Last week, Hennepin Healthcare took a powerful step forward to make Hennepin Healthcare a more inclusive healthcare system, driven by community.
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners' Committee unanimously approved a board slate that would bring our board representation from 27% people of color to an unprecedented 60%. Final approval—expected from the full Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, November 19—means for the first time, our board will include non-physician employees and labor members. This is a groundbreaking shift in a sector where health care system boards are 74% white and only 16% include nurse representation.
Here's what board candidates have to say about why they wanted to serve in this way.
Thomas Adams, Executive Vice President, Housing and Services CommonBond Communities
Thomas has 29 years of executive leadership experience serving as President and Chief Executive Officer at Better Futures Minnesota, Chief Executive Officer at African American Family Services, Executive Director of The Association of Minority Health Professions Schools, and more.
"I have spent decades working with social determinants of health and trying to improve access to care for the underserved. My motivation stems from a deep commitment to health and equity and a desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. By leveraging my skills and experiences, I aim to support innovative initiatives that promote health equity and foster a healthier future for everyone in our county."
G. Bryan Fleming, President and CEO, Groves Learning Organization
Bryan has leadership experience in the K-12, non-profit and public service sectors and is a champion for equity and inclusion in education, business, and in under-served communities. In addition to Groves Learning Organization, he has served in leadership positions at The BARR Center, Minneapolis Public Schools and The Blake School.
"There were at least two primary values my parents and my childhood instilled in me – they are empathy and civic engagement. My motivation to seek out this opportunity comes from a strong ethos of wanting to support and give back to the broader community. Throughout my career across an array of urban and suburban school settings, and non-profit and municipal governance environments, I have come to appreciate how the intersections of policy, practice, equity, and access can advance social impact organizations and the families they serve."
Tykia Hess, Staff Nurse, Hennepin Healthcare
Tykia is currently a Senior Nurse at Hennepin Healthcare, working on her Doctor of Nursing (DNP). She began her career at Hennepin Healthcare as a nursing assistant (CNA) 15 years ago and has held positions as a mental health worker, an LPN, and staff nurse.
"Before I became an employee, I too was a patient and had both my children at Hennepin. I gave birth to my first child (who was premature and spent the first four months of her life at Hennepin's NICU) at Hennepin. I know firsthand what it's like to be initially scared and not sure of the outcome ahead, but the healthcare team I was blessed with made all the difference in my life as well as my daughter's life. Growing up in North Minneapolis, coming from a low-income background, I know the importance of what it means to have great healthcare and feel like you have a trusted healthcare team. I have experienced it at Hennepin and it inspired me to want to be a part of making a difference in other's lives just as Hennepin made in my life."
Mauricio Montes de Oca, President and Founder, Montes de Oca Solutions Group
Mauricio Montes de Oca is the Founder and President of Montes de Oca Solutions Group, an organization committed to cultivating inclusive communities and fostering meaningful connections. With over two decades of experience, he has been a proactive advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), language access, and cross-cultural communication. Fueled by a strong passion for equity and collaboration, Mauricio actively partners with leaders and communities to create environments where every voice is respected and valued. As a dynamic speaker, advocate, and strategist, he empowers others to embrace diversity, address inequities head-on, and contribute to building a future where everyone can thrive and belong.
"My motivation to join this board stems from my deep commitment to advancing health equity and ensuring that our healthcare systems serve as inclusive spaces where all individuals, regardless of their language, background, or circumstances, can access outstanding care. As someone who has spent decades addressing barriers to healthcare through language access and community advocacy, I have witnessed firsthand the gaps in care that often go unnoticed. Joining this board represents an opportunity to bring these insights to the table and collaborate with other leaders to drive meaningful change. This role is particularly significant to me as it represents breaking barriers and expanding leadership spaces for people who historically have not had a seat at these decision-making tables."
Fatima Said, Interpreter, Hennepin Healthcare and CEO of Infinity Home Health
Fatima has over 25 years of experience in healthcare, serving as a Health Unit Coordinator, Mental Health Practitioner, Office Specialist, and Interpreter. She's been with Hennepin Healthcare for eight years and is also the CEO of her own business, providing support services to group homes and PCA programs.
"I am passionate about improving healthcare access and understanding the challenges faced by patients and providers. I'm excited to join the Board to help expand equitable access to quality healthcare. My experience in healthcare and as a business owner drives my commitment to bridging gaps in care and supporting our community."
