Growth and Opportunity in Celebration of Filipino American History Month

Join us as we celebrate inclusivity, connection and our commitment to building a better world during Filipino American History Month. This year, with a theme of “Recognizing 125 Years of Philippine-American History,” it is a time we can reflect on the past and celebrate the future with our community.

This October, we are featuring two Northwell team members who are part of our Asian Bridges Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) and sharing their journeys and career experience as Filipino Americans. Originally attracted to Northwell for its many opportunities, focus on innovation, and supportive culture – these individuals both believe Northwell’s commitment to team member development through resources like our BERGs and continuing education has been essential to their career growth.

Christine Mejilla, senior graduate medical education (GME) / training program administrator

Christine Mejilla assists in the management of many surgical programs and oversees surgical residencies and fellowships, including the Colon and Rectal Fellowship and the Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency and Fellowship. As a first generation Filipino and a daughter of immigrant parents, Christine’s path to healthcare was most influenced by her mother, a retired registered dietitian. Her time with Northwell began in 2013 as a GME training program administrator in podiatry at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills (LIJFH). Six years later, she transitioned to North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) as a GME training program administrator for the department of surgery. At the end of 2022, she was promoted to her current role and was recently accepted into Northwell’s Mentorship Experience Program.

Over her 10 years here, Christine has witnessed the organization’s growth and achievements – believing that Northwell has been instrumental in her career growth through access to various programs, including our BERGs, tuition reimbursement toward her master’s degree in health administration and participating in the Management Accelerator and Executive Leadership program, a mentorship program designed in partnership with McKinsey and Company.

Christine highlights the importance of our BERGs in fostering diversity, education, and inclusion in the workplace. “Being a member of the Asian Bridges BERG helped provide me with opportunities to participate in the Management Accelerator and Executive Leadership program and make valuable networking connections within our organization.”

Mark Dagan, lead clinical informatics specialist.

Mark Dagan began his career as a registered nurse and transitioned to nursing informatics due to his passion for technology, data and its impact on healthcare in our communities. In his current role as a lead clinical informatics specialist, Mark now assists in evaluating remote monitoring solutions and leads inpatient-focused implementation projects to generate clinical data for organization-wide research.

As a member of the Asian Bridges BERG, Mark participates in community events, receives access to professional development programs, and networks and builds relationships with others across Northwell. “Being part of the Asian BERG has allowed me to meet and learn from other team members who share a similar cultural background and be open to expanding my network with those who have gone through similar experiences.”

At Northwell, we’re proud to showcase the rich stories and experiences of Northwell team members, like Christine and Mark, who share in our mission to advance diversity, inclusion and health equity for all.

Learn more about Northwell’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.