LABBN Director Featured on Women’s History Month Panel at California Hospital Medical Center

On March 29, 2024, LA Best Babies Network Director Sharlene Gozalians participated in a panel at California Hospital Medical Center (where LABBN is based) in honor of Women’s History Month. The hospital hosted this lunchtime discussion with its women leaders to hear about their inspiring career journeys.

The other panelists were California Hospital President Alina Moran, Director of Rehab Services Tina Lowe, Pathologist Dr. Saloomeh Vahdat, and Medical Surgical Manager Anna Dometilla. The facilitator was Nancy Gutierrez, CHMC’s Quality and Patient Safety Program Manager.

They talked about the importance of empowering women to be confident to lead. Many of the panelists shared how they were inspired to pursue their careers in male-dominated industries.

Sharlene credited her parents and grandmother for creating a positive upbringing that instilled independence and confidence in her from a young age. As the daughter of immigrant parents, Sharlene said her family reminded her of the opportunity she had to pursue any path she desired.

Sharlene also gave shoutouts to her team at LABBN for giving her the respect and trust to lead. She also mentioned the importance of building one-on-one relationships.

When discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion, the panel highlighted the significance of having a woman of color at the helm of CHMC. Alina said it is important for women to speak up and make their voices heard in all the rooms they enter.

When the group talked about their mentors, Sharlene singled out former LABBN Executive Director Dr. Margaret Lynn Yonekura, who retired in 2022. Sharlene shared the many lessons Dr. Yonekura taught her, including holding a space for thoughtful discussion and “booking that vacation and figuring it out later.”

A common thread between the women was their passion for what they do. Sharlene talked about LABBN’s home visiting network and the compassion and commitment that goes into these family support programs.

The panel closed out the conversation by sharing advice they would give to their younger selves and young women, with Sharlene reminding us that “everyone can have leadership qualities.”