In 2020, Rising Healthcare Leaders at Mason (RHLM) embarked on a mission to empower aspiring healthcare leaders at Mason. Today, RHLM's commitment to this cause shines brighter than ever as the organization partnered with Inova Health Systems for the second consecutive year to host the highly anticipated "Inova Career Fair" event.
As a second-year Master of Health Administration (MHA) student, I am honored to serve as the RHLM treasurer. For me and the entire leadership team, being part of the RHLM board and actively involved in planning the Inova Career Fair has been a journey filled with invaluable leadership lessons. These experiences have significantly enhanced our capacity to make informed and impactful decisions as leaders. The skills acquired include proficiency in decision-making, time management, effective communication, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to creating a positive impact.
"Inova Career Day achieved remarkable success, a testament to meticulous planning and extensive preparation. Our strategic engagement with students, including RHLM's presence at the College of Public Health's Welcome Fair, garnered immediate interest and registrations. Collaboration with Inova was pivotal, with their invaluable support in event layout and design. This success owes much to Isela Caballero, Tracy Shevlin, and our dedicated volunteers," said Mehboba Adem, the president of RHLM.
The event provides students in the College of Public Health with networking opportunities, resume reviews, interactions with the MHA advisory board members, and insights from guest speakers representing Inova Health Systems. This comprehensive experience has contributed to the personal and professional growth of all involved.
I have had the privilege of undergoing an enlightening journey marked by several critical leadership lessons. These encompass various dimensions, including effective decision-making, strategic planning, collaboration with diverse teams, and the enhancement of communication skills. This journey has also emphasized the importance of proficiency in problem-solving, networking, adaptability, and time management. The success of the event underlines its importance as a gateway to students' career advancement.
The rest of the leadership felt similarly about the impact of the event.
“Inova Career Day was more than just an event. It served as a unique opportunity to connect with Inova's accomplished recruiters and guest speakers. Their presentations offered a wealth of insights, particularly in the context of professional growth and the importance of networking on platforms such as LinkedIn. These invaluable lessons are not only aligned with personal aspirations but also hold remarkable relevance within the ever-evolving healthcare landscape,” said RHLM Vice President Amal Abed.
Throughout our journey, teamwork has been a cornerstone skill, playing a pivotal role in fostering trust and alignment among team members, volunteers, and event participants. Problem-solving has become a crucial ability, enabling us to navigate the challenges that often accompany leadership roles. Extensive networking with healthcare professionals and organizations has broadened our horizons, deepened our relationship-building capabilities and balance multiple responsibilities.
Rustam Boura, the RHLM community liaison, underscores the importance of constant development, flexibility, and creativity in healthcare leadership. The guidance received from Inova's leaders emphasizes the significance of building connections and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. “Organizing this event has taught us lessons of immeasurable worth, this exposure is needed for emerging healthcare professionals and the leaders of tomorrow,” Boura said.
Through our roles at RHLM, we have had the opportunity to learn about different leadership styles, deepening our understanding of leadership dynamics. Our commitment and dedication to RHLM's mission have been instrumental in our leadership journey, fostering personal growth and reinforcing our commitment to creating a positive impact.
We wholeheartedly thank Dr. Brenda Sheingold and Dr. Maria Uriyo for their unwavering support and mentorship, which have been instrumental in shaping us as future leaders. Their guidance, encouragement, and high standards have left an indelible mark on our development. We are honored to have been mentored by them and are committed to upholding their exceptional standards as we strive to become accomplished leaders. Their mentorship continues to inspire us on this transformative journey.
As we reflect on our journey, one aspect becomes abundantly clear: the Inova Career Fair and our involvement in RHLM have equipped us with practical skills, interpersonal abilities, and a deeper sense of responsibility that will be invaluable in our future leadership endeavors, both within and outside the healthcare field. The journey continues, and the path to leadership unfolds with newfound clarity and purpose.