Inspiration and Advice from CareQuest Institute Women Leaders

The work to achieve CareQuest Institute’s goals — to create a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system — takes daily dedication, coordination, and creativity from stakeholders inside and outside of the organization. Much of that work is done by a team of dynamic female leaders. In fact, of the 19 executive and senior leaders in the organization, 15 are women — a strength we highlight in the final line of this blog post. Those leaders work together behind the scenes and often on center stage to fuel CareQuest Institute’s Five Areas of Activation and our growing portfolio.

Today, on International Women’s Day, we pause and celebrate them, highlighting the paths they took to get to their positions, the advice they have for other leaders, and the organizations they look to for inspiration.

Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

• “International Women’s Day gives a platform to recognize and give voice to women who contribute so much value, whether to the home life, business, politics, or other arenas — and yet who are not visible so much of the time.” – Patricia Ma, Esq., Chief Legal Officer, Executive Vice President 
• “It's a time when I reflect on my own journey, the learnings I have had along the way, and the huge gratitude I have for the women who have helped me grow as a person and as a leader over the years. Staying true to who I am has been so important to me from the beginning, and I'm proud to have remained authentic throughout my career — the little girl I once was would be proud of the woman I have become.” – Linda Vidone, DMD, Vice President, Clinical Management, Delta Dental of Massachusetts, an affiliate of CareQuest Institute
• “Because women run the world and it deserves to be celebrated and acknowledged. And it’s important to keep the conversation for a gender-equal world front and center.” – Grandy Cody, MBA, Vice President, Chief of Staff
• “Women contribute so much and celebrating those contributions (and particularly having gratitude for the sacrifices) that have allowed women in our country and elsewhere to be viewed and valued as contributors to society, business, government, the arts, and science is essential to seeing how far we’ve come, and recognizing where challenges remain in the US and around the world. International Women’s Day is so important to recognizing progress and further galvanizing efforts toward gender equality.” – Rebekah Mathews, MPA, Vice President, Health Transformation
• “Women deserve recognition for their contributions to the world. The historic marginalization and inequities that women have overcome is worthy of visibility and action.” – Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, President and CEO

What is the most important piece of advice you have received?

• “Progress not perfection.” – Kristin LaRoche, Vice President, Public Affairs
• “Trust your gut.” – Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, President and CEO
• “Don't sweat the small stuff . . . and it’s all small stuff. It’s actually a book that tells you how to keep from letting the little things in life drive you crazy and reveals ways to calm down in the midst of your incredibly hurried, stress-filled life.” – Linda Vidone, DMD, Vice President, Clinical Management, Delta Dental of Massachusetts, an affiliate of CareQuest Institute
• “Listen before speaking. If you’re asking for opinions, be genuine about it and consider those opinions before making a decision.” – Patricia Ma, Esq., Chief Legal Officer, Executive Vice President 

What advice do you have for a young woman starting out in her profession?

• “Know that if you are in a room or at a table, you deserve to be there.” – Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, President and CEO
• “Say yes to new experiences. My biggest learnings and most memorable experiences, personal and professional, have come from pushing myself outside my comfort zone.” – Grandy Cody, MBA, Vice President, Chief of Staff
• “Be brave, don't be afraid to fail, and never underestimate the impact you can have. Listen and respect everyone around you. It’s important to always be passionate to learn more and be willing to share your learnings with others.” – Linda Vidone, DMD, Vice President, Clinical Management, Delta Dental of Massachusetts, an affiliate of CareQuest Institute
• “Try not to discount, doubt, or minimize yourself or your skills.” – Patricia Ma, Esq., Chief Legal Officer, Vice President
• “Be curious. Ask to be in the room. Ask to join a new project or take the lead on something you’re passionate about. Ask people in other roles what they do and why they like it. Being curious now will help you figure out what you are great at, what you love to do, and what you don’t. It will help you make better decisions about new opportunities well into the future.” – Kristin LaRoche, Vice President, Public Affairs

Is there a woman in your life who influenced you on your path to becoming a leader?

• “My first boss Phyllis was not only a “boss;” she was truly a mentor. As the only woman EVP in a male-dominated financial institution, she took me under her wing. She taught me the ropes of the business, how to navigate the politics, how to get my opinions and ideas heard, and never to give up.” – Denise Marks, MBA, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President
• “Many! I am fortunate to have a mother who balanced work, her family, and furthering her education beautifully. She demonstrated the importance of empathy and relationships in leading and encouraging people to reach their full potential. In my career, I have also benefitted from exposure to women leaders — both direct managers and in positions of authority — that I was able to learn from and model. These examples demonstrate for me how important a woman’s role is to shaping our future workforce.” – Rebekah Mathews, MPA, Vice President, Health Transformation
• “My first job out of college was for an organization run by women. The CEO and two-thirds of the leadership team were women. I don’t think I realized it then, but seeing those women lead the organization and the ways in which they supported me certainly influenced my career trajectory.” – Kristin LaRoche, Vice President, Public Affairs
• “My mother who encouraged me to pursue some form of profession.” – Patricia Ma, Esq., Chief Legal Officer, Executive Vice President
• “My mother, Naomi Minter, and my high school guidance counselor, Ms. Juilette Hansen — they are both incredibly strong black women who showed me what courage and strength look like.” – Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, President and CEO

Is there an organization you love that works to empower women?

• “Girls on the Run is an outstanding organization that works to inspire and motivate girls and young women across the US to find their inner strength and achieve great things.” – Grandy Cody, MBA, vice   president, chief of staff
• “Dress for Success Boston. The  mission of Dress for Success is to  empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. I joined the board of this organization about 8 years ago and am continually inspired by the amazing work the dedicated and passionate team does to support and encourage women and help them get back on their feet. By providing a range of tools, resources and professional clothing, the organization offers long lasting solutions that enable women to break the cycle of poverty. The stories of success from former clients are truly incredible.” – Denise Marks, MBA, CPA, chief financial officer
• “I love Dress for Success! it is an amazing organization!” Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, president and CEO
• “CareQuest Institute.” – Patricia Ma, Esq., chief legal officer