By Chris Bent, TRUST President
It’s hard to believe fall is upon us. I feel like time has moved differently during the pandemic. Sometimes days seem to last forever. Sometimes days go by in an instant. And while nearly every day has been intense, I’ve witnessed overwhelming resilience and collaboration from my colleagues and peers throughout the health care industry. We will honor this individual and collective power at the TRUST Forum on Sept. 28 and Awards Celebration on Sept. 14.
Our two programs will truly be extraordinary and filled with inspiration and empowerment for women in health care. We have much to celebrate, even as we continue to navigate COVID-19, including a resurgence straining our health systems.
We’ve risen to numerous challenges, pivoting along the way. We’ve stretched ourselves professionally and personally. We’ve all led through unprecedented times and kept a focus on improving health care across the communities we serve.
And it hasn’t been easy, though it’s always been worth it. I’m so thankful for fellow Women’s Health Leadership TRUST members and other health care leaders, like Allison O’Toole, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland and this year’s 21st Century Pinnacle Leader Award recipient, and the 20 Forum Award winners, for inspiring me this past year. I hope you’ve found inspiration in your networks as well.
One source of new inspiration for us all will be our featured Forum speaker, Meredith Leigh Moore. Meredith is an author and President of Leverette Weekes leadership coaching and communications. She has helped many individuals set clear visions for their personal and professional goals and realize it’s not about succeeding or failing—the real risk is not trying.
Meredith will be joined during the Forum by special guest Minnesota Representative Ruth Richardson, who serves as CEO at Wayside Recovery Center. Ruth will share her personal and professional experiences on building a community that works for everyone, one step at a time.
We are also fortunate to have Nneka Sederstrom, PhD, MPH, MA, FCCP, FCCM, be joined by Sanya Pirani, high school freshman and founder/CEO of Sanya’s Hope for Children, at this year’s Awards Celebration. Nneka, chief health equity officer at Hennepin Health Care, is a skilled national speaker who will lead an inspiring discussion with Sanya to demonstrate how one passionate teen made a difference.
These remarkable women will reveal thought-provoking insights as they share stories about how change can unlock individual power to take action. And how the power of one can spark the Power of Us as we work collectively to nurture professional growth and transform the health care industry.
Christine (Chris) Bent currently serves as TRUST President and is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Prime Therapeutics. Chris was named one of the Notable Heroes of Health Care for 2020 by Twin Cities Business.