One of the most significant periods of growth during my time in the program was my practicum at IU Health Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resources Services. This experience allowed me to apply all the theoretical knowledge I had learned to an actual healthcare institution and work with a strong leader, Dayna Thompson, ARDS’ Director, who guided me throughout my practicum. She founded the program and showed me an invaluable example of strong and inspired leadership. I led the project of analyzing the results from the first pilot Brain Excellence Education training program in Bloomington to launch a second pilot with an improved curriculum at Bedford based on the conducted analysis. This experience of leading a team of mission-driven professionals proved to be a great lesson in creating an environment of effective communication, directed goal-setting, and inclusion, which will serve me well throughout my career.

I also achieved the Executive Certificate in the Business of Life Sciences (ECBLS) from the Kelley School of Business as part of the program, which enabled me to build a strong foundation for healthcare leadership by providing a holistic overview of essential topics such as the value chain, accounting, marketing, finance, and HR management.

Before joining the program, I had over ten years of experience working with non-governmental organizations and, more recently, with IU Bloomington. Halfway through the program, I shifted to a healthcare-related research institution, which was an exciting change that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. This period of growth allowed me to discover my strengths and shape my career vision.

Throughout the program, I received unwavering support from the program’s Director, April Grudi, and the program’s assistant Director, Lyndsey Swan. They were always available to provide guidance and support, for which I am deeply grateful. Guest speaker events were also a highlight, where we heard inspiring stories from successful healthcare leaders, including Brian Schokney, the President of IU Health, Mijiza Maláne Sanchez-Guzman, the Associate Dean at Stanford University, and Lesley Snyder, the Adjunct Professor and Chief of Staff at IU Health South Central Region. Witnessing the possibilities when you become an exceptional leader was genuinely motivating.

As I prepare to graduate, I feel confident and fully prepared to embark on my next chapter as a healthcare leader. The MSHM program has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare management, policy, and business and has shaped me into the leader I am today. I am grateful for the experiences, knowledge, and relationships I have gained throughout this journey.”