Q CAN YOU SHARE SOMETHING YOUR TEAM HAS ACCOMPLISHED IN THE PAST YEAR?
bi3 is a philanthropic initiative founded by Bethesda, Inc. Last year bi3 awarded more than $30 million in grants to transform health care, directly impacting 89,000 people. We believe these efforts will improve our health outcomes long into the future.
A highlight was bi3’s partnership with public policy advocates to persuade Ohio Medicaid to extend coverage for pregnant women from 60 days to one-year postpartum to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, improving health for moms and babies. Ohio Medicaid extended coverage in April 2022 and estimates 21,000 pregnant persons per year will benefit.
Q HOW ARE YOU COLLABORATING WITH OTHER WOMEN LEADERS IN THE COMMUNITY?
I have the privilege of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with strong women who serve on the Board of Trustees who help guide our mission, vision and purpose to improve health and equity. I also serve on the Hamilton County Commission for Women and Girls, which promotes and encourages women to seek leadership positions in society, helps girls develop leadership skills and protects women and girls’ right to equal pay, safety and health.
I’ve seen the power of collaboration and the increased impact we can have when we come together to solve deep-seated community issues. I’ve also seen the power of leaning in and listening to those with lived experience. Working together in trusted relationships breeds unprecedented potential.
Q WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR ROLE?
I’m proud of the 200 babies alive today and the thousands of mothers and families with access to better healthcare thanks to the collective efforts we fueled to reduce infant mortality. I’m also proud that as an organization, bi3 is working to lift the entire nonprofit community through our leadership in trust-based philanthropy — an equitable approach to grantmaking. Trust-based philanthropy is grounded in power-sharing, transparency, mutual accountability and continuous learning. Ultimately, working this way and building trusted
relationships with our grant partners enables us to achieve better health outcomes.
Q WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR BEST MEMORIES WORKING IN YOUR PROFESSION?
When I was the Development Director at Cincinnati’s Ronald McDonald House, a donor who had lost his daughter told me, “You’re exactly the kind of young woman I wanted my daughter to grow up to be.” Another amazing moment was in my role at bi3, when I held a baby, knowing a new care model that bi3 fueled could make a difference in his health and future. Moments like this matter and inspire me to do more. To wake up every day and make a living by making a difference is truly a gift.