Reflecting on Women’s History Month and creating opportunities for career advancement at Northwell Health

This year during Women’s History Month, we connected with two team members from our Women at Northwell Business Employee Resource Group (BERG), Katherine J. Sanchez and Tameka Wallace. Read on to discover how they foster a community of support for women in the workplace at Northwell Health.

Katherine J. Sanchez, Program Manager – Administration and Health Management, Institute for Community Health & Wellness

This year’s theme of “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” deeply resonates with Katherine and her passion for remembering those who paved the way for her to create opportunities for the next generation. She reflects on this while sharing how she began her career with Northwell in 2013 as a patient transporter at North Shore University Hospital. In this role, Katherine escorted and transported patients within the facility, tracked and recorded patient movement, and also picked up and delivered materials and equipment throughout the hospital. One day, Katherine’s manager invited her to sit in on a bed management meeting and this experience sparked her passion for wanting to advance her career in healthcare administration. In 2015, Katherine transitioned to the operating room where she worked to turnover rooms and retrieved supplies for surgeries. At the same time, she volunteered to cover for an admissions secretary, growing her administrative skillset even further. In 2017, Katherine began working as a patient care associate, where she learned phlebotomy and enhanced her patient-centered skills. Two years later, she pivoted from clinical care to a corporate role as a provider enrollment representative working to create agendas, facilitating meetings and conducting research with the goal of ensuring providers were in-network with insurance payors.

In 2021, Katherine transferred to become a medical staff services coordinator, focusing on credentialing for physicians to ensure their credentials were renewed. During this time, Katherine utilized Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program to advance her education and earn her master’s in healthcare administration from Hofstra University. As part of her master’s degree program, she worked in an administrative fellowship at Northwell, where she gained hands-on experience in strategic planning, government affairs and more. Following graduation, this led Katherine to her current role as a program manager in health management where she works to drive meaningful changes within Northwell and keep our team members focused on providing patient-centered care, including preventing health problems and managing chronic conditions effectively.

Katherine has always felt supported in her career development at Northwell. In addition to taking part in Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program, she participated in mentorship programs and received continuous support from her managers, who encouraged her growth while promoting work-life balance so Katherine could both be there to raise her child and grow in her career. “My leaders embodied equity in action, ensuring I have the tools and flexibility to succeed.” She continued, “Northwell did not just give me a job. Northwell gave me a future and I will always be grateful,” shared Katherine. Katherine’s career development has also been positively impacted through the Women at Northwell BERG, especially during Women’s History Month. Since joining the BERG in 2019, Katherine built a network of colleagues, completed stretch assignments, attended events and worked on collaborative projects with BERG members to help further her career.

Tameka Wallace, MBA, MSN-RN, CPAN, CCRN-K, Associate Executive Director of Perioperative Services, Glen Cove Hospital

Tameka began her career with Northwell in 2000 as a lobby representative at North Shore University Hospital. As a lobby representative, Tameka monitored lobby amenities, functions and appearance, responded to patient/customer requests, and assisted discharged patients leaving the facility. In 2001, Tameka transitioned to the telemetry unit as a patient care associate (PCA). In this role, Tameka supported patients and medical staff by monitoring vital signs and reporting changes, while maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients. After earning her associate’s degree in nursing through Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program, Tameka started in our six-month Critical Care Fellowship where new nurses from different intensive care units are introduced to different didactics. Following the fellowship, Tameka become a registered nurse (RN) in 2006 in the neurosurgical intensive care unit. In this role, she was responsible for conducting neurological assessments, administering medications, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes, and communicating with neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-intensivists, and other healthcare team members about changes and evolving needs. She developed a strong foundation in patient care, quality and safety that led her into leadership roles that expanded her expertise.

Reflecting on Women’s History Month, Tameka is inspired by the resilience, strength, and contributions of women. She thinks about those who have paved the way for future generations and the importance of continuing to break barriers and create opportunities for women everywhere. “I feel it is important to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women while fostering an environment where women can thrive, lead, and inspire,” said Tameka. Between 2008 and 2022, Tameka has contributed to significant initiatives at Northwell, including securing SRC accreditations, improving patient outcomes, and driving operational growth. Between 2012 and 2014, Tameka continued her schooling and earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing. From 2016 and 2018, Tameka earned her master’s degree in nursing leadership. Then, from 2019 to 2021, she earned her master’s degree in business administration. In Tameka’s current role as an associate executive director of perioperative services at Glen Cove Hospital, she oversees surgical operations and patient care quality. Her focus is on optimizing efficiency, enhancing patient and staff satisfaction, and driving strategic initiatives that support growth and innovation. As a result of her well-rounded background across multiple areas and the insight she garnered through her many esteemed positions at Northwell, Tameka will be transitioning into the role of Chief Nursing Officer of Glen Cove Hospital this April.

Tameka has always felt her professional growth and development has been supported by Northwell as she took part in leadership development opportunities and mentorship programs throughout her career. Some notable initiatives that helped Tameka expand her skillset, lead with confidence and advance in her career included the Executive Leadership Development program and the CNO Academy program. In addition, being a BERG member has positively contributed to Tameka’s career journey. The BERG provided her with networking opportunities and the chance to contribute to professional development initiatives at Northwell. “I’m so thankful to be a part of the Women in Northwell BERG. Through my membership, I’ve gained insight, been inspired and have had a greater ability to mentor others on their career paths,” said Tameka. She believes this BERG highlights the achievements of women during Women’s History Month, and all year round, while fostering growth and driving meaningful conversations and initiatives that support equity, and leadership development.

Throughout March, Northwell is hosting various events, including leadership panels, networking sessions and educational programs that highlight the contributions of women to provide a platform for sharing stories, inspiring change, and celebrating the power of women in healthcare.

Learn more about Northwell’s culture and discover a career well cared for with our Truly Inclusive team.