Colleagues Who Inspire

Not just a job, a path into the future 

One year ago, Kenisha Messam started a new job as a quality performance specialist in the Central Region after leaving another health system which she described as “not a good fit.” 

She liked her new role and the “psychological safety” she says HHC’s culture provided for her. But her goal was to become a nurse. The single mother had already completed a pre-nursing program but had no idea how she’d ever manage nursing school while raising three children, ages 3, 6 and 9. 

Then, her supervisor shared an email about a new partnership between HHC and Quinnipiac University that’s enabling her to continue working, go to school and complete her clinical rotations part time and graduate with a nursing degree and a job in two years. 

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HHC is your oyster

Dani Brochu, DNP, RN, CNEcl, patient care administrative nursing supervisor at Hartford Hospital, is constantly learning and taking steps to move forward in her career. She has earned her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate while working at Hartford Hospital for just over 10 years.

She urges colleagues to learn about opportunities, explore clinical ladders, use tuition reimbursement programs and get involved in conferences, leadership roles and more.

“What you put into our organization is what you get out of it,” Brochu said. "You can expand your career as far as you want to go here. Hartford HealthCare is your oyster. 

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Mentors make a difference

Bill Morin has been at Hartford HealthCare for 34 years, starting in the cafeteria and ending up in Information Technology Services.

“I had many mentors that have helped and guided me,” said Morin, now a field service analyst.

As he grew in his career, he paid it forward, coaching interns and teaching technology skills to youth in programs, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Hartford.

More recently, Morin helped to launch Digital DividENDS, a partnership with Hartford HealthCare, the Hartford non-profit Our Piece of the Pie, the Hartford Youth Service Corps and the City of Hartford, to teach computer skills to young adults. Old laptops, decommissioned from HHC are refurbished and donated to those in need, including first-generation college students and senior citizens.

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Take advantage of everything

Marge Aruajo, BSN, RN, CRRN's mother worked at Hartford Hospital so she didn't think too hard about taking a job as a patient administrative associate in the emergency department in 2002 while going to school part-time.

After graduating she decided to work in the emergency department while working toward a nursing degree. She took advantage of tuition assistance and earned her bachelor’s degree, which provided a pathway to nursing leadership. Recently, she was accepted into the master’s in operational leadership program at Quinnipiac.

“It doesn’t matter where you start, take advantage of everything HHC has to offer,” she said.

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Just say yes

As a nurse, Cheryl Ficara, RN, MS, learned the importance of teamwork to support her patients and their families. Supervisors noticed her collaborative approach and encouraged her to apply her skills to leadership. She credits ongoing guidance, coaching and mentoring, along with a willingness to try new things, for her ascent to the highest rank of hospital leadership. Ficara is now president of Hartford Hospital and a senior vice president at Hartford HealthCare. She encourages colleagues to “just say yes” to opportunities.

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Always asking "what's next"

Marleny Mangual, practice manager at the Ayer Neuroscience Institute, has held seven roles during her 15 years at Hartford Hospital. Constantly asking what is next, she has moved from being a home health aide to practice manager at the Ayer Neuroscience Institute. In addition to learning and growing in her professional roles, Mangual honed her leadership and advocacy skills through the SOMOS Colleague Resource Group, where she is now co-chair, creating a voice and opportunities for others. “You will find folks that lean into you but also need to let people know when you want to do more,” Mangual shares. “I was always moving forward. At Hartford HealthCare, where you start is not where end up, there are so many opportunities.”

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From housekeeper to director

Elisete Oliveria-Lisboa started as a housekeeper at St. Vincent's Medical Center in 1996. With support from her husband and children and mentorship from her supervisors, she used HHC's education benefits to earn an associate's and later a bachelor's degree. “I tell people I grew up at St. Vincent’s," said Oliveria-Lisboa, now director of Environmental Services, in charge of linen and housekeeping services. She said HHC saw potential in her that she might not have always seen in herself.

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