals and life committed to helping people achieve their biggest dreams.

Time is running out to register! The 2017 Sales and Entrepreneurship Networking Forum is next Wednesday January 18. Don't miss out >> https://2017-sales-networking.eventbrite.com/?aff=WBSTE