Stepping Into Leadership: A Glimpse into Adrienne's Influential Impact

I have experienced leadership to be a quality that evolves over time. In 2022, with only two weeks’ notice, I had the honor of meeting Vice President Kamala Harris. I was selected to deliver a speech about my perinatal and postpartum journey as a Black woman. I couldn’t help but wonder: “Whose idea was it to give the new mom with anxiety such a task?” But when the moment arrived, I climbed the podium and received a standing ovation. My speech resonated deeply with the audience, priming them for the Vice President’s plan on Black maternal health. Mothers approached me afterward, sharing how my vulnerability made them feel seen. I expected sympathy, but I learned that vulnerability can foster empathy and inspiration.

Later that year, I volunteered to become the Gallup Engagement Survey Ambassador for the Intensive Cardiac Care Unit at UCSF Medical Center. My role involved boosting staff survey participation to identify workplace strengths and challenges. Initially, I volunteered to prevent my own disengagement, but my curiosity grew into passion as I redefined the role of Engagement Ambassador. I demystified the survey’s institutional language, translating it into meaningful conversations during staff meetings. By educating my peers and creating group activities, I helped improve the unit’s well-being. Survey participation increased for two consecutive years, and the percentage of disengaged employees significantly declined. More importantly, by sharing the self-care tools from my maternity journey, I empowered other unit leaders to build stronger connections with our team.

My earliest leadership lessons stem from my childhood. As the daughter of Haitian immigrants, I watched my parents transform their hard work into success. Instead of focusing solely on themselves, they shared their wisdom and made our home a refuge for relatives immigrating to the U.S. Each relative gained citizenship, purchased homes, and raised families successfully. This principle carried into high school, where I became the youngest captain of the Marine Corps JROTC drill team. When our Senior Marine instructor relocated, I stepped up to keep the team alive. I organized out-of-state competitions, mentored younger cadets, and ensured they experienced the same opportunities that had expanded my horizons.

Communication and connection have been the foundation of my leadership experiences, traits I plan to bring to an Anesthesia DNP program. Sharing knowledge, boosting morale, and leading by example are critical in any evolving healthcare setting. In nurse anesthesia, where patient outcomes depend on teamwork and precision, these traits will help me foster trust, adaptability, and excellence among peers. The ability to inspire through vulnerability and to stay connected in fast-paced environments will allow me to thrive and contribute meaningfully to my future team.