We recently connected with Felisha Perez and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Felisha, thank you so much for joining us and opening up about the very personal topic of divorce. So many in the community are going through or have gone through divorce and we think hearing about how others dealt with the aftermath and managed to build a vibrant, successful life and career despite the trauma of divorce can be helpful to many who might be feeling a degree of hopelessness. So, maybe you can talk to us about how you overcame divorce?
Pursuing my dreams and goals I’ve committed to myself by doing a self-reflection of what I wanted to do toward the betterment of my life and future.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m currently a college student finishing up my Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in management, and I’m eagerly looking forward to graduating with my BBA in June. My academic journey has been both challenging and fulfilling, equipping me with a broad understanding of management principles and business strategies that will serve me well in my future endeavors. Alongside my BBA, I also hold a degree in Healthcare Management, which has deepened my passion for the healthcare industry.
After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA), which aligns with my long-term dream of opening my healthcare facility. I’m passionate about giving back to my community, particularly focusing on providing services to youth and the elderly, which I feel are often underserved. I believe that combining my business knowledge with healthcare administration will allow me to create a sustainable, impactful facility that caters to the unique needs of these populations.
What’s most exciting for me is the potential to make a real difference. Healthcare is a vital industry, and I’m driven by the opportunity to contribute as an administrator and as someone who creates solutions and resources that improve lives. As I move forward in my professional journey, I’m committed to learning, growing, and using my skills to benefit my community.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
When I think about my journey, the three traits that have made the biggest difference are flexibility, leadership, and a strategic attitude. These traits have had a big impact on how I deal with problems, make choices, and plan for the future. As I move up in my job, I understand how important these traits will remain, especially in fields that are always changing, like business and healthcare.
First, being able to shift has been very helpful in dealing with the many changes and unknowns that come with working in both business and healthcare. Whether it’s dealing with new rules, better technology, or changing market trends, being able to adapt quickly and well has helped me stay strong. I tell people who are just starting out on their trip to welcome change instead of avoiding it. You become more flexible and able to do well in a fast-paced world when you push yourself to take on new jobs or tasks all the time.
Another trait that has had a big effect on my path is leadership. I now know that being a leader is more than just handling people; it’s also about inspiring and leading them, even if you don’t have a title. Whether I’m in charge of a group project or working alone, these experiences have made it easier for me to talk to people, make choices, and help others reach their goals. I tell people who are just starting out to look for leadership jobs, whether they are at school, at work, or in their neighborhood. Learning to be a leader, even in small ways, will give you the courage and skills you need for bigger jobs in the future.
Having a planned mind-set has also helped me connect what I’m doing now to my long-term goals. This trait has taught me to think about more than just the problems I’m facing right now and how the choices I make today will affect what happens in the future. It takes work to get this way of thinking, but you can do it by looking at things from different angles and seriously considering what will happen in the long run. Anyone who wants to get better at this should spend some time learning about business methods, case studies, and current trends in the field.
Finally, being able to change, being a good leader, and having a smart mind have been very important to me on my journey. I think these traits will continue to help me as I work toward my goals in healthcare administration and beyond. For people who are just starting out, I suggest that they work on building these traits by looking for chances to learn, be challenged, and think about more than the present. No matter what job path you choose, building a strong foundation in these areas will help you deal with problems and take advantage of chances to succeed.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I am incredibly grateful for my family, and especially for the profound impact my parents have had on me. I am the youngest of 13 siblings and have a baby sister from my paternal side, my mother is a strong, virtuous woman who never gave up, even when faced with adversity. Despite the many challenges she encountered, she gave us the best life she could, and we have all grown into strong, determined individuals. Growing up in East New York, Brooklyn, in a neighborhood where a strong mind was essential, my mother’s unwavering strength and resilience became a model for how to navigate life’s obstacles.
One of the most impactful things my mother did for me was to instill the values of perseverance and family unity. She taught us the importance of staying connected and supporting each other, no matter what life threw at us. Even with 13 children, she managed to raise us in a close-knit, family-oriented environment, ensuring that we remained connected and always had each other’s backs. This sense of unity and the emphasis on family values continue to guide me today, keeping me grounded and focused on what truly matters.
My father also had a lasting impact on my life. He was a strong and hardworking man, and one of the most important lessons he taught us was that “hard work, works.” His relentless work ethic and determination were a constant source of inspiration. Even though we lost him in 2015 due to his battle with diabetes, the memories of his positivity, joy, and laughter remain a source of strength. Despite the health struggles he faced, my father was always smiling, making others laugh, and showing kindness to those around him, demonstrating that your attitude can make a big difference, no matter the challenges.
What I value most about my parents is their ability to show grace and kindness in all circumstances. My parents always made it a priority to be kind to everyone, regardless of what was happening in their lives. This has been one of the most impactful lessons for me. They showed me that kindness has the power to change the outcome of your life, no matter what trials or tribulations you face. It’s a lesson that has shaped how I interact with others and approach challenges in my own life.
In the end, my parents’ resilience, work ethic, and unwavering kindness have had a lasting influence on who I am today. Their example has taught me to stay strong, connected with my family, and always lead with kindness, knowing that it can transform any situation for the better. For all of this, I am deeply grateful.
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