Women's History Month Member Stories
Learn about inspiring professional journeys with our curated collection of stories submitted by our members for the Women's History Month. From unique perspectives on success, perseverance and innovation, uncover the wealth of knowledge and inspiration waiting to be discovered within our vibrant community.
Melissa Fors Shackelford: Leading the Charge in Inclusive Health Care Marketing
Melissa Fors Shackelford, a seasoned health care marketing executive, brings a passionate commitment to inclusive marketing. A longtime member of the SHSMD editorial and advisory board committee, Melissa is dedicated to breaking down stigmas surrounding health care conditions and advocating for accessibility and inclusivity.
Melissa actively engages with the health care community through speaking engagements, articles, and podcasts. Her advocacy for inclusive marketing has focused notably on addressing stigmatized health care conditions and advocating for individuals with disabilities.
At a recent SHSMD Connections conference, Melissa shared insights on how health care marketers can play a pivotal role in reducing stigma, emphasizing the importance of individuals to feel empowered to seek life-saving care without shame or isolation. Her expertise has also been featured on the SHSMD podcast, where she delved into strategies for combating health care-related stigmas.
She has authored articles for various publications, shedding light on the impact of inclusive marketing in health care. Her recent blogs for SHSMD have explored crucial aspects of inclusive marketing, with a specific focus on often overlooked groups, such as individuals with disabilities.
One of Melissa's blogs highlights the intersection of inclusive marketing and disabilities, emphasizing the necessity of considering the diverse needs of this demographic. In another SHSMD blog, she addresses the vital aspect of ADA compliance in health care marketing, underlining that true inclusivity transcends diverse imagery. In her words, "Inclusive marketing needs to be accessible to all, including people with mobility, hearing, vision, cognitive, self-care, or other difficulties."
Melissa notes, "By adopting accessible and inclusive best practices, health care marketers not only meet legal requirements but, more importantly, reinforce their commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible health care experience for all individuals. ADA compliance in health care marketing reflects an organization's dedication to breaking down barriers and recognizing the diversity of their patient, employee, and stakeholder audiences."
Melissa Fors Shackelford advocates for a future where inclusivity is not just a requirement but a commitment by health care marketers to improving the lives of all individuals through accessible and stigma-free health care experiences.
Blog: Inclusive Marketing - Disabilities
Blog: Why ADA Compliance Matters in Health Care Marketing
Podcast: How Health Care Marketers Can Impact Stigma with Melissa Fors Shackelford and Daniel Jason
Jhaymee Tynan, Principal, Healthcare Services, Korn Ferry
Jhaymee Tynan is a former SHSMD board member and advocate for inclusivity in the workplace. She is the author of "Inclusive Sponsorship: A Bold Vision to Advance Women of Color in the Workplace." She regularly speaks on the topic of inclusive sponsorship.
She is also the Founder of a global career initiative, 100x2030™, which aims to increase representation for women of color at the senior executive levels of health care organizations globally. She inspires executives and corporations to make commitments of sponsorship. Currently, Jhaymee has commitments to sponsor more than 600 women of color, with a goal of impacting 10K women by 2030.
In 2022, Jhaymee published her first book, "Inclusive Sponsorship: A Bold Vision to Advance Women of Color in the Workplace," through Roman and Littlefield which details the importance of sponsorship in elevating inclusion for Black and Brown women in Corporate America.
Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO, Chinese Hospital
In the heart of San Francisco, amidst the bustling streets and diverse communities, stands Chinese Hospital, a beacon of hope and healing under the leadership of Dr. Jian Zhang. During this Women's History Month, it is with great admiration and respect that we nominate Dr. Zhang for recognition by SHSMD as a true champion for equity, diversity, and inclusion in health care.
Dr. Zhang's journey is not just one of professional success, but of a deep-rooted commitment to uplifting those most in need. From her early days as a health care professional to her current role as CEO of Chinese Hospital, Dr. Zhang's mission has always been clear: to break down barriers to care and ensure that every individual, regardless of background, receives the dignity and respect they deserve.
What sets Dr. Zhang apart is not just her dedication to her patients, but her visionary leadership in promoting cultural competence and linguistic inclusivity within her institution. Chinese Hospital isn't just a place for medical treatment; it's a sanctuary where patients from all walks of life feel understood, respected, and cared for.
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, Dr. Zhang's leadership was put to the test. In the face of unprecedented challenges, she rose to the occasion, leading Chinese Hospital in providing essential services to the most vulnerable members of the community. From testing and vaccination efforts to mental health support for those affected by anti-Asian violence, Dr. Zhang's compassion and resilience shone through, inspiring hope in the darkest of times.
But Dr. Zhang's impact extends far beyond the walls of her hospital. She is a tireless advocate for health care equity, using her platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and fight against systemic injustices. Whether collaborating with local leaders or speaking out on a national stage, Dr. Zhang's unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion serves as a beacon of hope for all.
Moreover, Dr. Jian Zhang's commitment to championing women in health care is not only evident in her advocacy but also in her actions within Chinese Hospital. With 85% of her senior leadership team comprised of females, Dr. Zhang actively fosters an environment where women thrive in leadership roles. This statistic indicates her deliberate efforts to promote gender diversity and provide tangible opportunities for women to excel professionally.
Beyond mere representation, Dr. Zhang's leadership philosophy emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive workplaces where all individuals can contribute meaningfully. Her commitment to gender diversity serves as a beacon of inspiration, setting a powerful example for future generations of female leaders in health care. Through her unwavering dedication, Dr. Jian Zhang not only transforms her hospital into a model of equity and inclusion but also inspires positive change across the broader health care landscape.
As we reflect on the theme of "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion" this Women's History Month, there is no better example than Dr. Jian Zhang. Her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice inspire us all to strive for a world where every individual is treated with dignity and respect. It is our sincere hope that SHSMD recognizes her remarkable contributions and honors her as a true champion for change in health care and beyond.
Press Release: Chinese Hospital’s CEO, Dr. Jian Zhang Honored in Forbes 50 Over 50 List for Her Visionary Leadership in Promoting Health Equity
Press Release: Chinese Hospital CEO Dr. Jian Zhang Named Woman of the Year by California State Assembly