Olivette Burroughs, MBA, HCM, PHIC originally from the community of Clifton in the North of Dominica has been recognized for her exemplary service in her field.
Burroughs who is the Statewide Health Workforce Manager at the Virginia Department of Health Office of Health Equity received the 2023 Champion of Nursing Award.
She says that from a young age she had a passion for nursing and attended nursing school but her experience with patient bodily fluids at her clinical site made it challenging for her to continue so she diverted to health care administration.
Burroughs says, “Throughout my career, I have consistently strived to make a positive impact in people’s lives by empowering them to achieve self-sufficiency. One of the most important ways in which I do this is by ensuring that they have access to the best possible healthcare services available”.
She added, “I believe that access to quality care is a fundamental right, and I am committed to working tirelessly to promote this objective. By doing so, I hope to contribute towards building a more equitable and just society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential”.
Burroughs says that she faced many challenges including difficulty in choosing a major, finance, as well as burn out. But she was able to find a work life balance, seek other means to finance her education while not neglecting her family and set boundaries.
“Setting boundaries has allowed me to define my limits, make better decisions, maintain balance and well-being, and avoid burnout. By recognizing that God has given us one life to live, we can make the most of it by taking care of ourselves, making smart decisions, and prioritizing what really matters.”
She advises young persons “to focus on building a solid foundation for yourself. Start by getting a good education and gaining practical experience. Travel, experience life, and learn as much as you can. Set your goals and surround yourself with positive people who will help lift you up and support your dreams. Be curious, never stop learning, and embrace change. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy life to the fullest and achieve your goals.”
She adds that challenges will come however with “personal determination, and the will to never give up, we must face them head-on and stay focused on our goals”.
When asked how she feels about the award, she says that she is proud of herself and thankful to God and her parents for the opportunities that she has received in life. She adds that she wants my children to be proud of her and to impact their community.
Olivette is a doctoral candidate in the School of Health Sciences and holds a Master’s in Business Administration with a specialization in healthcare management. She also received the 2021 National Health Resources Services Administration Federal Primary Care Office Emerging Leader Award.
She has a successful track record of managing health equity incentive programs in the nonprofit sector, healthcare, and local and state government. Her leadership has resulted in annual budgets of over $50 million, and she has improved program performance by more than 150%, reduced program defaults by 100%, and had a considerable economic impact on Virginia.
