PROFILES in Leadership 2022
Dignity Health
In her work and in the community , Yessenia Anderson is making a difference
With a passion for storytelling and people , Yessenia Anderson , content and media relations division manager for Dignity Health , is a seasoned communications professional with over a decade of experience . Four months after she was hired , the COVID-19 pandemic hit . As Anderson recalls , she initially felt so helpless , but at the same time she deeply admired the physicians , nurses and staff working on the front lines .
“ Nothing has been more rewarding than giving our healthcare professionals a voice through the stories we share ,” Anderson says . “ Their bravery ensured we were not only getting the facts and the truth out to the public during such a critical time , but that we were putting a face to these stories .”
Anderson , who immigrated to the United States from Mexico shortly after she was born , was the first in her family to attend and graduate from a four-year university . She talks candidly about how she didn ’ t always feel like she belonged and is grateful to work for an organization that values inclusion . “ When I think about my job and how we communicate , it ’ s always through that lens ,” Anderson says . “ Diversity without inclusion is
not authentic and is ineffective . I appreciate Dignity Health ’ s conscious effort to truly foster a sense of belonging for everyone .”
Anderson is currently a fellow in the Nueva Epoca program , a Latinx leadership program designed to empower the next generation of Latinx leaders and increase representation of Latinx individuals on boards and commissions . In that pursuit , Anderson was recently appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the Structural Pest Control Board .
“ I am excited about the opportunity to apply the public health knowledge I ’ ve gained at Dignity Health , as well as give voice to those with similar shared lived experiences as me ,” Anderson says .
The future is bright for Anderson as she plans to pursue her master ’ s degree at Washington State University this fall . “ I work for an organization that supports me — the whole person — and it ’ s why I am able to expand my impact ,” she says .
“ Dignity Health encourages innovative thinking and embraces new perspectives .”
— Yessenia Anderson
www . dignityhealth . org
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