by Joy King, 2025 TRUST President
The future of health care leadership depends on empowering the next generation of women. That’s why the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST prioritizes providing intentional, meaningful opportunities for emerging and rising leaders to connect and grow. I have been fortunate to benefit from the inspiration and encouragement of current and former TRUST leaders. The support I received since I joined the TRUST nearly 10 years ago has been inspiring, and I’m grateful for every conversation and experience I’ve had.
Our Mentorship Program exemplifies our commitment to building a strong future for leaders. This program is open to members at all stages of their careers and creates a space for authentic conversations, skill-building and long-term professional relationships. Mentees gain personalized guidance from experienced leaders who have walked similar paths. Mentors say they gain just as much inspiration and insight in return. Participants lift one another up and pave the way together. The current Mentorship cohort is underway and applications for the 2026 cohort will open later this year.
Another route for early-career professionals is the TRUST Associate Board. Applications are open now through May 23. If you are a curious leader passionate about health care, I encourage you to apply for this hands-on leadership development opportunity. The Associate Board is ideal for women seeking to learn more about nonprofit governance, event planning and the inner workings of a board. Want to get creative, try new ideas and shape the future of the TRUST? Apply today for the Associate Board!
The TRUST also empowers members of all ages and experience levels through volunteer roles within the organization. TRUST members and collaborate with inspiring women in health care to plan events, support membership engagement or drive inclusion, diversity, equity and access initiatives. Volunteering can sharpen your skills and introduce you to new connections, leading to new career possibilities.
Our members also benefit from being in the in-person or virtual room during program offerings. The TRUST event calendar is full of options for members to hear how others lead and learn how to navigate challenges. These events offer support, learning and bold leadership to boost your confidence and empower your career. Are you a non-member who wants to learn more about the TRUST before joining? Join our virtual lunch session on May 15 to ask questions and find your fit.
The Women’s Health Leadership TRUST is a dynamic network of women health care professionals seeking to nurture their growth with strategic networking, professional and personal development and education opportunities. We made the empowerment of women leaders a reality by creating supportive programs. Our vision is to create new possibilities for all women—in health care, well-being and beyond. Seasoned, rising and emerging leaders like you are our future. I hope you’ll join us as we support the next generation of leaders. When women support women, the whole industry gets stronger.
Joy King serves as the 2025 TRUST President and is the CEO of the Animal Humane Society (AHS), one of the nation’s leading animal welfare organizations. Prior to AHS, Joy spent nine years at NMDP (formerly the National Marrow Donor Program and Be the Match), where she was Chief Advancement Officer and Executive Director of the NMDP Foundation. Joy spent 16 years in leadership roles at the American Cancer Society, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President of Operations for the organization’s Midwest division. Joy has served on the board of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc.’s Emerald Foundation and Jeremiah Program. She has been recognized by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal as a 2015 Women in Business, Twin Cities Business Magazine’s Best In Class Healthcare Executives, Greenspring’s 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in Minnesota, and Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives.