Former Leadership Institute scholar, Memo Plazas
Memo Plazas has worked at Northwest Human Services in Salem, Oregon, for nearly fourteen years. He started in mental health outreach and case management and steadily worked up to becoming the Social Determinants of Health Coordinator.
As he prepared to step into that new role, he decided to advance his skills via the Northwest Public Health & Primary Care Leadership Institute.
“My director brought the Institute to my attention and encouraged me to attend,” Memo explained. “He could see that I’m a natural leader, but I didn’t have any formal leadership training. Attending the Institute seemed like a great way to address that gap and improve my skills.”
“I was a little nervous when we started because I was the only non-supervisor/manager in the program,” Memo noted. “Fortunately, my peers in the cohort made me feel comfortable and included. Because of the program’s emphasis on small-group work and case studies, I was able to develop some very positive relationships. Initially, I was a little unsure of myself as a ‘manager,’ so it was great to learn directly from my peers and take in how they manage and lead.”
Memo also received much encouragement from his faculty mentor, Gary Goldbaum. “Talking with Gary helped reiterate that even though I was new to having the title ‘manager,’ I already had a lot of leadership skills. I had many talents and abilities that my director saw, but I hadn’t seen in myself. Gary’s insight helped me feel more confident as I stepped into my new supervisory position.”
“One of my biggest takeaways from the program was learning to have an open mind and consider others’ perspectives. I grew significantly in my decision-making abilities, and now I’m much better at stepping back and seeing how my choices affect other people and outcomes. None of us can do everything by ourselves, and we can’t get caught working in silos.”
Memo also enjoyed the program’s emphasis and focus on health equity. “That was something we were already talking about extensively at work. The program gave me several great resources which I still use to help ensure that we’re doing our best to reach and accommodate everyone in our community.”
“This program helped me become a better and more confident leader,” Memo said. “I’d recommend it to anyone who is looking to grow as an individual and professional and advance their career. Since adding these tools and learning these skills, I’ve had a number of opportunities become available to me. I definitely think this is an outstanding opportunity for someone to expand individual skills while simultaneously networking and connecting with other leaders across the region.”
The Leadership Institute’s next cohort will begin in spring of 2025. Learn more and apply for next year’s program.
